Deceptively Delicious Banana Bread

Here’s an easy recipe for a treat that you and your kids will enjoy.  You can sneak some extra goodness into the bread by adding 1/2 cup of cauliflower puree.  Or..if you don’t have cauliflower,  just add an extra banana and you’re good to go!

Prep time:  10 minutes

Total time:  70 minutes

Makes a 9×5 loaf (or two mini loaves)

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray

3/4 cup whole-wheat flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon backing powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1/2 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar

1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

2 large egg whites

1-1/2 cups mashed bananas

1/2 cup cauliflower puree*

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F  Coat a 9×5 loaf pan, or 2 mini pans, with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl or zipper-lock bag, mix the flours with the baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, if using.  Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the sugar and oil with a wooden spoon until well combined.  Mix in the the egg whites, banana and cauliflower purees, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and mix just until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the loaf pan.  Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clear, 55 to 60 minutes for the large loa, 25 to 30 minutes for the mini loaves.  Let cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then turn the bread out of the pan to cool before serving.

*Making the puree:

1. Wash cauliflower well. (Fresh is best, but in a pinch you can use frozen too.)
2. Cook the cauliflower (steam it or used roasted cauliflower)
3. Add  steamed or roasted cauliflower to a food processor or blender.
4. Process until smooth and creamy.
5. Allow the puree to cool before adding it to the recipe.

Recipe from Deceptively Delicious – Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food.  By Jessica Seinfeld.  ISBN: 978-0-06-125134-4

Click on the image to get it at Amazon.com

Photo credit:  nikon3100 on Flickr.com

Confession: Sometimes I’m Too Much Like My Boys

I guess it’s time to ‘fess up:  sometimes I’m too much like my boys.

When it’s dinner time and the wife and I have called them to the table three, maybe four times and they are still in front of the Wii.  That’s frustrating.  When it’s time for bed and my wife and I have yelled downstairs several times, “C’mon boys, it’s time to brush your teeth and go to bed”, and still no response.  That’s down-right maddening.  I’d like to put all the blame on the television, the computer and the video games.  But…that would be unfair, wouldn’t it?

What is with those gadgets that suck us in and won’t let go?  It’s almost like a magnetic force field  — we simply can’t get away.  The digital hardware and software have no mercy for us.  It gets us in trouble so many times.  I’m not a big tv-watcher and video games are not my favorite past time either; however, the computer and the interwebs is a whole other story.  I’m drawn to the web like a moth to the flame.  I can surf until the cows come home.  Looking for new ways to improve my blog, a new method of creating a video, or just perusing the content of other blogs.  It’s crazy.  Sometimes I get to the point where I look at the screen and have NO IDEA how I got there.  There’s no way in hell I could trace my steps.

My poor wife.  She just doesn’t understand.  Guys are complex.  We are wired differently that she and her sisters and gal-pals.  It’s not our fault.   I tell her,  “We’re guys.  And guys are like that.”  She rolls her eyes and shakes her head in disbelief.

I admit:   I need to be a bit more in touch with my attention span shortcoming.  And the next time I yell at my boys, it’ll be like yelling at myself.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go check my e-mail, my Twitter account and my RSS reader.

Photo:  Computer screens by Dan Strange on Flickr.

Walmart’s “Simple Steps” Campaign Offers Good Advice

Assuming you live in the States, did you get the same 12-page advertisement from Walmart that I did over the weekend?  It was in our newspaper on Saturday.  While I have mixed feelings about the Arkansas-based mega-store, I found some really good stuff in their ad.  So, I thought I’d share it with you:

1. Eat fresh fruit every day.
2. Choose yogurt instead of ice cream
3. Have a healthier fast food meal (choose Healthy Choice or similar microwave meal over a trip to McDonald’s or Taco Bell, etc.)
4. Eat more veggies.
5. Start your day with a healthy breakfast.
6. Begin your grocery list with fruits and vegetables.
7. Enjoy convenient options without sacrificing nutrition and flavor.
8. Start moving – the more you move, the better you’ll feel.

Two good resources for nutrition and daily requirements:

My Pyramid

Fruits and Veggies Matter

What are you doing to make sure you and your kids eat the right things?  And get some much-needed exercise?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us.

Photo:  © iQoncept – Fotolia.com

P.S.  I am not affiliated with Walmart.  Just passing along some good information to you. 

Valentine’s Day Giveaway

UPDATE:  Giveaway has been extended through midnight tonight (02.15.10).  I know all of you were busy with Valentine’s activities and may not have been online yesterday.  So…get busy and sign up for the free stuff.

I couldn’t wait until the first Freebie Friday to give something away.  Hey:  I’m a giving sort of person.  Hope you don’t mind. 

Since Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, it just made sense to give away the Disney Family Fun magazine (February, 2010 issue).  With stories like “15 Sweet Valentines You Can Make in a Snap”, “Great Group Activities for Scouts, Parties & Playdates”;  “Three Amazing At-home Art Projects”; and  “How to Create a Kid-Friendly Kitchen”, this issue will be a keeper!  In addition to the magazine, the lucky winner will also receive an 8 fl. oz bottle of Personal Care brand hand sanitizer and a .5 fl. oz. pocket/purse size bottle too.  (We go through lots of this stuff, and I’m sure you do too.)

Here’s the fine print:

1. Entries are limited to residents of the United States.
2. I need you to leave a comment on this post.  Let me know what you think of the site and/or what subjects you want to see covered here on TNP.  Make sure you include your e-mail address (so I can contact you if you’re the winner).
3. And…you need to subscribe to the Top Notch Parents newsletter.  You can do that over in the right-hand sidebar.  Over there ——->

That’s it.  No strings attached really.  Just leave a comment and sign up.  Easy peasy.

The contest is open through midnight (EST)  tomorrow (Valentine’s Day).   I will draw the lucky winner sometime on Monday and will post the winner online soon after that.

Have fun.  Best of luck.  And Happy Valentine’s Day from Top Notch Parents.

Freebie Friday – Check it Out!

Once a month, I’ll be hosting a giveaway.  I’m calling it “Freebie Friday”.  I promise to give you as much notice as possible as far as what Friday will be the special day.  Might be the first Friday, might be in the middle of the month  You’ll just have to pop in and see.  In order to be in the drawing,  you need to sign up for the Top Notch Parents newsletter (over in the right-hand column) and you need to post a comment (on the Freebie Friday post) letting me know what you think of the blog.  Easy, huh?

So, now you’re asking, “What are you going to give away?”  Good question.  Answer:  it depends.  It might be a book, a magazine subscription or merchandise.  Whatever I’m in the mood for!    But no matter, it will be FREE.

You can get an early start on becoming eligible for the giveaways by signing up for the Newsletter now.  It only takes a minute.

Thanks.  And Happy Friday!

P.S.. You can practice your comment submission by leaving a comment on this post.  Let me know what you think of the blog.  I know it’s fairly new, but I’d really like to get your feedback.  Thanks.

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Saving Money and Getting Organized: Two Good Things

mediaeater by jm3 on Flickr

If you’re looking to get a bit more organized (and who isn’t?) then you’ll want to check out the President’s Day Sale going on at the Get Organized Store.  Here’s the link:

Shop Presidents Day Sale!

Be sure to use Promo Code “AFFPRS20″ at checkout time!

They have tons of great ideas that will help you clean up your chaos and make amends with your mess.  It’s amazing how much weight can be lifted off our shoulders when everything is in its place.  Whew!

And hey, if you’re looking for a solution on organizing all those e-mail messages and tasks you have to do, I recommend this website.  I’ve read his books and he offers some excellent tips on getting a grip on all you have to do.  Especially helpful for those of you using Microsoft Outlook.

Best of luck!

P.S.  Post a comment if you have tips or tricks on getting organized at home (or at the office).  Or..share your thoughts on the Discussion Forum.

Photo:  “Mediaeater” by jm3 on Flickr through the Creative Commons License.

P.S.  Martha Stewart has some great organizing tips.  You can find them here.

Top Notch Parents Discussion Forum Now Open

The TNP Discussion Forum is now open for your participation!

Clicking on the Forum tab will cause a new browser window to open.  You’ll automatically be taken to the discussion forum part of the site.   Simply register and begin posting your questions and comments.  It’s just that easy!

Click on over to the Forum and join the online community of parents.  The discussion forum was created to be a resource for parents to ask questions, post information on valuable resources they’ve come across (books, websites, magazine articles, etc.) and to share in the learning process.  Remember:  parenting is a job that requires constant learning and re-learning.  When parents (and grandparents, and the web community in general) come together, there is great opportunity for ‘aha’ moments.  And who couldn’t use a few more of those?

If you have questions or run into trouble, feel free to e-mail me.  I’ll be more than happy to help.

Okay now, go!

10 Tips on Aceing Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences are a great way to get feedback from your child’s teacher(s).  With a bit of preparation, you can make your meeting time a positive one.  Here’s how:

1.  If you have concerns, don’t wait until Parent-Teacher conference time to express them.  Call the teacher or e-mail him/her with your questions or concerns promptly.  Don’t hold all your issues inside and then ‘dump’ on the teacher during your time slot.  That’s unfair.  Again:  if you have issues with the teacher, they should be dealt with WAY before you schedule your conference time.  A phone call, e-mail or private meeting with the teacher is a better way to handle tough situations.

2.  Bring a pad of paper and pen or pencil.  Take good notes.  When your son or daughter is in middle or high school he/she will have several teachers.  Unless you’re a super-human, you’ll never remember what was said once you leave the school.

3.  Ask good questions:

• What do you think is holding Marcus back from getting better grades?
• Have you noticed a change in Susie’s behavior or attitude since the beginning of the school year?
• How does Devon compare to the rest of the class?  You’re goal is not to compare one child to another; however…you have a right to know if your son or daughter is at the low-end or high-end of the class.   How does this placement compare to last year?
• Does Shawna seem focused when she’s in your class?
• Can Bobby re-do any assignments and get a better score?
• Is there a chance for any extra credit to help bring up Jared’s grade?
• Do you offer one-on-one help before or after school?

4.  Time is precious…use it wisely.  Be prepared.  Many schools offer online access to their child’s classroom grades, attendance records, etc.  Take advantage of this resource and check the site at least weekly to keep tabs on your son or daughter’s progress.

5.  Be on time.  And don’t be a time-hog.  Lots of parents need to make it through the conference process…and some have to be at other conferences at other schools.  Be respectful.

6.  Be positive and courteous.  Teaching is a tough job.  Thank your child’s teacher for what he/she does.

7.  If you bring your son or daughter to the conference, please don’t start a verbal lashing in the hallway.  My wife and I recently experienced such a thing.  It was ugly.  I was ashamed of the parent and felt sorry for the daughter.  Those kind of conversations should be held at home; not in front of fellow students and parents.  No child deserves to be degraded in such a way.  Period.

8.  Security and safety are important.  Pay attention to the physical appearance of the school.  Make notes on things you feel are trouble areas or unsafe for your child.  Mention them during the conference if appropriate, or follow-up with an e-mail to the teacher or school principal.

9.  A day or two after the conference, go the extra mile and send a follow-up email to each teacher you met with.  Include the following points:

• Thank them for their time and remind them that you are engaged in your child’s learning experience and will appreciate their feedback.
• Ask them to call or e-mail you if they see a change in your student’s behavior.
• Tell them you want to deal with issues before they become serious.

10.  Don’t blow them off.  Make every effort to tweak your schedule so you can attend the conference.  They are usually only twice a year.  Do everything possible to be there!

Do you have a tip or trick on making parent-teacher conferences successful?  Please — leave a comment on this post or start a discussion in the TNP Forum!

Photo:  © pressmaster – Fotolia.com

Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Whole Family

© juanjo tugores - Fotolia.com

Valentine’s Day is just ten days away.  Are you ready?  Have you purchased a really great card for your wife/husband/partner?  What about one for the kid(s)?  Don’t panic.  You still have some time;  however, I’d suggest you get moving, as greeting cards get picked over very quickly.  Left in the lurch is not a good place to be.  Especially for this lovey-dovey holiday.

In addition to the perfect greeting card, think outside the ubiquitous box of chocolates this year and get something they’ll really enjoy.

Gift Ideas for Moms

If mom really loves chocolate, then go ahead and get a nice selection of her favorites.  Other ideas include a gift certificate to a day spa.  If that’s not do-able, then pamper her with a gift basket of goodies for a ’stay-at-home-spa’ experience.  Visit her favorite shop at the mall (or go online) to get things like shower scrub, avocado face masks and other good-smelling lotions and potions.  Bubble & Bee Organic is a great online place to shop.

If you’re really in the spending mood, you might follow the mantra that diamonds are a girl’s best friend.  Make the trek to your local jewelry store (or search the web) and see what they have.  Valentine’s Day is a huge event for them and you might find a real jewel of a bargain.

Is mom a bookworm?  A gift certificate to Borders or Barnes and Noble might be an option.  High-tech moms might enjoy the MP3 version.  Audible.com has a great selection of books that she can load into her favorite player.

What about dinner and a movie?  A bit old fashioned, perhaps; however, today’s hectic lifestyle makes this a nice way to spend some mom-and-dad time away from the kids.

Gift Ideas for Dads

For the high-tech dad, you can find tons of great ideas on Newegg.com.  It’s one of my favorite online shops.  They have great bargains and offer free shipping on many items.

An iTunes gift card is a no-brainer for dads who seem to have earbuds in their head most of the time.  Tuck it in his Valentines’ card or wrap it up in a big box to freak him out.  Put an old pair of shoes in the box to give it some weight and really mess with his mind!

Some dads are clean-car fanatics.  Perhaps a book of car wash coupons would be good.  Or a gift certificate to have his car or truck detailed.

Gift Ideas for the Kids

Candy may not be the best gift for kids.  If you want to get them an edible treat, you might think more along the lines of a bag of Goldfish crackers (my kids loved them) or a bag of snack mix from the grocery store.  Looking for a really healthy snack?  Visit your local health food store and ask for their recommendations.

Visit Etsy.com and you will find tons of handmade items for your kids.  There are really cute onesies for the little tikes, toys made from beautiful hardwood, and all sorts of other kid-friendly stuff.  Be sure to check it out – -but hurry, time’s running out!

The Disney Store (online only) is offering two special deals right now.  If you buy a plush toy, you’ll get one free.  The other offer is a  free phone call from a Disney character when you purchase $49 or more from their site.  You’ll need to add the option to your shopping cart and Disney will email you the details on how to set up the call.  What little guy or gal wouldn’t get a kick out a phone call from his/her favorite Disney character?.  Here’s the link.

Older kids might like an MP3 gift card or a gift card from their favorite big box store (like Target or Best Buy).  My boys love books, so lunch at our favorite pizza joint followed up with a trip to Barnes and Noble would be something they’d really enjoy.  Another idea?  How about a date night with your son or daughter?  They choose the restaurant and movie (or putt-putt golf, or a trip to the museum, or mall) and you get to spend some quality time with them.

Wishing you the best of luck in finding the perfect gift to make this Valentine’s Day a special one!