Recipes — Freeze Dried Blueberries

5 Yummy Back-to-School Recipes to Brighten Up Your Kiddo's Lunch Box

So, September is right around the corner, and you know what that means. It's almost time to send your kiddo(s) back to school. But, brand new gear excitement aside, back-to-school season is also a time for hectic mornings with zero time to prep something decent for his/her lunch box. If you want to avoid such scenarios, stepping up your meal prep game is your only choice, and these five easy back-to-school recipes are just the thing to get you started.
PS: The healthy ingredients in there are just a bonus.

1. Cheese Broccoli Egg Cups

By now, most moms know that cheese is a surefire way to transform just about any veggie based snack into a kid approved meal, and these lunch box friendly egg cups are no exception. Laced with broccoli and Cheddar cheese, these bites will secretly sneak a bunch of much needed nutrients into your munchkin's body while sparing you the lunchtime tantrums.
Ingredients:
½ cup dehydrated broccoli
¼ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
2 small eggs, beaten
¼ cup milk
1 clove garlic, minced
A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the dehydrated broccoli along with one cup of warm water.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350^o
3. Once the broccoli is hydrated, remove it from the bowl, squeeze away any excess water, and add to a separate bowl along with the other ingredients and whisk together until they are evenly combined.
4. Line a muffin tin with cupcake cases, and pour 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture in each case.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the egg cups are cooked through.

2. Greek Style Pasta Salad

Another genius way to trick your little one into eating his/her veggies is to add pasta to the mix. From tomatoes to cucumber to green olives, this kid friendly take on the classic side salad will have them asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
8 ounces of bow-tie pasta, cooked
½ cucumber, peeled and diced
4 tbsp dehydrated tomato flakes
5 green olives, pitted and cut in half
3 tbsp Feta cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano
A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the tomato flakes along with 1/3 cup of warm water and set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Once the tomato flakes are hydrated, squeeze away the excess water, and transfer to a salad bowl.
3. Toss the rest of the ingredients and mix well until they are evenly combined.
4. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and serve chilled.

3. Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies

Even though store bought cookies don't have a reputation for being healthy, this homemade version begs to differ. Containing a variety of nutrient rich ingredients, such as oats, fruits, and cinnamon, these chewy cookies will be your kiddo's new favorite back-to-school snack.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup oats
½ cup freeze dried blueberries
¼ cup freeze dried banana slices
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp coconut oil
½ tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup maple syrup
¼ tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. In a bowl add the freeze dried blueberries and banana slices along with 1 ½ cup of warm water and set aside.
2. Once they are hydrated, remove them from the water, and mash the banana slices.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5. In a separate bowl, add the banana puree, coconut oil, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and combine well.
6. Then, stir in the flour mixture and the blueberries until you form dough.
7. Using your impeccably clean, bare hands, form balls with the dough and arrange them on the baking sheet.
8. Flatten them with the heel of your hand to the desired thickness and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are cooked through.

4. Bean Dip and Chips

Who said your kid's lunch box is only worthy of BLT sandwiches? This slightly fancy but super easy bean dip recipe proves once again that back-to-school recipes can be all types of yummy with minimal effort.
Pro tip: Pair this delicious dip with gluten free tortilla chips for a healthy midday treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup dehydrated refried bean mix
½ cup passata
½ cup sour cream
¼ tsp chili powder
½ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1/8 tsp cumin
Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a slow cooker along with 2 cups of water and cook for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Salt and Vinegar Zucchini Balls

From loading the human body with vitamin C to providing you with a hefty dose of fiber and protein, zucchini is one of those foods that screams “healthy.” Unfortunately, given its mild taste, the nutrient-rich veggie often goes unnoticed. Bring zucchini back into the spotlight with this zesty lunch box recipe that'll convert your little one into a lifelong fan from that very first bite.
Ingredients:
1 cup dehydrated zucchini
2 small eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp salt
Instructions:

1. Add the dehydrated zucchini to a bowl along with 1 cup of warm water and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350^o
3. Once hydrated, transfer the zucchini to another bowl and stir in the rest of the ingredients. Mix until you form a batter. If it's too moist, add more breadcrumbs.
4. Using your hands, form several golf-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini balls turn golden.
6. Serve with yogurt based dips.

What's your go-to lunch box recipe for your little munchkin? Share your ideas and suggestions in the comments down below!

 

5 Must-Try Dehydrated & Freeze Dried Food Snack Recipes You'll Drool Over

We've all been there: It's around mid-afternoon, and what was once a tummy rumble has evolved into full-blown hunger. At this point, you are unable to control yourself. So, you instinctively reach for anything that can tame this feeling, whether it's a calorie-packed candy bar or a sugar-laden latte. Unfortunately, going down that road is as unhealthy as it sounds.
If you are looking for a quick but nutritious alternative, dehydrated and freeze dried foods are a great place to start. These bite-sized versions of our favorite veggies and fruits contain the same amount of nutrients as the real deal, and are equally tasty and require very little prep time, which makes them the perfect candidate for when you are going down with the afternoon munchies. So, what's not to like?
So, if you are ready to shake up your old eating habits and make some healthy adjustments, these delicious freeze dried food snack recipes are worth a spot in your recipe book. Let the snacking begin!

1. Dark Chocolate Bark with Berries

Not that dark chocolate doesn't taste great as is, but a few crunchy (nutrient-dense) additions sure wouldn't hurt. This sweet treat is great for anyone with a sweet tooth that still wants to sneak some antioxidants and fiber into their body. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes to make. So, what are you waiting for?
Ingredients:
10 ounces dark chocolate
1 1/4 cups freeze dried Berry De-lite Blend
2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Directions:

1. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. (Tip: Opt for the low heat setting to prevent it from burning and sticking to the bottom of your pot. Patience is key during this step.)
3. Once the chocolate is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the freeze dried berry de-lite blend. Optionally, you can add the honey during this step.
4. Then, pour it onto the pan and spread it into an even layer. At this point, you decide how thick your bark is going to be.
5. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of freeze dried berries and place it into the freezer for 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.

2. Tropical Trail Mix

Touché: Trail mix and a healthy diet don't always see eye to eye. But, what happens if you replace the usual suspects (see: M&Ms, milk chocolate drops, and pretzels) with some healthier-for-you options like freeze dried fruit? You get full access to a delicious, low-cal snack, that's what happens! So, next time you whip up a batch of homemade trail mix, skip the sugary fixins, and opt for a handful of freeze dried apples, apricots, bananas, mangos, or anything your heart desires.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole almonds, preferably roasted
1 cup cashews
½ cup pepitas
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup freeze dried Tropical De-lite Blend
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix until they are evenly combined.
2. Store leftovers in air-tight containers.

3. Homemade Crackers with Garlic & Rosemary

Contrary to popular belief, crackers are super easy to make at home. That being said, it's unnecessary to spend a bunch of money on the store-bought versions which -let's not forget- are also packed with sodium and hard-to-pronounce preservatives. So, if you want to snack smart and watch out for your health, this recipe is a definite keeper.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup olive oil
2 tsp baking powder
1-2 tbsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1-2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
1 tsp pepper
Poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary).
3. Then, add the water and olive oil and mix well. If the dough is still a bit dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water.
4. Flour a surface and transfer the dough.
5. Using a rolling pin, thin it out as much as possible and cut it into round or square shapes.
6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Place the soon-to-be crackers onto the tray and make small holes on them using a fork.
8. Optionally, sprinkle with poppy seeds.
9. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden.

4. Blueberry Energy Balls

Sure, granola bars seem like the best option to beat a midday slump, but did you know that this “healthy” snack is actually drenched in sugar? To avoid negating an hour's worth of treadmill action, energy bites do exactly what their name suggests; they refill your empty energy tank and keep you going until lunchtime rolls around. Isn't that what snacks are supposed to do, anyway?
Ingredients:
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
4 tbsp chia seeds
4 tbsp nut butter (peanut & almond work the best)
4 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil
1/3 cup freeze dried blueberries, halved
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the nut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil and blend until they are well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, coconut, and blueberries).
3. Pour the nut butter mixture into the second bowl and mix well.
4. Cover with a dry towel and set it aside for 30 minutes minimum.
5. Using a tablespoon, form small balls of the mixture and place them in a container.
6. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

5. Banana Strawberry S'mores

From their sweet flavor to their gooey texture, s'mores know what it takes to become a front-runner snack. However, sun-soaked days and a campfire are not the only excuses to indulge in this classic graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate combo. If you are ready to treat your taste buds to a new (healthier) s'mores version, this delicious freeze dried food snack recipe is a dream come true.
Ingredients:
6 Graham crackers, cut in half
6 ounces dark chocolate, cut into six large chunks
12 marshmallows
¼ cup freeze dried strawberries – sliced or whole
¼ cup freeze dried banana slices
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. Crack each Graham's cracker in half and use one as the top layer and one at the bottom.
3. Arrange them on a large plate and coat them with the freeze dried banana slices and strawberries.
4. Then, top with the chocolate chunks.
5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the marshmallows on top of it.
6. Roast them for 3-5 minutes or until they turn brownish. Remember to rotate them so that they don't burn.
7. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and place them on top of the chocolate.
8. Lastly, add the second cracker on top and serve.

So, which one of these recipes you can't wait to try? Do you have any dehydrated or freeze dried food snack recipes that you'd like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section down below!

 

4 Easy Meal Ideas That You Can Cook With Your Children in 2018

After a week long absence from home due to work, you need to spend quality time with your children. There’s no better way to spend time and teach them valuable skills like cooking with them. Here are a few meal ideas that you can cook with your children over the weekend.

Salad in a jar¹

Most parents complain that it is a hustle to get kids to eat salads. I bet you do agree with me. They may take a bite here and there, but a whole plate, never. You can make them eat by presenting it in a fun and exciting way. Allow them to be in control of the ingredients. Be sure that they'll be happy to indulge without your usual push.
You will need

• Four different vegetables - Allow them to select what to put in the jar. The rule is that they should select not less than four. Try mixing up colors, for example, with our dehydrated/rehydrated carrots, cucumbers, peas, corn, and lettuce.
• A fruit to sweeten up the salad, like our freeze dried strawberries, apples, mangoes, or blueberries
• A mason jar

Method

• Show your children to cut up the veggies using a butter knife or scissors which are perfect for little hands. If you go with our veggies, all you have to do is rehydrate to keep it safe for your children.
• Let them layer the chopped veggies on a large platter.
• Ask them to take a little at a time as they layer the veggies on the jar, starting from the heaviest to the lightest. They should finish up with greens, in this case, lettuce. A nice arrangement would be to put carrot at the bottom, then peas, corn, avocado, strawberries and lettuce on top.
• Refrigerate for eating later. Or if they want to eat immediately, they should shake the jar, and then pour into the plate.

Watermelon and berry cookie-shaped fruit salad²

 You will need

• Watermelon/ Rehydrated Freeze Dried Pineapple Chunks
• Berries/ you can use any of our freeze dried blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Cookie cutter

Method

• Peel the watermelon and cut into flat pieces.
• Let the kids cut the watermelon into various shapes using cookie cutters
• Mix the blueberries, raspberries, or even Papayas with the melon. Serve immediately.

Banana, peanut butter spread with chocolate chips³

You will need

• 2 whole wheat tortilla, about 8 inches each
• 1 banana, thinly sliced/ you can also use our freeze dried banana slices
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoon chocolate chips

 Method

1. Let each kid spread peanut butter on their tortilla.
2. Ask them to arrange the banana slices on half the tortilla.
3. Let them sprinkle chocolate chips over the banana.
4. Fold the tortilla so that the halves meet. Cook it in a skillet over low heat until it turns golden brown on both sides as crispy enough according to your preference.
5. Let them cut up a tortilla into three using a pizza cutter from the folded edge to the center. This avoids the filling from squeezing out.

Taco pizza⁴

You will need

• 2kg/ 4.4 lbs ground beef
• Mixed spices for seasoning
• 10-ounce refrigerated pizza dough
• 16 oz Refried beans / our easily rehydratable refried beans are incredibly delicious, without all the extra additives and preservatives
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes/ use our rehydrated dried tomato flakes.
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• 4 chopped onions / use our rehydrated chopped onions to reduce tears.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Fry the ground beef over medium heat until brown. Drain the grease. Then, add the seasonings.
3. Remove the pizza dough and let it stay at room temperature for five minutes before using. Place the pizza dough on unbuttered cookie sheets, pressing it at the bottom and all sides of the cookie sheet.
4. Bake the pizza dough for 10 minutes until it's lightly golden. Then remove it.
5. Heat the beans in the microwave for a minute. Spread the beans over the pizza crust while it’s still warm. Then, cover with the ground beef. Sprinkle cheese. Add the olives, onion and tomatoes.
6. Bake for another 7 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately
7. The kids will enjoy chopping and spreading the ingredients and slicing the pizza.

Are you looking for ways to bond with your children? Cooking with them is a fantastic way to spend time with them and share a home cooked meal.
Please share other meal ideas that you have tried before in the comments!

 








References

1. https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/COOKING-WITH-KIDS--SALAD-IN-A-JAR
2. https://witandwhistle.com/2011/07/05/cookie-cutter-fruit-salad/
3. https://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/05/peanut-butter-banana-quesadillas/
4. https://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/taco-pizza/