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Getting Kids Ready for Back to School: Tips for a Smooth Transition

As summer winds down, the excitement and anticipation of a new school year begin to build. Preparing your kids for back to school can be a fun and rewarding experience with a bit of planning and organization. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth transition: 1. Establish a Routine Start adjusting your child’s sleep schedule a week or two before school begins. Gradually move bedtime earlier and wake them up closer to the time they’ll need to get up for school. This helps their bodies adjust and makes the first week back less of a shock. 2. Organize School Supplies Make a list of necessary school supplies and involve your child in the shopping process. Letting them choose their notebooks, pens, and backpacks can make them more excited about the new school year. Don’t forget to label everything with their name! 3. Create a Study Space Set up a dedicated, clutter-free area for homework and studying. Ensure it’s well-lit and stocked with all the supplies they might need. Having a speci

Crudité Vegetable Wreath with Ranch Dip

 


Ingredients

Crudité

  • 8 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, strings removed
  • ½ bunch curly kale, washed
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 9 cherry tomatoes

Dip

  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 4 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

Directions

To prepare crudité:

  1. Put a large pot of water on to boil. Set a large bowl of ice water by the stove.
  2. Blanch broccoli for 1 to 2 minutes in the boiling water. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to the ice bath to chill. Drain well.
  3. Blanch Brussels sprouts, green beans and snap peas in the same way.

To prepare dip:

  1. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, shallot, dill, vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  2. Transfer to a serving bowl; set it in the center of a large circular platter or decorative serving board.
  3. Arrange kale around the bowl, with the frilly edges on the outside.
  4. Top with the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, snap peas and cauliflower.
  5. Garnish with cherry tomatoes.

This recipe is a stunner with white cauliflower, red tomatoes and green broccoli, green beans, snap peas, kale and Brussels sprouts. It’s also a delicious way to start your celebration with veggies (which there are rarely enough of at parties and holidays). The homemade ranch dip, which uses nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, takes just a few minutes to make, or you can use a healthy store-bought dip. 

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