LilSugar

Delilicious: Tasty Baby

babysugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00:52 PDT

Baby food sometimes gives me the heebie jeebies. Not one to venture out and test the foods myself, I was convinced by Tastybaby's packaging and website that the infant food would be desirable for adults, too. The company prides itself on blast–freezing their organic recipes at peak flavor - giving the fare farm freshness and nutritional value.

Giving it my best shot, I did a lil taste test of Life's a Peach (peach purée). After a quick zap in the microwave, I was shocked by the delicious flavors inside my mouth. Convinced I must have tried the cream of the crop, I also gave Sweetie Pie (organic sweet potato and apple purée with cinnamon) and Bangos (organic banana and mango purée with vanilla) a go.

To see what I thought of the iced entrées,

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After giving all the flavors a thumbs up from yours truly, I decided to let the real judge have a say. Though she's finished with "baby food," my daughter gobbled up the Sweetie Pie in one sitting. I was delighted to see recipes included on how to utilize them for adult pleasure. Toss a cup of Bangos in a blender with some apple juice, vanilla yogurt, ice, and banana and you've got yourself one mean Bango Smoothie.

Moms can choose from nine frozen organic treats for their wee ones. When the youngster licks the last one clean, the containers can be recycled in a blue bin or right in your own kitchen as a keeper of other items. An eco–friendly company started by two moms, Tastybaby is sold in recyclable and biodegradable wrapping and available on–line with free shipping. Order a six pack of flavors (each including three packs) for $40 with free shipping!

Staying Vegan on the Big Day: Wedding Menu Options

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:15:45 PDT

Even though wedding meals typically include bacon-wrapped scallops, filet mignon, and wedding cake smothered in buttercream frosting, you can still enjoy a delicious vegan menu if you, your partner, or your guests follow this animal-free diet. A little creative planning is all it takes, and since many venues, caterers, and bakers are being asked more about vegan options, chances are your venders will be able to accommodate your needs. When planning your own wedding, here are some tasty ideas for your vegan meal.

Cold Hors d'Oeuvres

Crispy sweet-potato pancakes topped with apple cinnamon chutney
Mini shot glasses of roasted red pepper hummus with carrot and celery sticks
Dates filled with soy cheese and wrapped in crispy portobello strips

Warm Hors d'Oeuvres

Tomato oregano risotto cakes topped with dairy-free pesto
Roasted veggie skewers with cardamom ginger dressing for dipping
Falafel balls with tzatziki sauce

Salads

Baby spinach with golden beets, candied walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette
Mixed greens with ripe pears, edamame, sunflower seeds, and an avocado ginger dressing
Cucumber, tomato, and basil salad with cubes of baked tofu and balsamic vinaigrette

See vegan options for the main course, dessert, and brunch course after the break!

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links

Rebecca M Gruber — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:23:57 PDT

We asked our favorite celeb moms what they want for Mother's Day - and there was a common theme in their answers!
Check out Bruce Willis's baby daughter Mabel in her first photo.
Have lil ones coming to your wedding? Check out these tasty wedding bites for tots.
Does your tot have a midweek birthday? Tips for making it special in the middle of the week.
Our Summer maternity essentials.
Tori Spelling shares her maternity style tips for defining your pregnant waist.
We're mourning the loss of Maurice Sendak.
Bored with your maternity wardrobe? We've uncovered seven hidden maternity stores you need to check out!
With Mother's Day tomorrow, we're loving these celebrity grandma, mom, and tot photos.
We love every detail of this teacher appreciation luncheon.

13 Foods For Freaky Friday

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:33:45 PDT

In honor of Freaky Friday (today's Friday the 13th!), I thought I'd pull together a list of 13 freaky foods. Even if you don't have triskaidekaphobia (the fear of the number 13), you may be afraid of some of the things on this list. I know there are a bunch of other freaky things out there (how about almost anything Andrew Zimmern eats on his show?), so if you think something's missing, we want to hear it.

#13: Bubble Tea
I personally love this stuff; however, I've known quite a few folks who are freaked out by the tapioca inside of the tea. Come to think of it, I know a lot of people freaked out by tapioca in general . . .
#12: Squid ink pasta
I don't have a problem with this lovely pasta dyed with squid ink, but some find eating black pasta to be just a bit too freaky.
Keep reading to see more freaky foods perfect for Friday the 13th.

Taste the Rainbow: Green

Camilla Salem — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:30:12 PDT

Crisp green produce just looks like it's good for you, doesn't it? Out of all of the colors of the rainbow, I tend to prefer green veggies the most. While there are countless fresh and tasty options, I was drawn in particular to avocados, artichokes, english peas, and lettuce. Find out what we like to do with these bright green ingredients when you keep reading.

Savvy Links: Is It OK to Use a Coupon on a First Date?

Emily Co — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:28:03 PDT

Is it OK to use a coupon on a first date? - Budgets Are Sexy
Achieve greater financial intimacy with these five tips - LearnVest
11 hotels that'll help save the Earth while you travel it - Tecca
Am I too young to want a baby? - HuffPost Women
How to save $5,000 this year - Real Simple
Ways to beat bill shock - Bankrate
Amazing true stories that end with "I quit!" - The Grindstone
Your daily work commute is slowly killing you - The Jane Dough
10 cheap, tasty wines to get you through tax season - Wise Bread
Combat clutter: tips on organizing everyday items - AllYou

Packaged Dinners That You'll Feel Good Feeding Your Family

LilSugar — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:16:25 PDT

It happens to the best of us, those weeknights when everyone's running in different directions, and cooking dinner is simply not an option. While frozen and packaged foods may have a bad rap, our friends at Dinner: A Love Story are providing us with eight nutritious and totally tasty options for a quick and easy meal that the whole family can enjoy together.

PJ's Organic Chicken Burritos These burritos are a recent discovery. They’re not cheap - I think each goes for about $7 - but you get what you pay for. Good quality ingredients, fresh flavor, and a variety to choose from. I find them at Whole Foods, but [their] website says you can find them in the freezer section at national supermarkets and natural food stores.
Black Bean Soup A quick heat on the stove top and a dollop of sour cream, and it barely feels like I’m doing anything extra. Try Latin Style from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value brand, or Amy’s Black Bean Vegetable.
Trader Joe's Thai Shrimp Gyoza Dumplings We steam these or sauté them in a little oil and serve with broccoli. I once made a recipe from the Cooking With Trader Joe’s Cookbook, which called for tossing the dumplings into chicken broth with some frozen vegetables and a dash of soy sauce. It took about 10 minutes. I’m not sure why I haven’t reprised that one.
365 Everyday Value Organic Vegetarian Chili Organic and affordable. I often open a can of this chili for lunch and top it with chopped avocado and a little sour cream.
Naked Nuggets These are the unbreaded (so gluten-free) real white meat chicken pieces from the guys behind Blue Ribbon Sushi in New York. I think the genius is that you heat them in a little olive oil on the stove top instead of in the oven. The only problem is that they can be a little hard to find - though their site lists availability at ShopRite and Food Lion, among others. My 8-year-old literally gasps when she spies them in the freezer section.
Hofmann's Hot Dogs OK, I’ve never actually tried these hot dogs from the family-owned Hofmann, but Yolanda’s franks and beans dinner over on Momfilter sounds so good that I’m determined to remedy this culinary void immediately and stock up. (Slow-cooker owners are encouraged to follow the entire recipe.)
Amy's Spinach Pizza Snacks There was a stretch when these organic pizza snacks graced the table way more often than they probably should have. For reasons I can’t remember, we called them “Fun Pies” and have had luck with other flavors, too - like Nacho and Cheese Pizza.
Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala There is a whole line of these Indian freezer dinners, and so far, I haven’t tasted one I don’t like. Most take about three minutes in the microwave and come with rice. Add some grape tomatoes or a handful of baby carrots and pat yourself on the back.

Stock Up: 5 Snacks to Pack For Holiday Shopping and Travel

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:55:01 PST

You don't have to be a Boy Scout to be prepared. Whether simply stocking a bag for a trip to the grocery store, or packing for a cross-country flight, moms know a thing or two about preparing for the unexpected. And while mama's regular stash of goodies can tame a fussy and hungry tot on a good day, when airport delays and holiday shopping crowds are on the agenda, it's a good time to step it up a notch. Check out five snack-time picks that do more than occupy lil ones during the holiday madness!

Clif Mojo Dipped Bars ($15 for 12): Chocolate-covered peanuts? Yes, please! Available in a variety of flavor combinations, Clif's Mojo line of bars combine the sweet and salty by mixing fruits, nuts, and pretzels and then dipping them in sweet vanilla or chocolate. The kids will never know it isn't a candy bar!
Happy Baby Happy Munchies ($3): Happy Baby's allergy-free sticks are perfectly sized for toddler hands. Made with whole grain corn and packed with choline (to help with brain development), the snacks keep sodium to a minimum so your tot won't be begging for drinks as you try to pass through the airport security line!
Funky Monkey Snacks ($12 for 12): All-natural, freeze-dried fruit may sound boring, but with Funky Monkey's fun flavors (like Jivealime, a pineapple and lime combo), kids will love testing them out. Best of all, their satisfying crunch will have lil ones thinking they're eating chips!
That's It bars ($20 for 12): Made from just fruit, these bars are perfect pick-me-ups during a long day. They're nut-free, GMO-free, and just plain good!
Revolution Foods Fruit Shredz ($4): Think of these as the modern-day interpretation of the Fun Fruit. Made without high fructose corn syrup and glycerin, they're healthy, tasty, and unbelievably kid-friendly!

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links!

Rebecca M Gruber — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:24:09 PST

A look back at the best celeb maternity looks of the year.
We absolutely love this new clothing line that encourages lil girls - a change from the standard fare these days.
We've got 10 fabulous gifts for the new mom in the family.
We attended Baby Buggy's 10th anniversary celebration and spoke with celeb moms and dads about what's on their holiday lists this year!
These adorable cake pops are quite a tasty treat for tots (and their mamas!).
Hanukkah gifts to last each night of the holiday.
Photo props are a fun way to add some silliness to your holiday photos.
Angry Birds anyone? A look back at the biggest tot trends of the year.
See how much you really know about stretch marks.
Weigh in on the best new stroller of the year!
Don't forget the new dad on your list! We've got great ideas to spoil him!
How many of our favorite apps for parents are on your phone?

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links

Nancy Einhart — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:28:10 PST

Talk turkey with these crafty cute Thanksgiving finds from Etsy.
Gobble up 10 tasty Thanksgiving sweet treats.
Baby can celebrate Thanksgiving too with holiday-themed purees.
Real mom gift guide: Debra Messing tells us what she really wants this holiday season.
Planning to catch the new Muppets movie next weekend? First shop these Muppet-inspired styles for kids!
Gwen Stefani talks about her kids' style choices and her fashion line.
Go over the moon for this Goodnight Moon-themed baby shower.
A perfect pumpkin pie for tots with allergies.
Too cool for school: a gift guide for baby hipsters.
Victoria Beckham wasn't lying when she said she'd dress Harper in traditional (and adorable) clothes.