It’s probably a safe bet that many who grew up in the United States have, at one point or another, had a fluffernutter sandwich. The super sweet, sticky sandwiches are a really simple combination of bread, marshmallow creme and peanut butter.

They can be “dressed up” with more add-ins, such as sliced bananas, thinly sliced apples, and even jelly. Simply spread the marshmallow creme (or Fluff, as it’s more commonly known as) on one slice of bread, some peanut butter on the other, stick them together, and voila — instant childhood!
Fluffernutters are particularly popular in the northeastern United States, and have …read more

My son’s school is a peanut-free zone. It’s forced me to think beyond PB&Js and PB&Hs for his school lunches. I think he can handle going without peanut butter for lunch for five days of the week. Do I think making elementary schools peanut free is extreme? Well, I did. Like many other parents, I rolled my eyes at what I thought were over protective parents demanding everyone around their child avoid peanuts because of a silly allergy. One day those kids will have to sit in the same room with a peanut butter sandwich – now or in college. …read more

I admit I’m not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. That said, I need some help here from you mothers who have a clue about some of this school-age kid stuff. What do I do about lunchboxes and lunches? Here’s the deal, Truman is buying his lunch at school. I paid enough into the plan that he should be set for most, if not all, of the first semester. The school apparently serves a decent lunch and they got rid of the fryer, so I felt good about the food he was offered. What I didn’t bank on was other …read more

This weekend, I was feeling a bit blue. So, I did what I always do when the blues hit – I got baking. I wanted to make a variation on a peanut butter cookie, because 1) I love peanut butter cookies, and 2) I wanted to try my natural peanut butter to see if the cookies turned out differently from what I get when I use my usual Jif.
I decided to do a jumble-sort of peanut butter cookie. I added oats, coconut, dried cranberries, and white chunks to the usual cookie recipe that I use. In addition, I cut the …read more

Think Geek has this great gadget for making your own peanut butter (or other nut butters) right at home.  What does peanut butter need to have in it besides peanuts?  Maybe a little salt, if you’re like me.  Maybe nothing but peanuts if you have salt issues.  But who the heck needs added sugar, polyunsaturated fats, fillers, and preservatives?  No one.
With contaminated peanut butter in the news so much lately, who needs to take the chance?

Image: Think Geek

There’s a commonly held perception that eating organic is difficult and costly, but that’s not the case, especially if you make small changes here and there rather than a major, comprehensive dietary overhaul. New York Times health blogger Tara Parker-Pope lists these 5 foods as great places to start:

Milk (I like Horizon)
Potatoes
Peanut butter
Ketchup
Apples

Need some more guidance? Check out these resources:

Eating Fabulous
Veggie Chic

And be sure to leave your tips in the comments!
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Thanks to FitBuff.com for this great list of 10 protein-filled foods that should be part of every diet. And there are even some great choices for you vegetarians in the group.

Chicken Breast
Turkey
Tuna
Salmon
Eggs
Milk
Cottage Cheese
Almonds, Peanuts, Cashews
Peanut Butter
Yogurt

Visit the original post for more info on portion sizes.
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

I’m kind of picky when it comes to sweet stuff, but I always love a healthy treat that only feels sinful. Check out this great recipe, which I pried out of my mother’s hands a few years ago. (And funny story: the first time I made it, I forgot the sugar. Be sure to include all of the ingredients.)
My Mom’s Delicious Peanut Butter Rice Pudding
*Preheat oven to 450*

2-3 cups of cooked rice
Lively Tip: Use brown rice instead of white for some extra fiber.
3 eggs
Lively Tip: Go organic with brown eggs from free-range chickens
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
Lively Tip: Substitute …read more

Remember how good food was when you were a kid? You know, back when eating wasn’t stressful and mom made everything just the way you liked it? Well, it’s time to return to that state of eating. Here are 5 yummy snacks that will bring out the kid in you and nourish the woman you are today.

Chocolate milk (the kind you make yourself). According to a study published in the American Dietetic Association in 2002, kids who drink flavored milk (think Quik and Ovaltine) consume more calcium and fewer empty calories, with no additional sugar or …read more