What French Kids Eat For School Lunch-Puts Americans to Shame!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14845/what-french-kids-eat-for-school-lunch-it-puts-americans-to-shame.html

I don't typically re-post material from other sources or blogs, but this one is so important I believe it needs to be shared! 

 

French Mothers, differ from American Mothers in many ways. Most French Mothers stay home to raise their own young children, and spend a large amount of time on food preparation for their families. How they do that with all of that shoe shopping, I have no idea! ;) 

Also, the children are only schooled 4 days per week, AND they have multiple and lengthy recesses.  Studies show that their children are far healthier than American children...these reasons may be why...

 

Read for more info and great food ideas...

Bonjour!

 

Fab Fall Cake! Award Winning Spiced Melon Bundt Cake w/Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frost!

My kids and I whipped up this last minute delight for our local baking contest at the fair, and we won 3rd place! Not bad, as there were some pretty serious bakers there! 

The head chef from a local cafe complimented us on a wonderful cake! (Smile-Me) 


(Please forgive the cheesy plate...had to be a disposable...and the Fruit Cup center, was filled on the spot at the table, so it did not wilt the paper cup! )

Cake:

• 2 ½ cups of cake flour
• 2 cups of shredded melon
• 

  1 ½ cups of white sugar                            
• 4 room temperature eggs
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp anise
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp all spice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla bean paste
• ¼ tsp ginger

Frosting:  

• 2 boxes softened cream cheese     
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 

Fruit Cup: 

• 2 cups chopped Howell Melon
• 1 cup white sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp spiced rum 

Directions:

Preheat over to 350degrees. Butter and flour Bundt pan. Mix together sugar, eggs, melted butter in small bowl. In larger bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into center of dry ingredients and use wide spoon to mix until combined. Pour batter into Bundt pan and place in center of preheated oven. Bake for 50-55minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean after insert.

Frosting:
       Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Mix with a fork until combined and smooth Poached Ginger Melon: Bring water, sugar, ginger, and rum to a boil.  Add chopped melon and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to stand for one hour. Chill overnight to thicken.  Serve as garnish with cake.

Bon Appetit!

 

Now She's Done it! Gluten-Free, Skinny, Lasagna!

Ok...this one is good...yum...and no guilt!! Woo hoo!

Gluten-Free, Skinny Lasagna!

1 Box Boles Rice Lasagna Noodles

1 lb. Organic ground beef-4% fat

2 lbs. Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese-shredded

French Onion with White Wine and Thyme...Thick, Rich, and Just Right for Winter!

French Onion Soup

French Bread loaf

Sliced Provolone cheese by 1/2 pd our package

4 whole white onions haved and sliced

4 cups beef broth

1 cup white whine

1-2 cups water

3 Tbsp white flour

3 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp thyme

Sea Salt

Black Pepper