Recipes: Pickled eggs.... You've gotta try!

I know they sound gross and kind of have a bad rap, but they Really are Good. What better than to have a jar full of protein ready to go for a quick snack for the kids. 

I found that if you like deviled eggs then you will defiantly like my pickled eggs. Not all pickeled eggs are the same. I had never had them before I tasted one of my cousins homemade eggs... Yumm, I thought, I've got to try this. He told me how he made them, super easy.  They've been a staple in our house ever since. The trick is you use your left over pickle juice. It makes them have great flavor. 

Needed:

Jar of leftover dill pickle juice

Hard boiled eggs (enough that you think will fit nice a cossy in your pickle jar)

Distiled white vinegar

Note: they will taste great with just the ingredients listed above. 

Optional:  

Peppercorns or black pepper

Sprinkle of ground mustard 

Peeled clove of garlic

Pinch of dill fresh or dried

Add some or all of these ingredients.

1.Boil your eggs and let cool- I found that if I boil my eggs for at least 30 mins and the immediately put the in a ice bath they peel very easy. 

2. Peel and rinse off

3. Fill jar with as many eggs that will fit without smushing them. 

4. When the jar is full of eggs, fill the rest of the jar with the white vinegar all the way to the top, so all the eggs are covered and then add any optional ingredients. 

5. Store in the refrigerator. In about a week you will have yummy eggs down to the yolk. I find that after a day or two the white has absorbed the flavor but it takes close to a week for the yolk to have full flavor.  

Toddler Recipe: Easy Nutritional French Toast

This recipe isn't just for toddlers, serve it to the whole family.  French toast is a pretty basic recipe, but I've thrown in a few delicious nutritional kickers. As a kid, French toast was always something I liked to make. It was easy and we usually had the ingredients stocked. When I make it for my family I like to through in a nutritious twist. The applesauce or banana adds nutrition and fiber, while the eggs and milk provide lots of protein. This is a great meal to start the day off with. 

Needed:

4 pieces of sliced bread

2 eggs

1/4c. milk

1/8tsp. cinnamon 

1/8tsp. vanilla

1 mashed banana or 1/4c. Unsweetened applesauce 

1tbsp. butter for topping

Heat buttered pan on med-low heat. 

In large bowl mash banana and then add remaining ingredients. If not using the banana, omit the mashing and just add the apple sauce. 

Dip the bread one piece at a time into the egg mixture let soak for a minute, then put in the pan and cook for a few mins till golden on each side. 

Top with butter and serve warm.... Yumm

As always I love to hear from my readers so please let me know how this recipe worked for you .

Toddler Recipes: Healthy Breakfast Bread Pudding

This recipe is very easy and can be altered many different ways. It can be enjoyed by all ages, my big boys just gobble it up when I make it. I love this recipe cause it's a great way to use up all the left over bread and bread ends. I usually save all the but ends till I have enough to make a batch. It doesn't take long to accumulate enough ends at my house. We go through bread like crazy. I sometimes through in left over hot dog and hamburger buns or any other bread I have around.

What you need: 

9x9 glass pan, buttered or sprayed w/ non stick spray

5 c. torn bread pieces

1 c. milk

4 eggs 

1 c. apple sauce or mashed bananas 

1 tbsp. milled flax seed

1 tbsp. wheat germ 

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

Optional: 2-3 tbsp. sugar or brown sugar 

Butter to put on top

Preheat oven to 350* 

Cook time 60 mins 

Recipe by Hey Sweet Monkey

Directions:

1. Spray pan nonstick spray or butter pan. Tear bread in to small pieces and add to pan. 

2. In separate bowl combine remaining ingredients. Mixing till well blended. 

Tip: you can use any sort of fruit or veggie puree, I've made this before with baby food carrots. It's very versatile. 

3. Pour mix evenly over bread to absorb and let sit for 5 mins. 

4. Then bake at 350* for 60 mins. 

5. Let cool for 10 mins. 

Option : Serve as is or top with butter and sprinkle with sugar. How ever you would like for your little hungry sweetie. Depending on their age and taste developments. 

Tip: I usually just use what ever I have in my cupboard. Honey or maple syrup are good drizzled on top as well. 

I love to hear from my readers, please let me know how this recipe worked for you.