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Articles by Holley Grainger
20 Nut-Free Halloween Treats for Lunchboxes, Classrooms and Parties
20 Nut-Free Halloween Treats for Lunchboxes, Classrooms and Parties Perfect for nut-free lunchboxes and classroom parties, these 20 Halloween snacks deliver zero nuts and plenty of fun. 20 Nut-Free Halloween Treats for Lunchboxes, Classrooms and Parties These 20 nut-free Halloween treats deliver zero nuts and plenty of fun making them perfect for nut-free lunchboxes and class parties.
My Favorite (Road-Tested) Halloween Class Party Ideas
Mix and Match these Halloween Class Party Games and Treats Halloween is just about my favorite time of year, especially to be in the classroom. Yes, Boo'ing is a blast. And trick-or-treating is enchanting, even now that I'm an adult. But a Halloween class party filled with wriggling, giggling ghosts, witches, Captain Marvels and Alladins is so full of excitement there is nowhere else I'd rather be. (Okay, maybe Paris, but it's close!).
Nut-Free School Lunch Ideas Even PB&J Nuts Will Love
Nut-Free School Lunch Ideas Even PB&J Nuts Will Love Nut-Free School Lunch Ideas Even PB&J Nuts Will Love Looking for Nut-Free School Lunch Ideas? Read on for the how’s and why’s of nut-free lunchbox packing. Plus, I have suggestions for economical nut-free protein alternatives and 10 days of delicious nut-free lunchbox ideas. You’ve got the lunchbox. You’ve got the thermos. You’ve got the ALDI stockpile of snacks-to-last-until-the-end-of-the-world. And now you’ve got the letter. You know the one.
50+ Nut-Free Snacks for School | Holley Grainger, MS, RD
50+ Nut-Free Snacks for School If your school is a Nut-Free Zone, don’t panic because these 50+ nut-free snacks and peanut-free snacks for school will make the school’s safe snack list. Originally posted 2016. Updated 2023. DISCLAIMER: This post was updated in 2023. If you have favorites that are not on the list, please share them with me in the comments.
25 Fresh and Healthy Summer Salad Recipes
Whether fresh from your garden or the local produce stand, these 25 healthy summer salad recipes feature colorful fruits and veggies to feed a crowd. This summer the girls and I decided to plant a raised garden. We filled it full of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, basil, mint, peppers and okra. It is quite the summer produce haul if I do say so myself! Now, I’m not going to lie, I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.
How to Build a Brunch Board with Ingredients from ALDI
How to Build a Brunch Board with Ingredients from ALDI Load up your favorite breakfast and brunch ingredients into one epic board featuring ingredients from ALDI. Thank you ALDI for sponsoring this blog post! Recipe and opinions shared are my own. Whether you’re hosting a small get together for your family or celebrating Easter virtually with friends, you can find all of your Easter needs at ALDI.
45 Last-Minute Mother's Day Desserts | Holley Grainger
45 Mouthwatering Mother’s Day Desserts By Holley Grainger | Published: Feb 5, 2023 | Latest updated: Feb 20, 2023 Indulge Mom’s sweet tooth with one of these decadent Mother’s Day desserts. Invite her to sit back and kick her feet up while you make her favorite treats. Skip the bakery or the ice cream parlor and indulge Mom’s sweet tooth with one of these 45 chocolate or fruit Mother’s Day desserts.
15 Fun Easter Lunchbox Ideas from Instagram
15 Easter Lunchbox Ideas from Instagram These little chicks, bunnies, Easter eggs, spring flowers and more will have you oohing and aahing over just how fun and clever Easter lunch recipes can be. Could these Easter lunchbox ideas be any cuter!?! I’ve scavenged my favorite lunchbox accounts on Instagram to round up 15 adorable Easter bento boxes for you. Because I created this blog post BEFORE Easter season, I want you to keep an eye on the Instagram accounts I’ve suggested.
Brownie Stuffed Waffle a la Mode
Brownie Stuffed Waffle a la Mode Give dessert an upgrade by stuffing a gooey chocolate brownie inside a Belgium-style waffle using the hottest kitchen gadget around – The Stuffed Waffle IronTM by Wonderffle®. Thank you Wonderffle for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own. Close your eyes and think about a crispy on the outside/crispy on the inside golden Belgium-style waffle. Next, picture a warm chocolate brownie. Now, image if that fudgy brownie was stuffed inside your waffle.
Healthy Spring Snacks and Treats for Kids
Healthy Spring Snacks and Treats for Kids By Holley Grainger | Published: Feb 4, 2023 | Latest updated: Feb 20, 2023 Celebrate the season with these easy and adorable healthy spring snacks and treats for kids featuring fresh produce and fun ideas. As the seasons change and more produce comes into season, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce more fruits and veggies to your child.
DIY Valentine's Day Candy Box
Valentine’s Day Candy Box Make your own Valentine’s Day Candy Box with this copycat version of Dylan’s Candy Bar Tackle Box. Give this cute, clever and inexpensive personalized gift to your special someone. Valentine’s Day Gift for Kids If you’ve ever been to Dylan’s Candy Shop in New York then you’ve likely seen their candy- and treat-packed “Tackle Boxes.” The concept is adorable and so smart because you get just a taste of everything. However, in the store, the boxes retail for around $26.
24 Best Valentine's Day Lunchbox Ideas
24 Best Valentine’s Day Lunchbox Ideas Who needs roses when you can have 2 dozen Valentine’s Day lunchbox ideas?!? From strawberry roses to heart-shaped sandwiches, this collection of inspiring Valentine’s Day food is sure to spread the love. Looking for a simple way to send love to your little ones at school? Then check out these 24 Valentine’s Day ideas! To unearth these fun lunchbox ideas, I dug into Instagram and did some “hashtag research.” What did I find?
20 Healthy Valentine's Day Treats for Kids
From delicious desserts to healthy after-school snacks, these 20 healthy Valentine’s Day treats for kids offers something for everyone! My children love Valentine’s Day. From choosing the perfect Valentine for each friend in the class to making their special mailboxes for school, we’re all in! They also LOVE the candy and sweets that come along with it.
Boozy Moscow Mule Popsicles
Boozy Moscow Mule Popsicles Sweet and smooth with a kick of spice from the ginger beer, these Moscow Mule Popsicles are a refreshing, boozy summer treat for the grown ups. Now that summer is in full swing, I’ve been following the “frozen pop” scene pretty closely. (Although, I have to admit that it is more through Pinterest than in my actual kitchen.) I’ve been loving the idea of boozy popsicles for adults combined with fun fruit flavors or creamy textures.
How to Add More Vegetables to Your Child's Lunchbox
How to Add More Vegetables to Your Child’s Lunchbox What are the best vegetables for a lunchbox? How can I add more vegetables to my child’s lunchbox? Let me help! I have 7 practical veggie lunchbox tips that are fun and delicious while also adding nutrition. This post was created in partnership with Produce for Kids. I’ve been packing lunchboxes for a long time and the number one question that parents ask me is how to add vegetables to .
Banana Split Frozen Yogurt Fruit Pop
Banana Split Frozen Yogurt Fruit Pop Make snack time cool, creamy and delicious with this tasty Banana Split Frozen Yogurt Fruit Pop featuring yogurt, fresh fruit and fun toppings.
12 Kid-Friendly Yogurt-Based Snacks for After School
12 Kid-Friendly Yogurt-Based Snacks for After School Serve up these sweet or savory yogurt-based snacks after school to your kids and teens. They’ll love the incredible variety of flavors and you’ll love how these healthy snacks power them through homework and activities. (Updated March 2022) As soon as the school bell rings, I feel like we hit the ground running to make it to dance, gymnastics and other activities on time.
Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Yogurt Dip
Crunchy Baked Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Yogurt Dip Print Crunchy Baked Chicken Bites with Honey Mustard Yogurt Dipping Sauce Yield: Makes 4-6 Servings 1x Scale Ingredients Baked Chicken Bites 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, visible fat removed 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs Honey Mustard Yogurt Sauce 1/3 – 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 1/3 cup Honey 2 Tbsp lemon juice Instructions Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
36 Free Printable Lunchbox Notes - Holley Grainger
36 Free Printable Lunchbox Notes Printable Lunchbox Notes, Jokes and Picture Printable Notes for Non-Readers! You make sure their lunchbox has everything their tummy needs; now make sure it has everything their heart needs with my free printable lunchbox notes. These 36 notes feature love notes, jokes and even fun pictures for our pre-readers. What’s the sweetest subject in school? Download these jokes to find out!! I love my girls. Have I mentioned that?
Creamy Homemade Ranch Dip
Creamy Homemade Ranch Dip Serve up fresh summer veggies with a side of the easiest, zippiest DIY dip – Creamy Homemade Ranch Dip – featuring 3 types of fresh herbs. If you’ve followed my blog or social media for any time at all, you’ll know that we are BIG fans of ranch dressing – store bought or homemade. It is by far my favorite “vehicle food” that I have used over the years to help introduce the girls to vegetables.
25 Healthy School Snacks from ALDI
Make the grade this back-to-school season by stocking up on snacks from ALDI like sweet treats, mini meals and crunchy bites. Shopping at ALDI saves time and makes it easier to create healthy habits for the new school year. That’s why ALDI is my one-stop-shop for back-to-school lunchbox and snack ingredients for my family.
Strawberry and Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Bark
Strawberry and Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Bark By Holley Grainger | Published: Sep 8, 2022 | Latest updated: Sep 8, 2022 Satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a dose of nutrition from yogurt, strawberries and almonds with Strawberry Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Bark. How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Frozen Yogurt Bark (Note: This video was filmed in April 2020 during the Pandemic as part of our Virtual Snack Date series.
Summer Berry and Almond Whole Grain Galette
Summer Berry and Almond Whole Grain Galette By Holley Grainger | Published: Jun 21, 2015 | Latest updated: Sep 9, 2019 This Summer Berry and Almond Whole Grain Galette combines sweet summer berries and peaches with toasted sliced almonds all wrapped up in a whole wheat pastry crust for a simple and impressive dessert. Because peaches and berries are fully in season right now, I decided to combine what I already had on-hand to make my version of a speedy “pie” (aka a galette).
Peach-Melon Gazpacho with Prosciutto
Peach-Melon Gazpacho with Prosciutto By Holley Grainger | Published: Jul 21, 2015 | Latest updated: Sep 9, 2019 Blended with sweet melon, juicy peaches, and cooling cucumber, this Peach-Melon Gazpacho with Prosciutto is an absolutely delicious and fresh way to enjoy the summer.
Lightened Up Pimiento Cheese Sliders
Lightened Up Pimiento Cheese Sliders By Holley Grainger | Published: Sep 3, 2015 | Latest updated: Sep 9, 2019 These Pimiento Cheese Sliders dress up your basic hamburger and take it to the next level of yum and are ideal for tailgating or a summer cookout,. I love these baby burgers because they offer so many flavor options. One of my favorite ways to dress sliders lately has been to top them with my creamy LIGHTENED pimiento cheese.
Whole Grain Caramelized Banana Bread
Caramel. Banana. Bread. Someone please tell me. Why have we been making basic banana bread all these years when we could have been caramelizing the bananas first?? I can’t take credit for this genius though – that goes to Carla Bartolucci, founder of Jovial Foods and Bionature and author of the new cookbook Einkorn: Recipes for Nature’s Original Wheat.
Pack Lunch for You and the Kids in Half the Time with These Meal-Prep Tips
Cut down on your lunch-packing time with this step-by-step guide for making a mason jar salad for you and a kid-friendly Cobb salad bento at the same time. Holley Grainger, M.S., R.D. I overheard a mom at the playground tell friends how she'd prepped weekly lunches for the whole family for the first time-and how nice it was to have prepared lunches ready to send with her child to school and to take to work.
The Only Formula You Need to Pack a Healthy Bento Box Lunch for Kids
Tips and inspiration for packing a healthy school lunch. Holley Grainger, M.S., R.D. More than five years of packing lunches quickly teaches you survival-of-the-fittest methods. I've learned how to create a healthy bento box lunch for my kids that they'll actually eat (and get them out the door before missing carpool or the bus). For me, it's important to pack foods with a variety of nutrients, textures and flavors.
15 Easy, Healthy, Family-Friendly Pantry Recipes
Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this! These oven-baked chicken taquitos are made with just five ingredients and are ready in 20 minutes. This healthy spin on the traditional fried taquitos is sure to be a new family favorite. Make a double batch and freeze the extras to use for future suppers or school lunches. Get the recipe >> Pizza Quiche It’s quiche...it’s pizza...it’s quichzza! All the foods you enjoy like pizza, quiche and pie rolled into one skillet.
Back to School packed lunch ideas
Main image as seen on Mummyfique. Summer is almost over… BOOOO, but that does mean a little quiet around the house YAAAAY! But with a new school year comes a new set of challenges and worries. Will their new uniform be okay? Are the kids ready to meet new teachers? Will I understand their homework this year?
The Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher, According to an Expert
Say sayonara to stuck-on food. By Holley Grainger, MS, RD Updated May 20, 2019 Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. There’s nothing worse than loading and running your dishwasher, only to find your dishes still have pieces of food stuck on them.
The Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher, According to an Expert
Say sayonara to stuck-on food. By Holley Grainger, MS, RD Updated May 20, 2019 Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. There’s nothing worse than loading and running your dishwasher, only to find your dishes still have pieces of food stuck on them.
The Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher, According to an Expert
Say sayonara to stuck-on food. By Holley Grainger, MS, RD Updated May 20, 2019 Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. There’s nothing worse than loading and running your dishwasher, only to find your dishes still have pieces of food stuck on them.
The Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher, According to an Expert
Say sayonara to stuck-on food. By Holley Grainger, MS, RD Updated May 20, 2019 Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. There’s nothing worse than loading and running your dishwasher, only to find your dishes still have pieces of food stuck on them.
The Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher, According to an Expert
There’s nothing worse than loading and running your dishwasher, only to find your dishes still have pieces of food stuck on them. If you’ve ever had scrambled eggs stuck to a metal pan, or crusted-on brownie edges glued to your baking dish, you know the struggle. But before you disassemble the dishwasher (or blame your spouse for not doing the pre-rinse), know this: The number-one reason your dishes remain dirty is because they aren’t loaded properly.
11 On-the-Go Meals for Weeknight Dinner
Soccer games, baseball practices, dance competitions — we’re all busy people spending our time shuttling even busier kiddos. As a result, family dinners around the table aren’t always feasible. So what’s a parent to do? Here’s a solution: When you need to eat on the go, whip up one of these portable meals that are tastier, healthier and more satisfying than fast food.
12 On-the-Go Meals for Weeknight Dinner
Walking Sweet and Sour Chicken Rice Bowls For a single-serve, portable meal in a pouch, try Walking Sweet and Sour Chicken Rice Bowls. This recipe can be prepped from start to finish in just a few minutes, making it an ideal dinner when you’re in a hurry. The microwaveable rice pouch cooks in just 90 seconds, so use that time to toss together leftover cooked chicken, pineapple, bell peppers and sweet and sour sauce, then stir into the hot cooked rice.
10 Shopping Secrets and Hacks From ALDI Employees
Grab your quarter and get ready to shop. We’ve got the scoop! By Holley Grainger, MS, RD We asked and ALDI employees answered! Sure, you probably already know to bring your quarter and your own grocery bags to ALDI, but we're betting you don't know some of the tips and tricks on this list. Our friends are giving you the lowdown on the best ways to save time and money. Here, their top 10 tips for shopping at ALDI. 1. Pick up a circular on the way in and out.
12 Expert Meal Planning Tips for Busy Families
“What’s for dinner tonight?” How many times have you been asked that question by your family? For many of us, the answer may be daily. Even seasoned cooks struggle with planning meals at times. But when done right, meal planning can help you stay organized, cut back on food waste and reduce overspending on groceries.
10 Shopping Secrets and Hacks From ALDI Employees
Grab your quarter and get ready to shop. We’ve got the scoop! We asked and ALDI employees answered! Sure, you probably already know to bring your quarter and your own grocery bags to ALDI, but we're betting you don't know some of the tips and tricks on this list. Our friends are giving you the lowdown on the best ways to save time and money. Here, their top 10 tips for shopping at ALDI. 1. Pick up a circular on the way in and out.
11 Kid-Friendly Snack Hacks That Make Healthy Eating Fun
Frozen Fruit Sundae Cones Spoon frozen mixed berries into small cones for a fun twist on the traditional ice cream cone. Top with whipped cream and a cherry for a hand-held sundae boasting healthy and colorful ingredients. Bell Pepper Rainbows With Sunshine Sauce Brighten up even the cloudiest of days by serving your little ones bell pepper rainbow dippers and cauliflower clouds with honey-mustard sunshine sauce. This sweet skyline is sure to put a smile on their faces.
Roast Beef Club Wrap to Fight End-of-School Lunchbox Fatigue
Roast Beef Club Wrap to Fight End-of-School Lunchbox Fatigue By Holley Grainger | Published: Mar 27, 2019 | Latest updated: Mar 27, 2019 You’re weeks away from summer. Fight lunchbox packing fatigue with a lunchbox reboot such as this satisfying Roast Beef Club Wrap. I’m excited to partner with The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the Beef Checkoff to help you “Beef Up the Lunchbox” by sharing this yummy, kid-friendly roast beef wrap with you.
A Month of Healthy, Kid-Approved School Lunches
Week 1: Ingredients Sugar Snap Peas ● Dark Chocolate Chips ● Pistachios ● Grapes ● Cottage Cheese ● Low-Sodium Deli Ham ● Apple-Chicken Sausage ● Roma Tomato ● Pineapple ● Spinach Tortillas ● Brown Rice ● Feta Cheese ● Baby Spinach ● Fresh Grapefruit ● Low-Sugar Cereal Monday: Spinach and Ham Salad Spinach Salad With Ham, Feta and Pistachios ● Sugar Snap Peas and Tomatoes ● Grapefruit ● Apple Chicken Sausage ● Dark Chocolate Chips Tuesday: Ham and Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Cottage Cheese...
A Month of Healthy, Kid-Approved School Lunches
Week 1: Ingredients Sugar Snap Peas ● Dark Chocolate Chips ● Pistachios ● Grapes ● Cottage Cheese ● Low-Sodium Deli Ham ● Apple-Chicken Sausage ● Roma Tomato ● Pineapple ● Spinach Tortillas ● Brown Rice ● Feta Cheese ● Baby Spinach ● Fresh Grapefruit ● Low-Sugar Cereal Monday: Spinach and Ham Salad Spinach Salad With Ham, Feta and Pistachios ● Sugar Snap Peas and Tomatoes ● Grapefruit ● Apple Chicken Sausage ● Dark Chocolate Chips Tuesday: Ham and Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Cottage Cheese...
3 Clever Ways to Use Apple Sauce
3 Clever Ways to Use Apple Sauce By Holley Grainger | Published: Mar 11, 2019 | Latest updated: Mar 11, 2019 If you’re an apple sauce lover then get ready to have some fun with these simple, clever, kid-friendly ways to use apple sauce featuring the fresh flavor of Musselman’s apple sauce. I’ve partnered with Musselman’s to share these three super simple recipes and video with you! I hope you enjoy these delicious, kid-friendly ideas!! Apple sauce and kids just go hand in hand.
36 Ways To Eat Oats
36 Ways To Eat Oats By Holley Grainger | Published: Mar 15, 2015 | Latest updated: Sep 12, 2018 Everyone knows that dietitians love oatmeal so I asked fellow RD bloggers to share their favorite ways to eat oats for this delicious roundup. From bowls and bars to muffins, pancakes, and smoothies, these 36 recipes are what the nation’s top health professionals eat every day. Grab a warm bowl with your favorite toppings, pull up a chair, and get ready to start pinning.
What Is the Best Oil for Cooking?
Fat isn't just a nutrient essential to your body, it's also a key player in healthy cooking. It carries heat and helps cook foods quickly and evenly. It also coats your taste buds, making flavor linger longer. But which oil is the best to cook with? And which is the healthiest cooking oil? With all the different oils on the market–avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil and more–how do you know when to use each one?
12 Healthy Quinoa Recipes Approved By Registered Dietitians
12 Dietitan-Approved Healthy Quinoa Recipes By Holley Grainger | Published: Nov 3, 2015 | Latest updated: Apr 2, 2018 Heard the buzz about quinoa but not sure what to do with it? Here are 12 healthy quinoa recipes from Registered Dietitians for you to try! 12 inspiring and delicious healthy #quinoa recipes from foodie dietitians. Click To Tweet Remember when we used to call quinoa “kee-noa” and no one knew how to cook with it?
Apple Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash recipe is literally like autumn in your mouth bursting with ingredients like apples, cranberries, pecans and more. Apple Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash is definitely a must try! Meet Hannah! Thank you to my 2015 intern, Hannah Edy, for creating and photographing this delicious fall recipe.
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