whole grain bread crumbs

Flounder Cakes (With Whole Grains and Mushrooms)

May 15, 2014 by Dana

If you saw my Toddler Lunch post today you might have known a Flounder Cake recipe was in the works! Most people think of Crab or Salmon cakes when it comes to a dish like this, but the truth is you can use any type of fish that you like. My husband always buys Flounder but the fish in these is the interchangeable part. This recipe would go with just about any type of fish so you can use what you have on hand.

I have to admit that making these, or any type of fish based cake, is a process that looks “ugly” until the end when they are cooked. There is something about grinding up fish that is slightly disturbing but having worked in restaurants for years I am used to it. If you are making these and start thinking I’m completely crazy for suggesting this, just wait until they are cooked! I promise they are delicious! This recipe does use my Whole Grain Breadcrumbs, and if you check out that post you will see why I never use store bought breadcrumbs (I’ll give you a hint they contain 59 ingredients!). I serve these cakes a number of ways but they go great on a bed of spinach or with some brown rice and veggies.

Whole Grain Mozzarella Sticks

May 13, 2014 by Dana

Who doesn’t love a good mozzarella stick once in a while? I know I do, and making them at home is simple and easy. You will not miss the fried version after tasting these, and your kids won’t either! This is a great recipe for a party, or just as a snack for your kids. You will need my Whole Grain Breadcrumb Recipe for these, which is simple and easy as well, taking only about 5-10 minutes from start to finish. I did omit the parmesan cheese from the breadcrumbs because I didn’t really think they needed any extra cheese! A batch of the breadcrumbs will give you more than enough to bread a few sticks, and save some in the refrigerator for another meal. Tonight I am making Fish Cakes so I knew whatever I had left would be used up in those. I love a recipe that is versatile and helps me plan future meals.

Homemade Chicken Tenders

April 23, 2014 by Dana

Whole Grain Chicken Tenders

For some reason people classify chicken nuggets and tenders as food for kids. What irritates me about this is the fact that chicken nuggets are made from scraps and other parts of chickens that was otherwise unable to be used. Basically we are saying “Let’s feed our kids all the scraps” instead of saying “Let’s feed our kids the most nutritious food we can.” See how this doesn’t really make sense? If your wondering about chicken nuggets here is a great video to set the record straight about what is really in them. Chances are you have seen the “pink slime” but it is a great reminder to me of why my family stays away from this stuff!

The good news is you can make your own chicken tenders (or nuggets) with whole ingredients. I do have a few secrets when it comes to my chicken tenders and I’m going to share them with you today! The most important factors to making your own are seasoning them correctly and pounding your chicken. I use chicken tenderloins and pound them until they are thin. Thin chicken gives you the nice crunch kids love. Here is an example of how I do this. I simply place a plastic baggy over the chicken and pound lightly to flatten.