G’s Snack & Small Meal – Toddler Food
G’s Snack & Small Meal – Toddler Food is just an idea if you’re struggling for new and healthy ideas for your wee one that are easy and yummy. Greyson is a vegetarian right now like his momma. People always ask me “what in the world do you feed him?” As if there is no food life outside of meat. Honestly, I’ve received the same question myself for the past 27 years. Lord, there is SO very much food and incredibly easy, delicious, and healthy options out there that I’ll never tap into a majority of them! I do, however, understand for heavy meat eaters how this could seem challenging. I assure you though, it is anything but! If you’re looking for a snack or two, a meal, or general ideas on what to feed your baby/toddler, vegetarian or not, check out this recipe and Greyson’s Grub (baby food) portion of this blog. So many suggestions that at least one is guaranteed to grab your interest and attention!
- 1/2 an avocado
- 1/4 C hummus
- 1/2 cucumber - peeled & finely diced
- 1 small ripe tomato - finely diced
- 1 slice whole wheat bread - diced
- 1 slice baby friendly cheese - diced/cubed
- Put the bread & cheese in one bowl
- Put the other ingredients placed separately in another bowl
- Scoop out the avocado on a spoon
- Mix & match the ingredients as desired. Let your little one pick up the bread and cheese him/her self.
- This is simply an idea for a snack (in this case, many snacks can be had), or two meals. You can add other ingredients, replace ingredients etc. Do what suits your little one best! It doesn't have to always be a specific meal or jarred food. Be creative and put together foods your baby likes for a nice and healthy variety!
G’s Arugula & White Bean Quesadilla
G’s Arugula & White Bean Quesadillas are a protein packed meal full of flavor and done in 15 minutes or less! Healthy, delicious, and guaranteed to make any toddler actually eat their entire portion! I make one quesadilla, give my wee man (G) 1/4, save another 1/4 for the following day, and eat the other 1/2 myself. This is most definitely a meal that is for any age. I had all of these ingredients left over in my fridge (remember my food philosophy? “Like the mind, food is a terrible thing to waste”) and wanted to make something different for Greyson than he’d been eating over the past few days. I quickly pieced together these ingredients and was left with my mouth watering. Not only did G eat his portion and practically lick his plate (lots of “more” baby signing came afterwards), but I had to go and make another one for my work lunch the following day. I, too, was in love. As a veg-head, I’m always packin’ with protein everywhere I can. Make the recipe as is or adjust for your lil’ one or yourself however you deem fit. Use as much or as little of the ingredients as you’d like. Now go chow down with your kiddo in total bliss!
- 4 whole wheat tortillas
- Handful of arugula
- 3/4 can of small white beans or cannellini beans
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 brick of tofu (I used firm)
- 1 ripe tomato - chopped (finely chopped for toddler)
- 2 Tbl pesto
- 4 slices gouda cheese
- Small handful cilantro
- Cumin to taste
- Salt to taste
- In a small bowl, toss the tomato and pesto together. Mix well
- Put one slice of cheese on top of each quesadilla
- Divide then smash white bean (leave some whole as well) on two of the tortillas
- Smash half and avocado on top of the each white bean half and sprinkle with a pinch of salt
- Divide the tofu and smash on top of the avocado with another pinch of salt and the cumin
- Top each with tomato and cilantro
- Top again with arugula and a pinch of cumin
- Put the other tortillas with the gouda on top of the two filled tortillas
- Heat pan on low - medium heat. Cook on both sides until golden brown
- Done!
- This recipe came from what was in my refrigerator so feel free to make something similar and change up the ingredients to accommodate what is in your fridge!
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers
Premier Tomato Bruschetta with Olives & Capers is just a few turns away from a classic bruschetta recipe. Just as easy and even more delicious in my humble opinion as well! I love this appetizer because I almost always have all of the ingredients on hand. It’s fabulous for a small snack, party, or when I have friends turn up and want to make something nice but simple. I was in Nha Trang, Vietnam over the Xmas holiday and went to a restaurant that served a bruschetta similar to this so I was inspired when I came back to make my own. For New Year’s I was wanting quick & healthy appetizers so I thought this would be the perfect time to create the recipe I had concocted in my mind. It was amazing! After a few glasses of champagne I was feeling extra proud of this pretty dish. Crowd pleaser? For sure! Done in 15 minutes or less? Indeed! Prep time 8 minutes? Uh-huh! What’s not to love?! Next time you have a soiree or some unexpected guests, whip this awesomeness up in no time!
PS- My favorite vegan parmesans right now are Violife & Follow Your Heart. 365 also came out with a great shredded parm!
- 1 1/2 lbs very ripe tomatoes - diced (about 4-5 medium round tomatoes or 10-12 plum tomatoes)
- 10 basil leaves - sliced thinly (save a bit for garnish)
- 1/2 C diced black olives - sliced (or any olive or your choice)
- 1/4 C capers
- Parmesan cheese (to garnish the breads with)
- 3 cloves garlic (2 cloves minced)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil for brushing on breads
- Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
- 1 large baguette (or a similar bread of your choosing)
- Slice baguette approximately 1cm thick (sometimes I like it a bit thicker) and toast
- Brush each bread/toast with olive oil and cut in half the whole garlic piece and rub on each piece
- In a bowl add & toss tomatoes, capers, olives, balsamic, salt & pepper, and basil
- Distribute evenly over all toasts and garnish with a healthy amount of parmesan cheese and basil if you'd like
- You can replace the parmesan cheese with a nice crumbled feta if you would like. Equally as delicious!
