Move Over Popeye!
Popeye isn’t the only one who has made spinach attractive to youngsters. Now, Dr. Praeger’s Spinach Littles has found a way to turn spinach into a yummy treat. Spinach, potato and a few other all-natural ingredients come in fun shapes like stars and dinosaurs, resembling the kids’ classic chicken nuggets. But unlike chicken nuggets, these Littles are packed with all the healthy benefits of spinach: a good source of fiber with no preservatives, saturated, or trans fats. They’re also gluten-free. Dr. Praeger’s prides itself on the natural, good-for-you ingredients the brand uses, without compromising on taste. And aside from all the nutritional benefits, Spinach Littles are the perfect after-school snack because they are so easy to prepare. Pick up a box in the freezer section and heat in the oven or microwave. In just minutes you’ll have a delicious snack for the growing, on-the-go kids in your home that everyone can agree on.
– Sarah Niss
Maple Apple Crisp
From Whole Foods Market
Serves 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds apples, peeled, quartered and cut into 1/4-inch wedges
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup maple sugar or light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Wow, Bow Wow!
All dogs need a place to let out excess energy, get exercise and have fun! The following Westchester dog parks welcome all well-behaved dogs and their humans from all communities.
1 East Rumbrook Dog Park – Special Event This Month!
Located on Dobbs Ferry Road, just off the Sprain Brook Parkway in Greenburgh, the East Rumbrook Dog Park is a vibrant community for all canines and owners. Dogs enjoy two spacious fenced-in runs and a wooded walking trail. Friends of the Dog Park are hosting the annual “dog swim” at Anthony F. Veteran Park in Greenburgh on Sept. 10, and all are welcome. East Rumbrook Park, Greenburgh. www.eastrumbrookdogpark.com.
2 Ossining Dog Park
A very popular spot, the park at 235 Cedar Lane comprises of two acres and has three double-gated entries. There is a dedicated small dog area, water fountain, lights and a warming shed for those cool weather visitors that lack a fur coat. 235 Cedar Lane, Ossining. www.ossiningdogpark.com.
3 Paws Place at Ward Acres Park
Dogs are allowed on a fenced-in, three-acre plot at Ward Acres Park in New Rochelle. A smaller area within Paws Place is reserved for small dogs. Permits must be obtained from the Parks and Recreation Office in New Rochelle, and fees are $50 for residents, $100 for non-residents. Broadfield Road and Pinebrook Blvd.
New Rochelle. www.newrochelleny.com.
4 Peekskill Dog Park
This park offers separate fenced in and gated areas for small and large dogs in addition to benches, plastic bag dispensers and a restroom. There is plenty of parking. Open daily 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1795 Main St., Peekskill. www.peekskilldogpark.com.
5 White Plains Bark Park
This 14,520-square-foot park on Brockway Place allows dogs to run free, with a separate run for small dogs. Benches and a doggie water fountain are available. Brockway Place, White Plains.
6 Sleepy Hollow Dog Park
Located at the southern end of Kingsland Point Park, which
overlooks the Hudson River and the historic lighthouse, the Park measures just under a half acre. A permit is required to use the park, and can be obtained from the Village of Sleepy Hollow Town Hall for $25. Kingsland Point Park, turn left at end of Palmer Ave., in Philipse Manor. www.sleepyhollowny.gov. – Sarah Niss
Quick and Quirky Lunches
Sometimes it can be difficult to pack a portable and healthy lunch for school without resorting to the usual peanut butter and jelly. Shake up your child’s lunch routine with one of these fun and healthy options.
1 Inside-Out Sandwich.
Spread mustard or mayonnaise on a slice of turkey and wrap it around a breadstick or cheese stick.
2 Kabobs.
Skewer cheese, meat or fruit on pretzel sticks. Add chunks of bread for a sandwich on a stick.
3 Cut-Out Sandwiches.
Put a twist on the typical sandwich by cutting it into a fun shape using a cookie cutter. Or, make a two-tone sandwich. Set two slices of bread, one white and one wheat, on a cutting board. Cut out the centers of each with a large and small cookie cutter. Then, swap the center cutouts so the white bread has the wheat bread design and vice versa.
4 Ants On a Log.
Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on a celery stick. Sprinkle raisins (the “ants”) on top. For ants in a log, add another covered celery stick on top, and wrap tightly in plastic.
5 Dips. Dips
make a great, protein packed alternative to sandwiches. Try hummus with carrot and celery sticks, or dip apple and melon chunks in yogurt.
– Sarah Niss
