Blog Posts by MyRecipes.com

Author, blogger, and mom Mary Ostyn shares her family tips for getting kids to try new foods and experience a variety of flavors.

Courtesy of Mary OstynMary Ostyn
As a kid I remember feeling disdainful of the kids whose mothers cut the crusts off their sandwiches. My mom would never let me waste 20% of my bread, and I didn't really understand what was so bad about a bread crust, anyway. I mean, save your dislike for something truly disgusting-like liver. But I grew up truly enjoying most food, and my husband and I decided to encourage our children to have a broad range of food likes. Here are some food rules our family lives by.

1. Serve them home cooking.
We skipped commercial baby food. Except for rice cereal at the very start, our kids just ate well-mashed bits of what we ate at every meal. I think that got them used to the flavors of family cooking right from the start. That was back before I even knew that a lot of commercially prepared baby food contains a fair bit of high fructose corn

Rub chicken breasts under the skin with the spice paste, and grill for a simple, delicious late-summer dinner. Leave the skin on the chicken as it cooks so the breasts will remain juicy, and discard skin just before serving.

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan GautroPrep Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half)

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 (8-ounce) bone-in chicken breast halves
• Cooking spray

Related: Super Summer Sides

Preparation

1. Prepare grill.

2. Combine first 9 ingredients in a bowl, stirring well. Loosen skin from chicken by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat; rub spice mixture evenly under skin over meat. Lightly coat skin with cooking spray. Place chicken, breast-side down, on

Give your family a taste of the Mediterranean with this simple pasta recipe. Add grilled chicken for an even heartier meal.

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy BarrTotal: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture and 3 tablespoons feta)

Supper Solutions: Chicken and Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces uncooked farfalle pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup vertically sliced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 5 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 3 tablespoons shaved fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions; drain.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and

The mayonnaise-and-honey mixture is reminiscent of poppy seed dressing. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of honey.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings

Related: Top 10 Chicken Salad Recipes

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 3 celery ribs, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Garnish: chopped toasted pecans

Preparation

1. Combine first 4 ingredients.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise and next 3 ingredients. Add to chicken mixture, stirring gently until combined. Garnish, if desired.

Teresa Mosher, Bradenton, Florida, Southern Living Our Readers' Top-Rated Recipes, Southern Living, JUNE 2006

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family-friendly casserole is a great way to sneak more vegetables into children's food. For creamiest results, do not overbake. With more than 200 milligrams of calcium, this dish is a good source of the bone-building mineral.

Jan SmithYield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Related: Ground Beef Recipes Under 300 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package small elbow macaroni
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup prechopped onion
• 1 cup preshredded carrot
• 2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
• 1 pound lean ground sirloin
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Beat summer's sizzle with these chilly main dishes, sides, and desserts.

Randy MayorSeared Tuna and Radish Salad with Wasabi Dressing
Add fresh tuna to your diet using a recipe that calls for minimal cooking. Searing the tuna seals in the juices and flavor, so make sure the skillet is hot when you add the steaks. They only need to cook about two minutes per side, so your kitchen will stay cool.

View Recipe: Seared Tuna and Radish Salad with Wasabi Dressing

Chilled Corn Soup
Take advantage of summer's fresh produce and serve a flavor-packed soup that won't leave you overheated. The corn only needs three minutes to cook, so boil it quickly, purée, and chill for about three hours, or overnight if you prefer.

View Recipe: Chilled Corn Soup

Jan SmithAvocado and Shrimp Sushi
Invite friends into the kitchen and have fun making your own sushi. Set up rolling stations and use cooked shrimp to speed along preparation time. Pour individual soy sauce bowls, hand out chopsticks, and

Image By: Lee HarrelsonSummer vacation eating can be filled with temptations so follow these simple strategies for eating healthy at the beach.

By: Tammy Beasley, R.D.

If you're heading to the beach this summer with family or friends, you can still keep your body swimsuit- and shorts-ready once you make it to the sand. Follow these simple strategies to stay healthy while still enjoying your summertime favorites.
Related: Weight Loss Recipes and Tips

1. Beware of drinking all of your calories. A pina colada or strawberry daiquiri (7 ounces) can contain over 500 calories and over 17 grams of fat. Drinks that are mixed with cream, milk, fruit juice or soda can pack more calories so take that into account when ordering.
Related: Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Loss

2. Budget your fats. If you know you want to order fried shrimp, strip the fat from your breakfast and lunch meals so you have room for extra fat in the evening. Just make sure you don't skip breakfast and lunch altogether.
Related: Lose Weight:

Instead of dashing through the airport looking for healthy snacks, make your own and tuck them into your carry-on.

- By Anne Cain, M.S., RD., Senior Food Editor

Pistachio Granola

This crunchy treat boasts healthy fats and fiber to keep you feeling full. Snack on the granola by itself or purchase a carton of milk or yogurt once you make it through security for an energizing breakfast.

Recipe: Pistachio Granola

Mini Frittatas with Ham and Cheese

These savory, bite-sized frittatas taste delicious both warm and at room temperature. Pack them in an insulated bag and keep them around when you need a high-protein mini-meal. Since these do have eggs and cheese, they're better suited for shorter flights.

Recipe: Mini Frittatas with Ham and Cheese

Healthful Fruit-and Nut Mix

Throw together this combination of nuts and dried fruit as you race out the door. The combination of sweet fruit and salty nuts satisfies all of your cravings. Add a handful of dark chocolate chips for an