In less than 10 days it will be Mother's Day - - - one day in 365 that is dedicated to all of you wonderful Moms out there! Breakfast in bed is one of my all time favorites and below are some incredible options to really kick your day off in delicious style! You'll need to stock the kitchen and drop a few hints to dad and the rest of your clan - but it will be worth it!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 RECIPES

Syrupy Overnight Banana-Nut French Toast

INGREDIENTS:        

• 6 tablespoon(s) butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar
• 5 large ripe bananas, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1 (12-ounce) long loaf French or Italian bread, cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slice
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cup(s) milk
• 2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup(s) sliced almonds or coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

INGREDIENTS:

What is more rewarding than enjoying your own home-grown vegetables? After the harvesting of your Bush Beans try them out in this great recipe!

*To get your kids involved let them help you harvest the vegetables. This task will not only help them understand the fun of growing their own vegetables but also allows them to understand where their food comes from.

INGREDIENTS:

6 servings

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, halved and sliced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1/2 cup white wine, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1 medium summer squash or zucchini, halved and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

PREPARATION:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add onion and oregano and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. 
3. Add wine (or broth) and bring to a boil. 
4. Add green beans, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. 
5. Add summer squash (or zucchini) and tomatoes and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes more. 
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan.

NUTRITION:

Per serving: 92 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 2 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber; 158 mg sodium; 290 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (30% daily value), Vitamin A (15% dv).

Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2

Exchanges: 2 vegetables, 1/2 fat

Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/braised_green_beans_summer_vegetables.html

If you purchased a Grow Your Own Carrot Kit at Pottery Barn Kids®, you may be wondering when to start it. (For additional Good Seeds™ Kits exclusive at Pottery Barn Kids®, please find growing instructions here for Sugar Snap Peas and here for Cherry Tomatoes.)

Below is a Climate Zone Map which will help you find your zone and when you should start your crop this year. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. 
After checking your Climate Zone area, calculate 9-10 weeks before the danger of frost has passed and then begin your indoor Scarlet Nantes Carrots. After 9-10 weeks have gone by you may transplant your carrots outdoors. For best results, make sure to fertilize the carrot tops at the time of seeding with 1-2-2 (N-P-K) fertilizer and when the carrot tops have reached 4-8 inches to promote solid sweet carrots. Also make sure to water your carrots deeply when dry and when transplanting your carrots make sure to move them to loose soil.

However, if planning to keep your Scarlet Nantes Carrots indoors, remember you can start them at anytime of the year. Simply follow the directions on the Good Seeds Scarlet Nantes Carrot Kit™ and instead of moving the carrots outdoors you can instead transplant them to a bigger container indoors. Remember: your carrots need sun so make sure they are close to a large window!

USDA Hardiness Zone 

After locating your Climate Zone, you may refer to the chart below to decide when to start your carrots indoors. For example, if you live in Zone 6 you would want to start your Scarlet Nantes Carrots 9-10 weeks before the last frost date, April 15th, which would be around February 11 and through August 13.

   

	WHEN YOU CAN START CARROT KIT
Zone	From	To
1	Kit most successful indoors only in Zone 1
2	March 6	June 13
3 & 4	March 6	July 14
5, 6 & 7	February 11	August 13
8	January 4	September 13
9	December 7	October 13
10	November 22	October 13
11	Kit can be started & then move outside year round

Wondering when to start your California Wonder Sweet Peppers this year? Below is a complete guide to how and when to start your Sweet Peppers this year. Below is a Climate Zone Map which will help you locate your zone and when you should start your crop this year. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. 
After checking your Climate Zone area, calculate 9-10 weeks before the danger of frost has passed and then begin your indoor Sweet Peppers. After 9-10 weeks have gone by you may transplant your Sweet Peppers outdoors. For best results use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer when transplanting your pepper plants for best results!

However, if planning to keep your Sweet Peppers indoors, remember you can start them at anytime of the year. For best results be sure to keep the soil well drained, and moderately fertile with a PH balance between 6.5-6.8. Then simply follow the directions on the Good Seeds California Wonder Sweet Pepper Kit™ and instead of moving the Sweet Peppers outdoors you can instead transplant them to a bigger container indoors. Remember: Sweet Peppers need sun so make sure they are close to a large window! 


USDA Hardiness Zone 

After locating your Climate Zone, you may refer to the chart below to decide when to start your peppers indoors. For example, if you live in Zone 6 you would want to start your Sweet Peppers 9-10 weeks before the last frost date, April 15th, which would be February 11 through August 13th.

   

	WHEN YOU CAN START PEPPER KIT
Zone	From	To
1	Kit most successful indoors only in Zone 1
2	March 6	June 13
3 & 4	March 6	July 14
5, 6 & 7	February 11	August 13
8	January 4	September 13
9	December 7	October 13
10	November 22	October 13
11	Kit can be started & then move outside year round

Wondering when to start your tomatoes this year? Below is a complete guide to how and when to start your tomatoes. Below is a Climate Zone Map which will help you locate your zone and when you should start your crop this year. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. 
After checking your Climate Zone area, calculate 9-10 weeks before the danger of frost has passed and then begin your indoor Sweet Cherry Tomatoes. After 9-10 weeks have gone by you may transplant your tomatoes outdoors. For best results make sure to provide a trellis or stake to support ongoing growth, while watering deeply when dry and feeding monthly.

However, if planning to keep your tomatoes indoors, remember you can start them at anytime of the year. Simply follow the directions on the Good Seeds Grow Your Own Tomato Kit™ and instead of moving the tomatoes outdoors you can instead transplant them to a bigger container indoors. Remember: the tomatoes need sun so make sure they are close to a large window!

USDA Hardiness Zone 

After locating your Climate Zone, you may refer to the chart below to decide when to start your tomatoes indoors. For example, if you live in Zone 6 you would want to start your tomatoes 9-10 weeks before the last frost date, April 15th, which would be around February 18 through August 20th.

   

	WHEN YOU CAN START TOMATO KIT
Zone	From	To
1	Kit most successful indoors only in Zone 1
2	March 6	June 20
3 & 4	March 6	July 21
5, 6 & 7	February 18	August 20
8	January 4	September 20
9	December 7	October 6
10	November 29	October 6
11	Kit can be started & then move outside year round

 

Wondering when to start your cucumber kit this year? Look no further! Below is a complete guide to how and when to start your Marketmore 76 Cucumbers. Below is a Climate Zone Map which will help you find your location and when you should start your crop this year. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. 
After checking your Climate Zone area, calculate 8-9 weeks before the danger of frost has passed and then begin your Marketmore 76 Cucumbers Kit indoors. After 8-9 weeks have gone by you may transplant your cucumbers outdoors.

However, if planning to keep your Marketmore 76 Cucumbers indoors, remember you can start them at anytime of the year. For best results make sure the soil remains high in organic matter and moist and maintains a neutral pH level. Then simply follow the directions on the Good Seeds Marketmore 76 Cucumbers Growing Kit™ and instead of moving the cucumbers outdoors you can instead transplant the cucumbers to a bigger container indoors. Remember: cucumbers need sun so make sure they are close to a large window!
 

 

USDA Hardiness Zone

After locating your Climate Zone, you may refer to the chart below to decide when to start your cucumbers indoors. For example, if you live in Zone 6 you would want to start your cucumbers 8-9 weeks before the last frost date, April 15th, which would be  around February 18 through August 20th.

   

	WHEN YOU CAN START CUCUMBER KIT
Zone	From	To
1	Kit most successful indoors only in Zone 1
2	March 13	June 20
3 & 4	March13	July 21
5, 6 & 7	February 18	August 20
8	January 11	September 20
9	December 14	October 20
10	December 6	October 20
11	Kit can be started & then move outside year round

 

 

Wondering when to start your Little Marvel Peas this year? Below is a complete guide to how and when to start your Little Marvel Peas. Below is a Climate Zone Map which will help you find your zone and when you should start your crop this year. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. 
After checking your Climate Zone area, calculate 8-10 weeks before the danger of frost has passed and then begin your indoor Marvel Peas. After 8-10 weeks have gone by you may transplant your Marvel Peas outdoors. If you prefer a sweeter pea, you can transplant your crop 3-4 weeks before your zone’s last frost date. The cooler soil temperatures can yield to sweeter peas. For the highest yield of peas, make sure the plant has a string or thin wire to climb on.

However, if planning to keep your Marvel Peas indoors, remember you can start them at anytime of the year. For best results maintain the soil temperature around 45 degrees and moist. Then simply follow the directions on the Good Seeds Little Marvel Peas Growing Kit™ and instead of moving the Marvel Peas outdoors you can instead transplant the peas to a bigger container indoors. Remember: Marvel Peas need sun so make sure the peas are close to a large window and either string or thin wire so the vines have support to grow! 


USDA Hardiness Zone 

After locating your Climate Zone, you may refer to the chart below to decide when to start your peas indoors. For example, if you live in Zone 6 you would want to start your Little Marvel Peas 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, April 15th, which would be around February 18 through August 20th. 

   

	WHEN YOU CAN START PEA KIT
Zone	From	To
1	Kit most successful indoors only in Zone 1
2	March 6	June 20
3 & 4	March 6	July 21
5, 6 & 7	February 18	August 20
8	January 4	September 20
9	December 7	October 6
10	November 29	October 6
11	Kit can be started & then move outside year round

 

This delicious and moist carrot cake is a healthy alternative to the traditional high-calorie recipe. What a fun thing to mix up (and EAT) with your little ones during their Easter break!

INGREDIENTS:

Carrot Cake:

• 1 Cup: Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 tsp: Pumpkin Pie Spice or Apple Pie Spice
• 2 tsp: Cinnamon
• ½ tsp: Salt
• 1 ½: Baking Powder
• ¾ tsp: Baking Soda
• ¾ Cup: Baking Stevia or 1 ½ cup sweetener of choice that measures like sugar
• 2 Cups: Carrots, grated
• ½ Cup: Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk
• 4: Egg Whites
• ½ Cup: Pumpkin
• Optional: ¼ Cup raisins, or chopped walnuts/pecans

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) Container Light Cool Whip
• 1 (8 oz) Package Fat-Free Cream Cheese
• ¼ Cup: Baking Stevia or ½ cup Sweetener of choice that measures like sugar
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Begin by pre-heating oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the first seven (dry) ingredients.
3. Grate the carrots with a traditional grater, or using a food processor/blender.
4. Place the carrots in a small bowl, and mix them together with the rest of the (wet) ingredients. Then mix the wet and dry ingredients together, until everything is well combined.
5. Spray 2 (8-inch) round pans (or a 9×13 cake pan) with cooking spray. Pour batter evenly between the two pans.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
7. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and sweetener together in a bowl with a mixer until well blended. Gently fold the cool whip and cream cheese together.
8. Stack cake layers on a cake plate, filling and frosting the layers with the whipped cream cheese frosting.
9. Garnish with crushed walnuts, or pretty decorative topping if desired! Enjoy!

 

NUTRITION:

12 Servings

• 119 Calories Per Serving
• 3 g Fat
• 17g Carbohydrate
• 2g Fiber
• 5g Sugar
• 6g Protein

*Source: http://dashingdish.com/recipe/best-ever-moist-carrot-cake/

Easter is right around the corner and my little ones can not wait for the Easter Bunny to hop into town and leave Easter eggs filled with surprises for them. ...I guess we learn at a young age that good things do come in small packages! 

The following is both an easy and healthy way to kick start the Easter filled fun. 

SUPPLIES:

Empty Egg Carton and Empty Colorful Egg Cases

INGREDIENTS:

These are just ideas. You can use which ever assortment you like or have on hand. Another idea is to leave the last egg out of the egg carton - that one can be filled with a sweet treat - and they can find it and eat it after they've eaten a well-balanced and healthy meal!

• Assortment of Veggies
• Hummus
• Whole Wheat Crackers (Kashi Seven Grain Crackers are great!)
• Whole Wheat Annie’s Bunny Grahams
• Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
• Raisins
• Mixed Nuts

METHOD:

• Add ingredients to plastic eggs
• Add filled eggs to empty egg carton
• Hide dessert egg
• Call your little ones to the table for a super fun filled lunch!

*Source: http://kailochic.blogspot.com/2012/03/easter-egg-lunch.html

Wondering when to start your Bush Beans this coming year? Look no further! Below is a Climate Zone Map which will help you locate your zone and when you should start your crop this year. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. Keep in mind that Bush Beans are sensitive to frost and cold soil temperatures so be sure to check carefully when you should start your beans.
After checking your Climate Zone area, calculate 6 weeks before the danger of frost has passed and then begin your indoor Bush Beans. After six weeks have gone by and the threat of cold weather and frost have passed you can transplant your Bush Beans outdoors.

If planning to keep your Bush Beans indoors, remember you can start them at anytime of the year as long as you keep the soil temperature between 55-90 degrees. Then simply follow the directions on the Good Seeds Bush Bean Growing Kit and instead of moving the Bush Beans outdoors you can instead transplant the beans to a bigger container indoors. Remember: Bush Beans need sun so make sure the beans are close to a large window!

USDA Hardiness Zone 

After locating your Climate Zone, you may refer to the chart below to decide when to start your beans indoors. For example, if you live in Zone 6 you would want to start your bush beans 6 weeks before the last frost date (April 15th) which would be around March 4th up until August 20th.
 

   

	WHEN YOU CAN START BUSH BEAN KIT
Zone	From	To
1	Kit most successful indoors only in Zone 1
2	April 3	June 20
3 & 4	April 3	July 21
5, 6 & 7	March 4	August 20
8	February 1	September 20
9	January 4	October 20
10	December 20	October 20
11	Kit can be started & then move outside year round