Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Mamiverse Food Contributor Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack for receiving the Cosmopolitan for Latinas Blogger Award!
One of the issues that concerns me the most is the health of children. As a mother and a cookbook author I’m passionate about family, traditions, home-cooked meals, eating at the dinner table with your family, and taking an active role in your children’s diet.
A HEALTHIER MENU FOR ALL
My hubby and I agreed when we were pregnant to feed our children the same food we ate. We were not going to be short order cooks and we were not going to be serving our children chicken nuggets (if we could help it). We also agreed to incorporate healthy fruits and veggies with all of our meals. I’m not saying we don’t order take out like pizza or Chinese, because we do, after all we are human…but we do try and plan our weekly menus and prepare healthy meals as much as possible.
I try and get my kids to help in the kitchen as much as possible and this is the perfect dish for little helpers. My son loves to help by spinning the salad in the salad spinner while my daughter chops the pears. I find that when my kids help me make a meal they are more likely to eat their creation. They get very excited that everyone enjoys what they prepared.
Read Related: Nutrition 101: Mom’s Tool Kit for a Healthy Family
A SALAD WITH SOME SWEET NOTES
You can serve this colorful salad as a side with your meal or as an entrée. Try adding grilled chicken for a heartier meal. My children love this salad because it is super flavorful with the addition of sweet candied walnuts and juicy pears combined with the tangy, dark balsamic dressing. This colorful and flavorful salad will look gorgeous on your dinner table and is a snap to make.
SPRING SALAD WITH PEARS, CANDIED WALNUTS & GORGONZOLA CHEESE
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 cup walnuts
½ cup granulated sugar
6 cups spring mix salad greens
2 pears, cored and cubed
½ cup dried cranberries
8 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
Balsamic vinaigrette
Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet, sauté walnuts and sugar over medium heat until walnuts are caramelized, stirring often (they will be light brown and coated with melted sugar), approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Spread the walnuts on foil or waxed paper. After they cool, break apart.
- In a large salad bowl place the mixed greens, pears, cranberries, and cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Toss gently; add candied walnuts, and toss again.
