Editors of Adams Media - The 50 Best Family-Friendly Recipes. Tasty, Fresh, and Easy to Make!

Avon, Massachusetts Everyday life is so different compared to past generations schedules are more hectic, family mealtimes are few and far between, extracurricular activities run late into the evening, and fast food has become the convenient meal cop-out of overbooked families. Yet, there really is no reason for it quick, easy, and most importantly healthy meals can be prepared in the same amount of time it takes to meander through the drive-thru. And eating together as a family can help you teach your children healthful eating habits incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, trying new food, and actually sitting at a table to eat! Here are fifty delicious recipes with enough variety to please each member of your family. Youll find classics like pizza, meatloaf, and (healthier) chicken tenders, as well as more adventurous fare Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Balsamic Grilled Tuna, and Grilled Chicken and Mango Salad. Best of all, most recipes can be made in that hectic half-hour after work and practice and before homework and evening activities. We havent forgotten the treats, though there are recipes for weekend breakfasts, fun party treats, and special desserts perfect for sleepovers and birthday parties.

As a parent, you know that there are always food challenges, but by providing home-cooked, healthier meals, your children will learn the true meaning of moderation, self-control, and the proper place for food in our incredible world. Invite your children into the kitchen. Let them help you make dinner while you catch up on their day. And make the time to enjoy a good, old-fashioned family dinner as often as you can. Youll be creating family traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.

Scramble the eggs in the pan.

Lay tortilla flat and place scrambled eggs down the center.

Lay tortilla flat and place scrambled eggs down the center.

Top eggs with salsa. Roll tortilla up and serve.

Talk about Quick and Easy! With the protein of eggs, and the tomato salsa for kick (and even a little bit of vitamin C and antioxidants), add in the fiber of the wrap or tortilla, and a glass of milk, and the nutrients in the morning do not get any better than this. It takes moments to prepare, and just a few minutes to eat, but the children will have a nutritious breakfast, which will absolutely improve their performance on that school day! Baked Apple Pancakes Worth the work and fun for the whole family! Serves 34 Ingredients Apple filling: 2 tablespoons trans-fat-free margarine 3 to 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly 6 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Pancake batter: 3 eggs cup flour cup low-fat milk 1 tablespoon low-fat plain yogurt 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated Powdered sugar, to garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. In a skillet, melt the margarine.
3. Add sliced apples, cinnamon, and sugar.

   Saut, continue stirring, until apples are soft.

4. Remove from heat, transfer apples to a large round pie pan and set aside.
5. Mix eggs until foamy.
6. Add flour, milk, yogurt, and lemon zest, and beat until smooth.
7. Pour pancake batter over apples.
8. Using a sieve, dust powdered sugar over the top before serving.

A Fun Breakfast Loaded with Vitamin C Add either an 8-ounce container of any flavored low-fat yogurt, or a glass of low-fat milk, and some fresh fruit salad, and this becomes a perfect well-rounded breakfast for all. A Fun Breakfast Loaded with Vitamin C Add either an 8-ounce container of any flavored low-fat yogurt, or a glass of low-fat milk, and some fresh fruit salad, and this becomes a perfect well-rounded breakfast for all.

Peanut Butter Muffins A perfect school breakfast quick, and full of those nutrients that will keep the brain running until lunchtime. Include a glass of low-fat milk, a slice of low-fat cheese, or a container of low-fat flavored yogurt, and a piece of fruit, to complete this meal. Serves 12 Ingredients 2 eggs 1 cup low-fat milk 1 medium banana, mashed cup trans-fat-free peanut butter cup canola oil cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed completely cup nonfat dry milk 2 cups flour 1 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a small bowl, beat eggs. Set aside.
3. Add the eggs to the large bowl.
4. Add the eggs to the large bowl.

   Mix until creamy and smooth.

5. Combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and add into the large bowl. Mix again until smooth.
6. Line a muffin tin with paper liners (or lightly spray with nonstick spray).
7. Fill each muffin cup about full.

Breakfast Crepes Worth the time heres another one the kids can be hands-on with in the kitchen. Breakfast Crepes Worth the time heres another one the kids can be hands-on with in the kitchen.

A wonderful Sunday brunch item. Serves 8 Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 eggs cup low-fat milk cup water teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons trans-fat-free margarine, melted 1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour and the eggs.
2. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring until smooth.
3. Add the salt and melted margarine. Beat until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the frying pan, using approximately cup for each crepe.
5. Tilt pan in a circular motion, so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
6. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown.
7. Loosen with a spatula; turn and cook the other side.
8. Fill as desired and serve.

Fillings for Breakfast Crepes Berries and yogurt: fill crepes with low-fat flavored or vanilla yogurt and fresh berries. Fillings for Breakfast Crepes Berries and yogurt: fill crepes with low-fat flavored or vanilla yogurt and fresh berries.

Roll crepes and dust with powdered sugar. Dessert Crepes: Using above batter, spread crepes with low-fat frozen yogurt and sliced bananas. Roll crepes and dust with powdered sugar. This batter is so adaptable and delicious that you may fill the crepes with just about any combination of foods, just fill, roll, and enjoy. Classic Egg Omelet You may choose to try different cheese selections, and certainly opt to add the kids favorite veggies.

Spray a 9" 13" pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Whisk together eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour mixture into pan.

Bake about 20 minutes, until set.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese.

Cut omelet in 6 pieces, place on separate dishes, and carefully roll up each omelet, cheese-side in.

Cut omelet in 6 pieces, place on separate dishes, and carefully roll up each omelet, cheese-side in.

Cheese will melt.

Serve with whole grain roll.

Soft-Shell Chicken Tacos Another favorite lunch the kids wont trade. Its doubtful any of their friends will have anything so unique. Remember there are many lunches to pack over the years you have to stay creative! Serves 4 Ingredients 2 cups roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast, shredded cup bottled salsa (choose spice level as desired) 8 (6-inch) corn or whole wheat tortillas cup shredded romaine lettuce 1 cup chopped tomato cup low-fat Cheddar cheese, shreddedNext page