BERGEN COUNTY MOMS

Nothing smells like home cooking like fresh muffins baking in the oven! We added pumpkin, a seasonal favorite and nutrition powerhouse to this muffin mix and got double thumbs up! This muffin is a great grab- and-go nutritional breakfast or snack that provides an excellent source of vitamin A, and a good source of dietary fiber and the mighty mineral iron. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, all-purpose, gluten free (or 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 enriched white flour) 2 teaspoons bak

Move over spiced pumpkin lattes… our delicious pumpkin smoothie is loaded with good nutrition, high in protein and contains all natural ingredients! This pumpkin smoothie is made with the real flesh of this super fruit loaded with beta carotene to boost the immune system, not a simple syrup. This smoothie is a quick way to energize your fall morning or any day of the harvest season! Ingredients: ¾ cup pumpkin puree, frozen ½ banana, frozen 1 ½ cup Greek non-fat yogurt,

Gnocchi (pronounced knee-oh-key) is a fun word to say but it’s even more fun to eat! We added sweet potatoes to this classic Italian pasta to give it a big boost of vitamins and minerals – including an amazing boost of vitamin A. The sweet taste of the gnocchi in contrast with cool, refreshing pesto has kids (and grown-ups) asking for seconds of this high fiber, super dish. Ingredients: Basil Pesto: 4 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves ¼ cup hulled raw sunflower seeds

Cupcakes for breakfast? Yes, if they are made with zucchini! We grow so much of this veggie in our HealthBarn garden that we’ve found dozens of delicious ways to use it in our recipes. This low-fat breakfast treat is a good source of fiber and will be sure to get the whole family up and energized to start their healthy day! Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons agave nectar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oth

Who doesn’t love a great-tasting carrot cake? Lately, bakery bought carrot cakes have been super sweet with specks of carrots, which is why we took on this challenge. You can make a traditional cake or easy grab-and-go cake bites which capture the classic flavor in a perfect serving size that’s delicious without the guilt. It’s made with fiber-packed whole-wheat flour; flaxseeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids; and carrots loaded with beta carotene to boost the immune

Believe it or not, we are eating cookies at HealthBarn USA! These energy packed treats are (of course) made with all-natural ingredients and taste really good! Not only does this cookie have a lot of protein to help our bodies grow, but they are also fun to make in a group…and you don’t have to bake them at all! Refrigerate the extras, so they are handy as an after-school snack. Many parents are looking for healthy grab-n-go treats — this is a great solution! Ingredients:

This simple recipe always receives rave reviews from kids and parents alike! The challenge was finding a delicious alternative to the beloved—but artificial—marshmallow. The answer? Naturally delicious Greek vanilla yogurt. It’s creamy, satisfying, and adds a wholesome twist everyone can enjoy. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s the perfect treat for family gatherings, parties, and get-togethers. Enjoy! Ingredients: 4 Graham crackers 4 Tablespoons semi-sweet mini c

Try this Asian dish with a twist! Zucchini noodles provide a nutritious and easy, way to make this dish a healthy family meal. Bring the markets of Eastern Asia into your kitchen with this delicious recipe that will receive a thumbs-up all around. To satisfy all diets, it’s gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan! Ingredients: 3 zucchini squash, medium ¼ cup vegetable broth, low sodium 1 ½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons Braggs Liquid Aminos (or low sodium soy sauce) 2 ta

There are many traditional Latin American recipes for chicken and rice, but this is a healthy take on a classic! This recipe is packed with flavor while being low in fat and lower in sodium. It is also a great source of vitamins A and C, and provides some iron and calcium too. This chicken and rice dish is sure to be a hearty family favorite. Ingredients: 2 bone-in skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) 4 garlic cloves, chopped, divided 1 yellow onion, chopped, divided 1 ta

We know what you’re thinking – cookies made with chickpeas? But these cookies are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies without sacrificing any flavor! Including these beans is a great way to add extra protein and dietary fiber to the family diet. Try using raisins in place of chocolate chips for an added twist and boost of iron. Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds ½ teaspoon bak

Soon enough, little red raspberries will be popping up on our beloved raspberry bushes at HealthBarn USA, and we can’t wait! Not only are raspberries delicious, but they’re also an excellent source of dietary fiber, the antioxidant vitamin C, and the mineral manganese, as well as a good source of vitamin K, which helps keep blood oxygenated. A lot of nutrition for a little berry! While fresh-picked raspberries are sweet-tart, juicy, and irresistible just as they are, there

This truly perfect recipe is one of the all-time favorites at HealthBarn. “It’s so good” says one of our taste-testers, “that you want to eat it again and again!” The tofu reduces the unhealthy saturated fat you’ll find in most frozen dessert bars and makes this a must-have chocolate-y after-school or summer snack. Ingredients: 3 ounces of semisweet chocolate bar ½ cup silken light tofu, drained ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 5 ripe but firm medium bananas 15 wooden ice cre

Summer is an exciting time to play outside and be active all day long. The high heat of the day and lots of play time can lead to dehydration, especially for children and older adults. Remember that if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Before you reach for a Gatorade loaded with food dyes, here are our top hydration tips: Water! Make sure you have that reusable water bottle at your side at all times and remember to sip and refill at least 3-4 times a day. Acces

It’s peach season and these abundant and juicy peaches are perfect for thumbs up Peach Donuts! Our scratch donuts are made with mashed peaches (making them an excellent source of vitamin C), and baked to perfection. If you don’t have a donut baking tray, make donut holes in muffins tins! Serve with fresh berries for an added immune booster! Ingredients: ¾ cup whole wheat flour ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tea

It's time to celebrate our country's independence—and this year, the celebration is even more special as we begin honoring America's 250th anniversary! What better way to gather friends and family than with a festive Red, White & Blue party featuring delicious food, refreshing beverages, and patriotic desserts? What can you do for the Red, White + Blue Party? Here are some ideas... Of course, color coordinate! Invitations, decor and dress the part! Wear red, white and b

Need a summer date night? 💕 Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening at The Brick House—a historic and elegant steakhouse known for its incredible food and timeless atmosphere. Enjoy the perfect summer evening with amazing food, great company, and a cozy, elegant vibe. Enter now for your chance to WIN $100 Visit The Brick House The Brick House 179 Godwin Ave | Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.848.1211 The Brick House, a Wyckoff NJ restaurant and event venue, has been a premier Bergen

It's Father's Day weekend and that means grilling, and grilling means kabobs! Bright citrus flavors and fresh herbs make these shrimp kabobs a warm-weather classic that you’ll be sure to make year after year. The natural citrus juices are loaded with vitamins A and C to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Ingredients: 8 bamboo skewers 1½ cups water 1 cup jasmine rice 2 medium zucchini (10 ounces each) 2 medium yellow bell peppers 2 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon sea s

On hot, steamy days, there is nothing more refreshing than an all-natural slushie! The only preparation required is to freeze the melons ahead of time into cubes or balls. This slushie gets its color naturally from vitamins A and C. Kids and grown-ups definitely agree on this delicious and nutritious melon slushie with a hint of mint and sweetness. Enjoy! Ingredients: 1 cup watermelon, frozen 1 cup cantaloupe, frozen 1 cup honey dew melon, frozen 2 cups water (coconut water o

This recipe “stacks up” better than the traditional eggplant parm you’ll find on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant. We wanted to lighten up the old-school version, which can be very heavy and high in calories. We started by baking instead of frying the eggplant but still kept the crunchy texture by using panko breadcrumbs, reducing the extra calories and saturated fat. The result is a protein and fiber-packed side dish or main course, if you serve with a mixed gree

Blueberries are a superfood! Blueberries are versatile fruit: great for fruit salads, grain salads, smoothies, and baked goods! But did you know that this delicious little fruit is also a superfood? Their deep blue color isn’t just pretty to look at. The color is a result of a high flavonoid content, which may help to preserve memory and is a powerful antioxidant. Blueberries also have a high water content, keeping your skin nicely hydrated. One cup of raw blueberries p