BERGEN COUNTY MOMS

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

Caprese Salad on a Stick

If you haven’t had a tasty farm-fresh egg, you are really missing out. Egg whites get thumbs up from kids! Egg whites are a complete protein and kids will have fun getting some exercise by whisking them to be super-fluffy. We added fresh spinach and parsley from the garden for some greens. Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, look for eggs! Ingredients: 2 large egg whites 1 tablespoon low-fat (1%) milk 1 tablespoon chopped baby spinach ½ tablespoon shredded 50% reduc

This new recipe is a favorite with kids (and parents, too!). It’s super fun to make and delicious to eat, and it’s loaded with good nutrition. High in protein and vitamin A and also a good source of iron, just two Vietnamese Spring Rolls pack a serious nutrition punch. Perfect for lunch, as an afternoon snack or fancy party food! This is a thumbs up winner! Ingredients: ½ pound shrimp, deveined 10 ounces of thin rice noodles 16 rice paper sheets 1 cup mint leaves 2 cups sh

The Rainbow Swirly Smoothie was created here at HealthBarn for kids by kids! It’s so easy, refreshing and vitamin-packed that parents love it, too. Blend this yummy smoothie up for breakfast or share it with friends for a high-energy, after-school snack. It’s loaded with vitamin C to help keep your body running strong, it’s a good source of calcium, and it has fiber to keep your digestive system regular. Drink up! Ingredients: 1½ cups frozen strawberries (can substitute froze

Peas are the first seeds to be planted in the spring season, so we had to celebrate the season with this deliciously fresh Pea Hummus. The splash of orange juice makes it a good source of vitamin C to boost the immune system. This light and refreshing hummus is perfect for dipping or spreading on sandwich bread or wraps. Ingredients: ½ medium fennel bulb, trimmed 1 garlic clove ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 1½ cups of fresh or frozen sweet green peas

Named Coffee Cake because it is usually served along with the popular breakfast beverage; we’d recommend your kids skipping the coffee part (but mom may need the caffeine boost every now and then!). Our version is made in a mini muffin pan to insure the right portion size. The traditional version is topped with a butter and sugar based crumb topping, but we use flaxseeds and walnuts to get that same flavor with a dose of good-for-you unsaturated fats. Skip the walnuts if all

Parents are always looking for ways to get their kids to eat more protein. I have found the perfect hands-on recipe solution that kids love while providing them with a lean protein source and healthy fat to boost their brain power — Tilapia Fish Sticks! Remember those frozen fish sticks circa 1975? Well skip the frozen stuff and try these fresh Tilapia Fish Sticks! Your kids will love being part of the process in dipping, coating and baking their “sticks.” You can feel gre