Weelicious Lunches Cookbook Review and Recipe {Giveaway Closed}

In the spirit of no tricks and just treats this Halloween, mom a la mode wants to continue to share some great resources for healthy family eating here on the ol’ blog.

And given the candy and sugar-saturated festivities sure to be taking place this week, I figured a post about Catherine McCord’s latest cookbook Weelicious Lunches could level things out a bit for all of us, and maybe even serve as last minute inspiration as to what to serve your little ghosts and goblins on Halloween – and certainly beyond.

If you’re not familiar with McCord, she is the founder of the popular website, weelicious.com, dedicated to fast, fresh and healthy family recipes.  She also attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City (I don’t remember if she was a student while I worked there) and has appeared on several tv shows and in numerous magazines.

At first glance, the book is something you want on your kitchen shelf.

Vibrant, bright, clean, with gorgeous photography of healthy food jumping off of its pages.  There are also some sweet photos peppered in of her and her family “in action.”

While it’s mostly a cookbook, Weelicious Lunches is also chaptered out to address issues pertaining to “strategies for picky eaters,” “food allergies at the lunch table” as well as helpful “lunchbox combination ideas” and “theme meals” that correspond to the season or holiday.

Let’s talk food.

McCord is a big fan of yogurt, referring to plain Greek yogurt as one of her “pantry staples” and then going a step further, she understands the importance of organic and choosing it when she can.

I happen to subscribe to the same school of thought, buying organic milk exclusively, and organic dairy products whenever possible.  As you can see from my little badge on the side of my blog, I’m a big fan (and brand ambassador!) of Stonyfield yogurt and my toddler son especially enjoys the Greek style best.

And as long as we’re on the subject, I’ve been given special permission to share with you McCord’s recipe for Cucumber Yogurt Dip, which can make a great holiday appetizer when paired with carrot or celery sticks (my son LOVES them raw!), pita chips or even chicken kabobs.  And certainly a yummy lunch or after-school snack idea.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip from Weelicious Lunches
 http://www.weelicious.com

Makes 1 Cup

Ingredients:

½ cup plain Greek Yogurt (tip: I like Stonyfield organic)

½ cup diced cucumbers (tip: McCord likes Persian cucumbers with skin on, but you can also use peeled English or hothouse cukes)

2 teaspoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix together all ingredients
2. Serve chilled with desired accompaniments (raw veggies, pita chips, chicken kabos, etc.)

How easy – and healthy – is that?!  And if your kid is anything like mine, he/she will even help you make the dip (which I find is sometimes the best way to get him to eat his veggies or try new things – while he’s stirring and helping me cook!)

And now onto the Giveaway…

 One lucky reader will win (1) copy of Weelicious Lunches by Catherine McCord and a variety of free Stonyfield coupons (valued at $30) Enter to win today:a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Happy Healthy Eating!

oxox

-mom a la mode

{I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I received a copy of the Weelicious Lunches cookbook and Stonyfield coupons for review purposes.  All opinions expressed here are solely mine. Permission granted to share Cucumber Yogurt Dip recipe by Catherine McCord.}