Grilled Cheese - the Healthy Way

Yes, I am one of those moms who hides healthy stuff in her kids' favorite foods.

Jeremiah won't eat veggies - that he can see. So Mom just sneaks them in here and there.

This recipe is a lunch staple around here because both boys love their "cheese toast!" And that makes me love it!

Hiding veggies does require some prep but I think it is totally worth it. Ice cube trays and freezer bags have become my good friends.

So here it is, from the wonderful Deceptively Delicious cookbook.


DD Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Ingredients
* 1/2 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup sweet potato or butternut squash puree
* 1 tablespoon trans-fat-free soft margarine spread
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (I didn't use any)
* 4 slices of whole-wheat bread
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, mix the cheese, vegetable puree, margarine & salt. Spread two slices of bread with the cheese mixture & top with the other two slices.

2. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray & set it over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Put the sandwiches in the pan & spray the top with cooking spray. Cook 4 -5 minutes per side, or until bread is crisps and the filling is melted. Let sit a few minutes before cutting - Jeremiah like his cut into triangles :)

Do you hide healthy things in your kids' food? Successes? Failures?

Meatloaf Muffins

To be fair, I actually like these the best in our family. But the boys will eat them so they're getting thrown on this site!

I love this recipe from Kraft Foods because it is EASY and versatile. I also like them because I am a big fan of the crunchy outside of meatloaf and with muffins, you get lots of crunch!

My favorite is the Mexcian variety - I like some spice - and no cheese of course. Stephen would prefer the Italian version with LOTS of mozzarella.

I just made a batch of Mexican and a batch of Italian today, flash froze them and now have them on hand for a quick meal!

Any other variation ideas? Let me know!

Ingredients
For all varitations you'll need the following...
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix
1 cup water

Then you can mix & match your recipe from these options...

Italian
Seasoning - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Add-in - spaghetti sauce (I used pizza sauce)
Cheese possibilities - shredded mozzarella

Mexican
Seasoning - 2 tsp chili powder
Add-in - salsa or taco sauce
Cheese possibilities - Mexican style

Mediterranean
Seasoning - 1 tsp dried oregano
Add-in - chopped roasted red peppers
Cheese possibilities - crumbled feta

American
Seasoning - 1 tsp garlic powder
Add-in - barbecue sauce
Cheese possibilities - shredded cheddar

Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Mix meat, stuffing mix, water and seasoning until well blended. Press into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray.

Make indentation in center of each with back of spoon; fill evenly with 3/4 cup add-ins.

Bake 30 min. or until meatloaves are done (160°F). Top with 3/4 cup cheese; bake 5 min. or until melted. Let stand 10 min.