My kids choose broccoli over fries and fresh fruit over candy most days, which often comes as a surprise to our friends and family. For most families, the struggle to get their kids to eat fruits and vegetables is real. While my best tip is to start young and introduce new foods often, all hope is not lost for families with school-aged children. Dole has partnered with Pixar’s Monster’s, Inc. and Monsters University to take the scare out of produce with fun, creative, kid-friendly recipes.
Sponsored.
Dole Takes the Scare Out of Fruits and Vegetables
I can’t even count the number of times my kids have looked at a food I’ve prepared and rejected it without even a taste. Unfamiliar fruits and vegetables may be intimidating for kids, which is why Dole’s Registered Dietitian Melanie Marcus offers some great tips for parents.
- Consider adding more diverse fruits and vegetables to your grocery list: There are over 50 Dole fruits and vegetables available at your local grocery store. Try Dole’s Monster Mash recipe using plantains or Mike Wazowki’s Fruit Stack using horned melon.
- Expand your recipe library with unexpected dishes: Dole has an expansive selection of plant-based, lean-protein recipes available for free to families as part of their initiative to promote healthy eating. Dole just released 10 “Monsters in the Kitchen” recipes featuring diverse fruits and vegetables and designed to inspire families to try new dishes.
- Don’t hesitate to reach for imperfect fruits and vegetables: Did you know? Imperfect fruits and vegetables typically provide the same taste and nutritional benefits while extending the shelf life. Marcus suggests substituting overripe fruits and vegetables in recipes, particularly those that or cooked, baked or blended. Additionally kids will learn about sustainability and reducing food waste.
10 Kid-Friendly Monsters in the Kitchen Recipes
Dole worked closely with the team at Pixar and Disney to collaborate on these Disney recipes, created by Registered Dietitian Melanie Marcus. They feature diverse fruits and vegetables, all with a unique, Pixar’s Monster’s Inc. twist.
Chicken Stuffed Roz Heads: Create the face of the iconic Monster’s, Inc. receptionist by topping DOLE® Avocado halves stuffed with lean chicken breast, DOLE® GreenGrapes, DOLE® Celery and nonfat Greek yogurt with pretzel twists and sticks, and DOLE® Strawberry and Blueberry slices.
Monster Mash: This frighteningly simple side dish is made with DOLE® Plantains and Spinach, potatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil and maple syrup.
Green Slime Nacho Cups: DOLE® Plantains, Avocados and Purple Cabbage come alive in this ultimate monster snack.
Slippery Slimy Smoothie: The whole family will love this monster-green concoction of DOLE® Spinach, Bananas, Green Grapes and cucumbers blended with almond milk and nonfat Greek yogurt.
Green Slimesicles: Dessert time takes an icky-but-tasty turn with these healthy frozen popsicles made from DOLE® Spinach, Bananas and Pineapples.
Monstropolis Waffles: Mornings will never be the same with these scary-good monster versions of the breakfast classic made with DOLE® Green Plantains, Kiwi and Blueberries.
Oodles of Monster Swoodles: DOLE® Sweet Potatoes or Broccoli Stems are way more fun when they are spiralized and mixed with garlic, olive oil and cherry tomatoes for a little shock value.
Little Boo Brussels Sprouts Bites: Even Boo wouldn’t fear this simple side dish of air-fried DOLE® Brussels Sprouts dipped in a mixture of non-fat Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil and lemon.
Mike Wazowski Fruit Stack: Everyone’s favorite Monsters, Inc., employee comes alive on the plate thanks to DOLE®Kiwi and Pineapple slices arranged with horned and honeydew melon. Dragon fruit and a dried blueberry become Mike’s eye.
Sulley Banana Dip: DOLE® Green Apples and Red and Green Grapes are dipped in a blend of DOLE®Bananas, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, dried berries and natural teal gel food coloring to give it that unmistakable Sulley hue.
Dole At Home Printable Activities
With a little more time at home, Dole has made it fun for kids to learn about healthy living, food safety, and more! Check out the Dole At-Home Resource Page which includes free, downloadable activity sheets like their Banana Sticker Peel-and-Play Collectors’ Sheets, a Monsters Produce-Matching Game, DIY Monster Masks, and more.
A Monstrous Giveaway
To celebrate Dole’s release of these brand- new recipes, I have partnered to giveaway 1 Monster’s, Inc.-inspired gift pack (ARV $100) which will include the following:
Pixar Slow Cooker
Ototo Spaghetti Monster Collander
Mike Wazowski Plush Pillow
The Dole Nutrition Handbook
Dole Apron
Dole Reusable Tote Bag
Dole Hat
To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter form and leave me a comment with the Dole recipe you want to try with your family. Comments will close on 08/16/2020 at 11:59 PM PST.
a Rafflecopter giveawayUS Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
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Hi, thank you so much for sharing this information. And it is kinda useful to me
Please cheak my article for some healthy recipy for baby
The pineapple & kiwi sounds great. Never tried that combo. Thanks.
I would like to try the Oodles of Monster Swoodles recipe.
We love pineapple!😋
I plan to try the Green Slimesicles!! Thanks for the chance to win!
i think the grandkids would love the Monstropolis Waffles:
I want to try the Green Slimesicles.
I’d like to try the Sully banana dip
I think my granddaughters would enjoy making the Green Slimesicles.
Green Slimesicles would be fun!
I think my family would love the Monstrpolis waffles the most.
I so want to try the Monster Mash recipe using DOLE products that sounds so yummy.
I can’t wait to make the green slimsicles. The kids are going to love these.
I’d like to try the Green Slimesicles. What a fun idea!
I wan to try Brussels Sprouts with dip.
i want to try out the Sulley Banana Dip.