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Food Education Center

  • Easter Eats: chocolate edition

    Easter Eats: chocolate edition

    Okay, in case you missed it, check out these protein packed ideas for how to get-your-egg-on before the Easter Bunny comes knockin.’ Now, let’s be honest. Nobody shows up for the Easter egg hunt actually searching for eggs. We want what’s inside those lil’ colorful cuties. CHOCOLATE. We want it. We want it NOW. Valentine’s Day is long gone, but don’t worry, Easter is a solid runner up in giving us excuses to indulge. If voraciously biting the head off an innocent little bunny with a bow in her hair isn’t your thing…good for you! You have a soul! Just kidding…Kind of. No matter your preferred form of chocolatey goodness, we’ve got some super delicious (semi healthy!) ideas to take your Easter up a notch.

    Drink it

    I’m doin’ it again. I’m talkin’ about SUPERFOODS. But this time, there’s chocolate involved, so listen up. Back in the deep dark months of winter you may have heard about superfood hot chocolate. Most recipes out there, like this one from MindBodyGreen, are loaded with cinnamon, maca, turmeric, raw cacao, and lots of deliciousness. In case you are like me and see the ingredient maca popping up EVERYWHERE and keep scratching your head, I did the research for ya. Maca is a root veggie originally grown in Peru. Today, you probably see it in powdered form sprinkled on top of every foodie instrammer’s smoothie out there. Vitamin C, iron, potassium, and potential mood boosting and hormone balancing properties are just some of the benefits from this baby. But enough about veggies, let’s get back to the good stuff, the better stuff, CHOCOLATE. While hot cocoa season is finally in our rear view mirrors and spring has almost sprung, smoothie season is upon us! Blend up this chocolate superfood smoothie to start every day with somethin’ sweet, and most importantly, nutritious. Better yet, toss some fresh greens in there. I PROMISE you and your little smoothie slurpers will not taste them a bit.

    Dollop it

    Do you dream of magical lands where you can eat chocolate mousse EVERY SINGLE DAY instead of just on your birthday (and hopefully all your friends’ birthdays)?? Me too. And guess what, that magical land is real!! With a lil avocado, cocoa powder, and somethin’ to sweeten it and smooth it out, chocolate mousse will soon be one of your main food groups. Okay, we still don’t recommend replacing your morning oats with some morning mousse, but a few spoonfuls here and there should do the trick. Plop it on top of some fruit or yogurt for a dessert with so much sweetness and not too much sugar. If you’re feelin’ real crafty and can’t fight those cravings till later, stir some in to your morning smoothie to make it extra smooth and EXTRA tasty. And for these hot summer months that are finally in our sights, freeze the stuff. Whip up your batch of mousse (or a few) and pop a container in the freezer. You will have healthy ice cream at hand for any day when chocolate is calling your name (…probably everyday). Just grab a spoon and get to scoopin.’

    Dip it

    For days when you don’t have the time or energy to put more than two ingredients together, chill. You’ve got this. There is a simple yet satisfying indulgence that we often forget about (or at least I do)! It’s a crazy thought, really. A combination so crazy it just might work: fruit+chocolate. That’s it. I can finally use the word “literally” and actually mean it literally. Make sure to keep fresh fruit on hand, especially as it starts to warm up and more choices become available locally at your farmer’s market. Keep a bag or two of your favorite chocolate chips or even your favorite chocolate bar in the cupboard and save it for days and nights when you need something quick to curb those cravings. Melt a lil’ bit of the good stuff (hopefully of the fair trade and high cacao percentage variety) and dip a few fresh strawberries right in there. Dunk some hunks of banana, drizzle it over some dark cherries. The majority of your sugar intake will still come from the fruit, but sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. Plus, your little ones will love helping out on this one. They can be in charge of, well, basically everything. From stirring up the chocolate to doing the dipping all by themselves, and of course, the EATING. If you’re chopping up the fruit, you might want to take a lead with the knife skills, but then this sweet treat is as kid friendly as it gets.

    DEVOUR IT…on occasion

    Alright, it’s freakin’ Easter. Just eat the chocolate bunny. Better yet, split one with your little one. Show them that enjoying the occasional indulgence is actually, in itself, HEALTHY. Things get messy when we start tossing around terms like “guilty pleasure.” If you want a sweet treat after dinner and you’ve got room in the belly, GO FOR IT. Don’t waste your energy on guilt and all that nonsense. Just tune in to your tummy and your taste buds. Maybe one day you toss some chocolate chips into your trail mix, maybe the next day you snack on raw veggies. It’s all good. Teach your kids the importance of eating their veggies, and also, that it’s okay to have a treat now and again. And of course, not only should veggies always be on their plates and in their bellies, but they can actually TASTE GOOD. Eat your veggies and ENJOY THEM. Eat your chocolate and enjoy that too. It is Easter, after all. So bite into that bunny today, and make a veggie-filled meal tomorrow. I’ve never fully grasped that whole “have your cake and eat it too concept,” but I think it has something to do with this. Balance, baby. It’s key.

    (Image by flickr member Anna Adams licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • Easter Eats: egg edition

    Easter Eats: egg edition

    Ah, at last, spring is FINALLY in the air, for real this time. Flowers are beginning to bloom and the air smells sweet…because chocolate bunnies are EVERYWHERE. Their delicious beady eyes following me as I roam the aisles…headed for the veggie section…trying to resist their tempting glares…using every ounce of willpower that I have…but wait! I almost forgot that the Easter Bunny brings us another item on the menu that is just as delicious (and a lil’ better for your body). What is this magical treat I speak of? The egg of course! The perfect nutrient punch you need to keep you energized all day (and night) all packed in one little sphere. Here are some ideas for how to fill your plates and bellies with protein before you dive into the sweet stuff.

    Morning

    If you are bored out of your mind of the classic scrambled or fried variations, and don’t have time to sit around waiting for poaching or boiling, try cracking one right into your morning oats! Sounds strange? I thought so too, until I actually tasted it. Adding an egg (or a few) to a big bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning makes it just a bit creamier and a whole lot more nutritious. Oats are chock full o’ fiber to keep you full until lunch, but eggs are a whole different story. Vitamin D, Vitamin B2 AND 12, lutein, choline, biotin, selenium…even if you can’t pronounce ’em, your body still needs these nutrients! Plus, this early morning boost is SO quick and SO easy. I’m serious. You can have breakfast ready for you and the little ones in LITERALLY five minutes. Little ones will also love this one because chances are, if you sprinkle some cinnamon and add some fruit or nuts, they won’t even taste that EGGxtra protein Come on, you love a good (terrible) food pun too. And don’t forget that while their muscles are growing big and strong, so are their BRAINS. B vitamins and choline are key for healthy brain development. Talk about a superfood.

    Noon

    That lil’ devil is tapping on your shoulder. “Eat me! Eat me!” he says. Deviled eggs might sound dull and dreary for an afternoon snack idea, but with just a few quick additions you’ll be surprised just how satisfying this B vitamin filled bite can be. We usually see deviled eggs loaded with mayo & mustard. Sure it tastes great, but that usually means there’s a whole lotta sodium and fat goin’ on. I’m all for those healthy fats, but the egg yolk alone brings plenty to the table. Try swapping in Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and you’ll cut that fat from ten grams to one. If you just miss the mayo too much, opt for the olive oil variety. Most mainstream mayos use mysterious oils ranging from canola to vegetable to soybean. Olive oil offers more omegas and a smoother texture too. You can also try swapping out half the yolk for a dollop of your favorite hummus for a more plant friendly feast. And finally for the finishing touch, head over to the spice cabinet and go to town. Paprika is a classic addition, but for an anti-inflammatory boost, you guessed it, choose turmeric. This will also give your lil’ devils a pop of color you really can’t get from any other spice.

    Night

    The next time it’s Italian night in your house, push snooze on the pizza & pasta. Stracciatella soup is packed with simple, healthy ingredients and the whole family can help in the cooking process. It may be a mouthful to say, but it will certainly fill your bellies up fast. It’s basically broth with some eggs ‘n greens tossed right in there. Oh, and I can’t forget the CHEESE. A pinch of parmesan makes this meal creamy, dreamy, and delicious. Now let’s get cooking and coagulating. Say it with me, co-ag-you-late. Your first grader will definitely get a gold star if they toss that one into classroom conversation. They can tell their classmates all about how they helped you whip up dinner by pouring some farm fresh eggs into the boiling broth and watched them coagulate (basically the super fancy way to say turn from liquid to solid). What else is awesome about this special soup? It is the perfect opportunity to toss in your favorite dark leafy greens and herbs! Seriously, whatever you like, spinach, kale, basil, parsley, if it grew from Mama Earth, go for it. Combined with the flavorful broth and that ooey gooey melty mixture of egg & cheese, even your lil’ green-veg-protesting-palates will slurp up this soup until the last drop.

    Midnight

    That time rolls around again…maybe you are up late working to finish that presentation you have to deliver in just eight hours…perhaps you just can’t seem to stop clicking “continue watching” and find yourself deep into season 8…9…10…OKAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It’s time for a midnight snack. The Spanish tortilla is here to save the day before the sun even rises. Made with just four ingredients, count em (on one hand) FOUR, this one pan potato and egg dish is DELICIOUS and also will give you that extra boost of energy you need in those wee hours while the rest of the world sleeps. This dish is commonly eaten late at night in Spain, and they are clearly onto something. Simple to make and pleasing to all palates, grab a fork and get to that midnight munching. And save those leftovers (if there are any) for the morning…in just a few hours…because this late night snack doubles as a beautiful breakfast. Chances are you didn’t get much sleep, if any, so reheating and eating probably sounds like a good idea.

    I know that we all wish chocolate bunnies could be a primary food group (or maybe it’s just me…) but sorry my lovelies, I don’t think the food pyramid is changing any time soon. So before you dive into those Easter baskets this year, remember to fuel up with some of these EGGxcellent recipes first! Sorry, I had to.

    (Image by flickr member carex_grayii licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • A Pilot Light Teacher’s Story

    A Pilot Light Teacher’s Story
    Here is a letter we received from a 3rd grade Pilot Light teacher, who saw that her students took lessons learned in Pilot Light to support, welcome and comfort a Turkish student who had just moved to Chicago from a refugee camp:
    Dear Pilot Light,
    I have been a Pilot Light teacher for the last 2 years and I wanted to let you know how much the program has changed the way I approach some topics and most importantly, how this particular class has been positively impacted by the program.Ray is a very multicultural school with students from approximately 35 countries. In my class alone there are students from Mexico, China, France, and most recently, Turkey.

    The student who just moved from a refugee camp in Turkey speaks little to no English and on his first day, was scared to eat lunch because he didn’t recognize the food and was worried about accidentally eating pork. The other students in my class immediately began opening their lunches to find foods that they remembered seeing or learning about and sharing their food, while one student ran upstairs to get me. The next day, I had students bring hummus, flatbread, extra cucumbers, carrots and olives with them to make sure he had food he would eat and would make him happy.

    I have taught for many years and I always have the very best of classes. I am still surprised that these 8-year-old students recognized and understood the comfort and safety that food can provide when you feel alone and scared, how it connects you to who you are and allows you to express that to others. This is because of Pilot Light. 

    For this reason and the many others that I have not had the opportunity to share, I thank you. You have made a HUGE difference in the lives of my students, even if they don’t recognize the catalyst of that difference.

    Sincerely,
    Chandra Garcia-Kitch
    3rd Grade Teacher, Ray Elementary School

    Do you want to bring Pilot Light to your school and like Ms. Garcia-Kitch, support your students in connecting with each other and making healthier choices through food education?  Applications for the 2017-2018 school year are open now.  Apply today!

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  • Pilot Light Progress: what next school year holds in store

    Pilot Light Progress: what next school year holds in store

    Summer is right around the corner and we cannot WAIT. We are done with snowflakes and ready for snowcones. Soon enough we will be lounging in our lawn chairs, lathering on the sunscreen, and before we know it, back to school shopping will be at the top of our list. Here at Pilot Light we are already prepping for the 2017-2018 school year and we have some pretty special stuff in store.

    Our Community Programs Manager, Kendra Julion, told me all about what we have coming up on the calendar. Get excited. Pilot Light will be partnering with 8 new schools and we will be focusing on new neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago. We are SO EXCITED to be part of the University of Chicago’s Community Programs Accelerator and work together to improve lives and communities. The Accelerator Program helps local nonprofit organizations make lasting impact in select Chicago neighborhoods through civic engagement and programming. We are lucky to be a part of it and hungry (literally) for success.

    These 8 new partner schools will bring us 24 amazing teachers who are eager to get your little ones excited about food education. And save the date! We are still accepting applications for these 8 partner schools until April 14th, so click here to nominate YOURS. Now, where was I? One of our favorite focuses for the upcoming school year will be our end-of-the-year celebration. Teachers will give presentations on some highlights from Pilot Light lessons throughout the year. I know, I know, this sounds nearly impossible because there are SO many terrific (and tasty) lessons to choose from. But we just will have to choose our most scrumptious memories to share. Perhaps pasta making with Chef Eric…or bread baking with Chef Greg…or of course those sweet s’mores that our students just can’t get enough of. I guess you will just have to wait and see what the foodie future holds…

    And finally, we have another project coming up that we are very, very excited about. It is not quite as delicious as snackin’ on some s’mores (the health-ified version of course!), but it is actually much more important. I’m talking about food justice and advocacy. Each class will choose a different food issue to focus on, and students will study the topic, ultimately presenting a project or event on their learnings. Ms. Garcia’s class at Ray Elementary is already working on a project for the end of this school year. They will be serving soup to immigrants and refugees at an art fair coming up in early June. Funds will go toward Pilot Light and help us keep up programs and events just like this one. Other ideas in store include students interviewing each other about their food habits and histories, and students calculating their own food waste and developing strategies to reduce this waste, specifically focusing on what is left on their lunch trays when they are full.

    We cannot wait for what the summer and next school year bring…and we PROMISE that it will be delicious.

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  • Go Green, Eat Clean

    Go Green, Eat Clean

    By Brenna O’Dea

    Our favorite holiday is right around the corner! St. Patrick’s Day does not call for gift giving, costume parties, or excuses to eat ridiculous amounts of baked goods and salted meats, but it does bring something special to the table…the color GREEN! Leprechauns creep me out, and I think Lucky Charms are gross, but who cares? Green food is good food, and we’ve got some tricks and treats to make this St. Patty’s Day your yummiest one yet.

    Mint Chip

    IT’S ALMOST ICE CREAM SEASON. Okay, honestly, it’s always ice cream season. But it is almost socially acceptable and physically possible to stroll through the streets with the sun shining on your face and some delicious dairy dripping down the side of the cone…without your hands freezing off. We just want to get a head start. A healthy head start. This mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe calls for avocado. Yup. Ya heard it right. And if you opt for the raw cacao nibs, this is just about the healthiest damn ice cream you’ll ever sink your spoon into. This particular recipe does not include green food coloring, and we are just fine with that because, hey, those fresh mint leaves add plenty of color for our hungry eyes. But…if you do want something even brighter and bolder, try this tasty treat on for size. Basically the same safe ingredients, with just a few drops of green for a lil’ extra fun. I’ve always believed that green mint chip ice cream tastes better than white, because, well, IT DOES. Just like blue m&ms taste WAY better than all the rest, right? Anyway, as long as these food-coloring-filled indulgences are kept to special occasions, go for it. Life’s to short to miss out on some sweetness. And perhaps after your little one falls in love with green ice cream, they will go gaga over green veggies next.

    Kale Chip

    I remember when I first heard of this strange specialty. Kale? In chip form? What the hell…fast forward a few years and about a dozen batches later, I have finally mastered the kale chip and actually fallen in love with it. That might be a bit dramatic…but I have discovered ways to make kale chips not just tolerable, but DELICIOUS. There are two secrets to this green snack from the gods. Both yellow. Both nutrient packed and full of flavor. You probably already guessed the first one…turmeric. Duh. The super spice. Fighting inflammation and adding that extra kick to each crunchy bite. But the second one is a bit more elusive. Don’t let the name freak you out…nutritional yeast. Yep. Yeast. Don’t worry! It’s dead! This yeast is inactive and will not cause your belly to rise like dough. Still not convinced? Well then just taste it. It seriously tastes just like cheese. I promise. This crazy good kale chip recipe uses turmeric, nutritional yeast, along with healthy fats from your oil of choice and some garlic for even more flavor. Even little ones with love their kale when it is this crispy and crunchy. And they can certainly take charge in the kitchen on this one. Simply wash, dry, and rip up those leaves, and then sprinkle on your favorite spices. Snack time will never be the same.

    Pasta

    Pesto pasta to be more specific. You may remember gushing about pesto pasta wayyy back in summertime when we weren’t worried about Snow Storm Stella derailing our spring break plans. Well today I bring you two new takes on this special sauce, and this time, your pasta will be packed with SUPERFOODS. Kale and walnuts make this green stuff creamy, dreamy, and delicious. With a lil’ salt, pepper, and of course some cheese and oil, the whole family will dig in and never guess that the main ingredient is KALE. For the even more adventurous diners at your dinner table, whip up a batch of this beautiful green goo made with pumpkin seeds and believe it or not…BROCCOLI.

    Puree

    A baby’s first bite. It can make or break EVERYTHING. Just kidding. Your little one may not be fond of green veggies for the first few weeks, months, or even years…but soon enough, they are bound to find at least one or two green goodies that they can get down with. For me, an early favorite was green peas. This is a pretty common one for tiny tastebuds. Naturally sweet and bite size, and perfect for pureeing. Let’s start with the basics. This super simple recipe calls for only a handful of ingredients: the peas of course, plus some parmesan, garlic, yogurt and mint. Begin with this base and add in any spices your hungry heart desires. Make it smoother with some olive oil, or sneak in some other green veggies for good measure. Broccoli, asparagus, spinach, anything really. It will all blanch and blend beautifully into one simple green dish to delight all your diners (even your teeny tiny toothless babes!)

    We hope these recipes make your St. Patty’s Day a bit brighter, healthier, and of course, YUMMIER. And remember, if a kale salad doesn’t do it for ya, some green ice cream might just do the trick.

    (Image by flickr member Ileana de la Parte licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • Pizza Party

    Pizza Party

    By Brenna O’Dea

    Started from the bottom

    Grains: Gluten free grains work just as well (if not better!) than their wheat-based buddies. We’ve got two great options for your bloat-free base. Try out a tortilla and pile it high with your favorite toppings. As I.G. herself would say (Ina Garten if you are insane and don’t know who I’m obviously talking about) how easy is that!? No kneading necessary, and hardly any clean up. Simply spread your sauce, sprinkle your cheese, and ask the little ones what kind of pizza they want tonight (hopefully some kind that involves veggies). The only tricky part is finding a tortilla that isn’t loaded with white flours and sugars, but Food For Life makes my personal faves, SPROUTED tortillas. They have classic corn, brown rice, and black rice varieties. Now, if you and the family are feeling a bit more bold and want to take on an all day pizza project, try out this quinoa crust recipe for a protein packed pie. Don’t panic over 6-8 hour prep time! Set aside your quinoa to soak in the morning and by dinner time, you’ll be ready to blend, bake and bite into that baby.

    Roots: Whenever you have the chance to add extra veggies to your plate, TAKE IT. I’m not even talking about your pizza toppings yet. I’m talking about turning the crust itself into the veggie packed part of the meal. Now hear me out on this one, beet crust. I know, I know, I thought it sounded crazy too. How can you turn such a delicate vegetable into the base for all your other toppings? Well it turns out that root veggies, including my personal fave, BEETS, hold up well in place of pizza dough. Try out this recipe where beets are the star of the show, or use some root relatives like sweet potato, parsnips, and carrots that will also work wonders for your next pizza party with gluten free guests.

    Love on top

    Greens: For the nights when you CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP EATING ALL THE PIZZA…at least go green with it. Because hey, if there’s kale on your pizza, it might as well be a superfood smoothie. More the merrier is the motto here. Don’t stop at that layer of spinach pesto…toss some fresh leaves right on top…add some arugula while you’re at it…are those leftover roasted brussel sprouts I spy in the fridge? LOAD IT UP BABY. If you’re little ones are turned off and timid about that giant green circle staring them down, just remind them…IT’S PIZZA. Let them know that it’s the same food they love, and while it may not look like stuff you get at Chuck E. Cheese (at least I hope it doesn’t…), it might be even more delicious (and a hell of a lot more nutritious). ask them to try a bite, and if they really can’t stand the extra spinach, they can take some right off the top (but hopefully leave a lil’ on)! And for the more adventurous eaters around your table, this green goddess goodness is a KNOCKOUT. Asparagus, broccoli, kale, oh my! You will definitely need little hands to help toss on all those toppings, and maybe after making it themselves, they’ll be more inclined to devour those delightful greens.

    Golds: It’s squash city up in here. You heard me, SQUASH. Sounds strange when discussing pizza? Well don’t squash it till ya try it (yup, I went there). One of the best things about pizza is that you can enjoy it all year round and never really get sick of it. Grill it up out on the patio in the summer sun while sippin’ on sangria, or curl up by the fire with your favorite ooey gooey cheesy goodness and a glass of eggnog (okay, maybe that’s a bit of a dairy overload). Anyway you want it, pizza’s the way you need it…and the same goes for squash! Pattypan in the summer and butternut in the winter (plus, like, a MILLION more varieties listed HERE and explained HERE). This butternut squash pizza is almost to beautiful to eat…almost. Not to mention it’s VEGAN and piled high with broccolini. There’s also maple syrup in the sauce so that’s awesome. Of course, squash is sweet on its own, and the creamy texture is usually pretty appealing to petite palates…even the picky ones.

    (Image by flickr member Rose Grey Photography licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • Pancake Party

    Pancake Party

    By Brenna O’Dea

    Spring is in the air…we can smell it…we can taste it…almost. We’ve got some healthy helpers to toss into your pancake batter this weekend. Get ready to start Sunday morning with a smile (and hopefully some sunshine!) because these brunch boosters will leave your hungry crew bursting with energy and ready to get outside.

    Go Greek

    Adding a dollop of dairy to your morning meal might do wonders for your digestive system. Probiotics are essential for a happy, healthy gut, and brain too. Recent buzz over the mind-gut connection has people paying more attention to what they eat and how they digest it. Stop snacking on these foods to avoid bloating and tummy trouble. Start your day with these fluff-cakes made with probiotic & protein packed yogurt, and sweetened naturally with fresh blueberries & bananas. Or try this tasty twist sweetened with none other than the sweet potato. Both of these recipes also call for fiber-full oats blended right into the batter. Talk about a happy tummy! With nearly 20 grams of protein in the average serving, and all the good bacteria your gut could ever dream of, stirring in a spoonful could be the best decision you make all day. And hey, if you won’t listen to me…take it from this hunky dude.

    The Best of the Zest

    A little really does go a long way. Zesting your favorite citrus fruit right into your pancake batter, or just on top for a pop of color, can elevate even the earliest of morning meals. These lemon poppy seed pancakes (that just happened to be made with Greek yogurt!) are so delicious that we recommend you make a double…or triple batch. Lemon, lime, orange, even grapefruit, whichever citrus suits your fancy, grab that zester. While zesting the citrus skin may not be the best job for your little ones, they can certainly help in the washing process. When you are just juicing the fruit, it’s alright if you miss that spot of dirt on the surface. But when the outer layer is the part going on the plate, scrub away! It helps to buy organic too, if you can, but if not, invite your tiny taste testers to lather, rinse, and repeat (or at least the first two).

    Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia

    Fill up on fiber first thing in the AM. Toss a handful of these tiny treasures into the mix and watch your energy levels soar and skin start glowing. Chia seeds bring a whole bunch of benefits to the table. They are full of fiber and healthy fats, and it only takes a small sprinkle feel happier & healthier with each bite. Remember those lemon poppy seed pancakes? How do lemon chia seed pancakes sound? Weird? Gross? THINK AGAIN. You and your little ones will hardly notice the difference, but your body and brain sure will. Personally, I was never able to get on board with that chia seed pudding feeding frenzy. That sticky slimy stuff made my stomach squirm. But when baked into pancakes (or anything at all), even your pickiest palates won’t even notice that nutrition bonus.

    Switch up your Sweetener

    As fluffy as your pancakes are, are they really complete without somethin’ sweet on the side? We think not. Maple syrup certainly does the job, and this sticky stuff satisfies most of the time. But there are better things out there. First of all, what better way to add some sweetness (and extra flavor!) to your food than with fresh fruit? Forget “all natural” and “natural flavors,” when you eat food straight from the soil, natural nutrition is a glorious given. Combine your favorite berry with a lil’ sugar n water (and of course some lemon zest too!) and you’ve go yourself a sweeter than sweet syrup MUCH healthier than the store bought stuff. Another option to make life sweeter, add a blackstrap boost. I’m talking about molasses, blackstrap molasses. That thick, dark, ooey gooey stuff you see in the store but have never really been sure about. Well now’s the time. Mix it up with a splash of water to make a perfectly pourable topping LOADED with calcium, magnesium, potassium…okay you get the point. Any “ium” your body is craving, this syrup swap will crush it.

    We hope these quick ‘n easy additions make your next morning meal a lil’ healthier and whole lot yummier. Today we’re swapping out maple syrup for molasses…soon enough we’ll be swapping those snow boots for sandals and we can’t wait!

    (Image by flickr member better-days licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • March Madness

    March Madness

    March Madness has arrived, and this time there’s PIZZA. No, I’m not talking about the real March Madness…the sport is basketball, right? I am no sports buff by ANY stretch of the word, and for all my friends out there who care more about the snacks being served than what’s happening on the field/court/stadium/wherever people like to get competitive these days, then this month at Pilot Light is right for you. Today we kick off a month jam packed with more fun than Space Jam. That’s about as far as my basketball experience goes and I’m just fine with that. Read on if you’re ready for some action off the court and in the kitchen.

    Honey Butter Fried Chicken & The Kitchen American Bistro Pop Up Brunch: Sunday March 5 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Start off Sunday funday the right way…with FOOD. The Kitchen and HBFC are partnering up to deliver a drool-worthy brunch selection suited for the gods. Check out the menu here, including delicious delights like fried chicken French toast and honey butter doughnuts. Cancel all of your other weekend plans (except the next event on our list) because you are sure to be in a deep, deep food coma after this meal. Call The Kitchen directly to make your reservation or reserve your seat at the table online at Open Table. This is a one-day-only opportunity so don’t miss you chance to eat all the fried chicken in sight.

    Paddle Battle: Sunday March 5, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

    THIS SUNDAY. The battle of the century has arrived. Okay, maybe it’s just the best battle of the month. But as long as YOU join in on the fun, we know it will be a success. Our wonderful Young Professionals Board brings you Paddle Battle at AceBounce on Clark Street. Never been? Never heard of it? Well you are missing our BIG time. AceBounce is Chicago’s hottest Ping pong bar & restaurant. Who said ping pong and piña coladas don’t mix!? Or maybe a hot toddy with this weather we’ve been having. Bring along the whole brunch crew to battle it out and burn off that extra slice of bacon. Your ticket buys you two drinks, and PLENTY of snacks and games to play, including Around the World and Blow Pong…intrigued? We thought so. You’ll just have to show up to see what all this Sunday funday fuss is about. And don’t forget, ticket proceeds go directly to our food education lessons for YOUR lovely little ones! So even though they can’t battle it out at the bar, they’ll certainly reap the benefits.

    Chef Roast: Thursday March 9, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

    In just over ONE WEEK, join us at River Roast for just that, a real live ROAST. You’ve seen ‘em on tv, watched the celebrities jab at one another for hours, but now you can watch it happen live. Get ready to laugh till your tummy hurts…and then fill that tummy with some damn good food. WXRT’s Lin Brehmer will bring his hosting magic, and River Roast Chefs Tony Mantuano and John Hogan are teaming up with our very own Paul Kahan to bring the bites. Just a lil’ taste of the menu…Publican chicken with roasted romanesco (fancy broccoli) and hazelnuts, salmon consommé (fancy soup) with wild mushroom butter, and of course, we can’t forget dessert…an amazing apple crostata with crazy good caramel gelato. If you aren’t salivating yet…consider getting your taste buds checked ASAP.

    Good Food Festival: Thursday March 16 – Saturday March 18

    DO NOT MISS THIS. Our very own Executive Director, Alex DeSorbo-Quinn will be speaking on the Good Food Programs in our Schools panel on Saturday the 18th from 12:30 – 1:45 pm. The panel also includes inspiring directors from Common Threads, Sugar Beet Schoolhouse, and Gardeneers. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about what is going on in your children’s school and what is going into their bellies each day. Hear Alex speak about our work here at Pilot Light and what the future hold for our little foodies in the classroom! Tickets are on sale NOW and just like all that fried chicken, they will sell out FAST. Get your hands on some and get ready to sink your teeth into some fabulous food for thought.

    Evening in Bloom: Friday March 17, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

    Hosted by the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, presented by Mariano’s at the one and only Navy Pier, this evening is sure to be full of flora, fauna, and of course, some yummy food. This year’s annual show features floral fashion designs from Fleurotica, another signature fundraiser created and presented by the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. Step into spring early this year and stop by the show for some of the most magnificent floral arrangements of the season. And that’s not all. The flower show continues all week long and we are sticking around! Check out two Pilot Light founders, Chefs Jason Hammel and Paul Kahan leading a live cooking demo at the show on Tuesday March 21st at 1:30 pm. So even if you didn’t get that big beautiful bouquet on Valentine’s Day, you can still stop and smell the roses…literally.

    Speaking of Paul…he is the featured chef this month in our collaboration with Piece Pizza & Brewery. Since January we have partnered with Piece and some amazing Chicago Chefs (Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s and Christine Cikowski & Joshua Kulp of Honey Butter Fried Chicken to name a few) and we are still going strong! Starting today (yes, it’s already March) and going all the way through the end of the month, Chef Paul Kahan is bringing you his “Belly of the Beast” pizza pie. We won’t give away all the juicy goodness…you’ll have to order to see for yourself…but let’s just say one thing…PORK BELLY. 10% of all pizza proceeds go right toward our food education efforts, and 100% of all pizza goes right into YOUR BELLY.

    And there ya have it, just a handful of our amazing events comin’ at ya this month. Wait, that’s not ALL the events, you say? NOPE. That’s just the first HALF of the month. Here is a full list of all the totally tasty madness headed your way this March (and a lil’ dip into April), we cannot wait to see you all soon!

    Ongoing, March 1st – March 31st: Piece Pizza Fundraiser, Paul Kahan’s Pizza

    Sunday March 5th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm: HBFC/The Kitchen Pop-Up Brunch

    Sunday March 5th 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Pilot Light Paddle Battle at Ace Bounce

    Thursday March 9th 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Chef Roast at River Roast

    Thursday March 16th – Saturday March 18th: Good Food Festival featuring Pilot Light Executive Director, Alex DeSorbo-Quinn

    Friday March 17th 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm Evening in Bloom

    Tuesday March 21st at 1:30 pm: Paul Kahan & Jason Hammel cooking demo at Chicago Flower Show

    Tuesday March 28th: Eataly Pizza for Pilot Light by Matthias Merges

    Tuesday April 11th: Eataly Pizza for Pilot Light by Jason Hammel

    Saturday April 22nd 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Passport to Pilot Light, Wicker Park Edition

    (Image by flickr member O Cinéma licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • Soup with the Stars

    Soup with the Stars

    By Brenna O’Dea

    You may not have tuned in to the red carpet as the sun was rising and scheduled your entire Sunday around every pre-pre-pre-Oscar party program comin’ at ya live from Hollywood, but chances are you caught at least a lil’ bit of the action. And let me tell you, there was ACTION. There was drama. There was comedy. There was crazy confusing chaos. We all need to cool down. And I think the best way to do it is by warming up. We’ve got some soothing soups that you can whip up tonight and turn to for quick n’ easy dinners all week long.

    Best Picture: Chicken Noodle

    All around, all American, all time classic. This big ol’ bowl of broth will cure everything that ails you. Whether it’s just the sniffles or the full blown flu, chicken noodle soup saves the day. This recipe is full of flavor and ready for you to customize. Add extra herbs and spices for the adventurous eaters around your table, or keep it simple for picky palates. Best of all, invite the little ones to help toss all the ingredients in the pot, and choose their favorite noodle shape to make this meal all their own (hint hint chicken n’ stars). Check out these helpful tips to make your next batch even better than the last, and your golden broth is sure to win one of those golden guys named Oscar.

    Best Short Film (Animated): Split Pea

    Like this film category, the split pea is often underrated. It is humble. It rarely disappoints. Surprisingly full of flavor and pizzazz when combined with just the right companions (some heavenly honey ham or perfectly placed CGI), split pea soup can satisfy your salty and sweet tooth in just one slurp. Okay, I know it’s not for everyone, some of us just don’t see the appeal in a film that doesn’t even run for 10 minutes, or appreciate the delicate flavors of this tiny green veggie. But hey, more for me. I have always loved peas. Since I was a wee babe. Pea soup is the perfect bite for tiny tummies who aren’t so fond of their green veggies yet. And if the ham ain’t your jam, this even simpler take (courtesy of the Contessa herself), is meat-free but flavor-full, and sure to be a family favorite.

    Best Foreign Language Film: French Onion

    You knew it was comin’. I mean, how could I NOT include this bad boy who hails from France with a suitcase full of salty savory goodness. The competition was skewed from the start. With cheese and bread bursting from this bowl, it was born to be a front runner. But hey, onion is still a vegetable, right? Now, we don’t recommend making this a nightly rotation in your dinner endeavors. Maybe make it a once-a-month-meal so you can still fit into that red carpet-worthy dress this weekend…or twice a month because it’s just that damn delicious and awards season is OVER. Make sure to try these handy dandy tips to get your boiling bowl up to Oscar-standards. But don’t worry, like I said, this soup is basically a grilled cheese sandwich so it’s a winner in our book.

    Best Screenplay (Original): Matzo Ball

    Ah, at last, the belle of the ball (cue pity laugh from uncomfortable audience members who just want to get to the after party and get their drink on). Manischewitz is what they’ll be drinking with this special soup of course. We know it’s not quite Passover yet, but why wait to indulge in this good stuff until spring. With flavors similar to it’s worthy competitor, chicken noodle, matzo ball soup is just a bit more original. Little hands are just right for rolling up the matzo meal and all the mix-ins. This beautiful bowl does take a bit more time than the usual fare (this ain’t no adapted screenplay). This Jewish delicacy is best made from scratch and from the heart…and served in a bowl bigger than your head of course).

    So now that the Academy has given you a gentle nudge toward which movie you should rent tonight, and you’ve got some warming end-of-winter recipes to keep you full all week long…sit back, relax, and enjoy the show (with a side of soup).

    (Image by flickr member Jackie Lee licensed under Creative Commons)

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  • Valentine’s Day Detox

    Valentine’s Day Detox

    By Brenna O’Dea

    The Dark Side of the Moon

    Am I seriously about to tell you that it’s okay to keep eating chocolate after Valentine’s Day?? YES I AM. ABSOLUTELY. What’s the catch, you ask? GO DARK. Dive into that dark chocolate bar and enjoy an antioxidant boost without the sugar crash later. Try out Theo brand or Green & Black’s brand for some Fair Trade, super dark deliciousness. Theo even offers a bar that is 85% cocoa, one of the highest you can find, and a children’s line of beautiful bars loaded with crunchy puffed rice & quinoa and freeze dried berries & bananas for a fruity flavor without any fake stuff. And if you and the little ones want to get REAL crafty with it…make your own! All you need is a lil’ cocoa powder & coconut oil and a whole lotta love. You probably also want to add some extra sweetness like honey or maple syrup because that unsweetened cocoa or raw cacao powder won’t quite cut the cravings on it’s own. Try out this recipe for some super simple “chocolate” bark and invite your little ones to sprinkle on top whatever their hungry hearts desire.

    Hello Hydration

    I know, I know, I’ve said it before and I’ll surely say it again…HYDRATE. Water. We all need it to survive. It’s just that simple…or is it? Studies show that nearly half of all adults in North America drink around 4 cups of water per day. Sounds sufficient, right? About one cup with every meal. Think again. We truly need at least 8 cups of water every day to stay properly hydrated and healthy. Try to follow to 8×8 rule: 8 glasses of water, 8 ounces each. But who wants to deal with measurements and constant refills all day long? Not me. My weapon of choice to solve this dehydration dilemma is a 24 ounce mason jar. I only have to fill it up a few times a day and by the time I finish one jar-full, I’ve already had three servings of water for the day. I also do my best to fill it up at night right before I go to sleep, place it on my nightstand, and get to gulping first thing in the morning. That way I am already ahead of the game before I hop out of bed.

    Take a Hike

    Don’t worry, I’m not an outdoorsy gal either. I’m not actually going to force you to hike up a mountain, or even a hill. Unless that’s your thing, then lace up those sneakers…boots…whatever you wear and go! All I ask is that you add something new, something small to your daily or nightly routine. You could even try adding it in once a week to kick off this cleanse. Eat, then WALK. No sprinting necessary, no jogging required. Just walk. Studies show that taking a brief, leisurely walk after eating a full meal can aid in digestion and honestly, just help you feel good. Did you hear those key words? BRIEF…LEISURELY…FEEL GOOD. That’s one prescription I would LOVE to take. So skip the sitting-around-feeling-full-and-funky phase after dinner tonight and get moving! Even if it just means walking a few blocks to get some ice cream…we won’t tell!

    It IS Easy Being Green

    I just don’t have time. It’s just too expensive. They never taste good. These are the things we tell ourselves to get out of EATING OUR GREENS. Well in the immortal words of the oh-so-charming Benjamin Barry, AKA Matthew McConaughey, of the oh-so-wonderful How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days…”Bullshit. You heard me. Bullshit.” Adding an extra dose of greens to your daily diet does NOT have to send you into a stress spiral. Spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, collards, cabbage…you’ve got options baby! You do not have to spend your days munching on raw kale to get your green on. Choose any green veggies you like. Really, ANY of them. Chances are, if spinach ain’t your jam, collards might do the trick. Kale makin’ you queasy? Romaine could be right for you. Just start somewhere. Toss just a few leaves into your morning smoothie or try serving tonight’s roast chicken over a bed of greens instead of a grain. Whatever the recipe calls for, add in one green ingredient for good measure. Make sure to add it to your little one’s plate too, even if you have to sneak it in at first! Soon enough, they might even grow to love their greens…even if it’s only the sweet peas swimming in a bowl of carbonara.

    (Image by flickr member Stephanie licensed under Creative Commons)

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