Food
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How to pack a school lunch that boosts brain performance
As students complete state testing and prepare for final exams, it’s again time to consider — or reconsider — what you’re packing in their school lunches. Read more
Special to SW FL Parent & Child
How to grow a greener kitchen
We found five affordable, eco-friendly gadgets to help reduce waste. Read more
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How to fully enjoy strawberry season in Southwest Florida
Strawberry season is still going strong in Southwest Florida, with the plump, ruby-red fruits filling up local farms across the area. Read more
Pinterest-worthy birthday party food ideas
Food writer Shelby Reynolds rounded up a handful of the trendiest party themes and snack ideas to match to create the Pinterest-worthy party of your dreams. Read more
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Dress up your salads with these easy recipes
One trick to keeping your salad fresh and healthy is making your own salad dressing. Read more
H. Leo Kim
Get crafty with holiday cookies
One recipe is all you need to make dozens of different cookie concoctions. Read more
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Made with love at Mom's
Mom’s boasts homemade cooking in two locations: Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral. Read more
Amanda Inscore
Kids' menus are kicking it up a notch
Some restaurants in Southwest Florida offer more options for families who are looking to introduce their children to healthier and more diverse food at an early age. Read more
6 ways to make packed lunches more exciting
Here, readers and foodies in Southwest Florida share tried-and-true recipes that work for their school kids. Read more
Hearty, healthy breakfast and lunch
First Watch is a great way to start a day or enjoy a lunch break. Read more
Recipes
ANGELA LIDDON/OHSHEGLOWS
‘Oh She Glows’ Happy Digestion Smoothie
This green smoothie is packed with digestion-enhancing and immune-boosting foods like pineapple, parsley, ginger and avocado. Read more
Special to SW FL Parent & Child
Recipe: Strawberry Mango Nachos
In this dish, the sweetness of fresh strawberries and juicy mangoes combine with the zing of lime and the heat of jalapenos. The result is a tasty treat that bites back just a little. Instead of traditional tortilla chips, use dried apple chips. Read more
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Underminer’s Dirt Cake
Underminer’s Dirt Cake is as simple as preparing individual-sized Oreo dirt cups for your party guests, which could also double as prehistoric dirt at a dinosaur-themed party. Read more
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Lemon Vinaigrette
This is perhaps the most versatile salad dressing in my repertoire. I like it best drizzled over salads with fruit (strawberries, blueberries and apples) and even as a marinade for chicken or shrimp. It’s tangy, bright and super simple. Read more
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Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
This is my go-to dressing for a Tex-Mex-inspired salad topped with corn, black beans, chopped tomatoes and slices of avocado. It’s also great on a Greek salad with feta and black olives. Read more
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Sherry Shallot Dressing
There’s a hint of sweetness and a light viscosity that I really enjoy. It’s become my new balsamic. I suggest making this dressing ahead to time so that shallot flavors break down in the vinegar. Read more
H. Leo Kim
Melted Snowman Cookies
These melted snowman cookies use a basic sugar cookie dough to create a fun holiday cookie that's a bit different from the norm. Read more
Shelby Reynolds
Miniature Sugar Cookie Bites
These bite-size sugar cookies are great for holiday parties. Read more
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Basic Sugar Cookies
This basic sugar cookie recipe can be used to make a versatile dough that can be used to create crafty cookies. Read more
Nut Butters and Apple Treats
Gluten-free goodies — sandwiches, cookies and doughnuts — are a healthier treat. Read more
