Let’s start with the cookies. For kids, baking is fun. It is a way for them to help out in the kitchen and learn love cooking. The freezer section of the grocery store has several flavors of cookies. Rolled dough is good to use and eliminates cleanup hassles after the cookies are made.

Take a roll of refrigerated dough and roll it out on a non-stick surface. Add a touch of flour to the rolling pin before you try to roll the dough or it will stick. Younger kids may find it easier to roll the dough out with a plastic rolling pin because they are not as heavy as the wooden ones.

Heart shaped cookie cutters will turn regular sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate chip cookies into creations of love. Kids don’t only like hearts. Let them experiment with other shapes in the cookie cutter arsenal if they want to. They can even design shapes of their own with the dough pieces that are too small to cut.

Cupcakes are much the same way but it takes a bit more preparation. To make it easy, use a box cake mix instead of mixing everything from scratch. Remind your kids that if you are adding egg that they can’t dip a finger in because of the possibility of salmonella poisoning.

The kids can choose to use cupcake cups that are decorated for the holiday or spoon them directly into the muffin pan. Mini muffin pans create bite size cupcakes for the family to enjoy after dinner. If you have a window in the oven, kids will camp out and watch the cupcakes bake just like a television show.

Decorate those cupcakes with creamy icing. White icing can be turned into pink with a bit of red food coloring. Kids will be amazed by this as the white icing changes colors. For an extra special touch, add candy sprinkles or cinnamon red hot candies. It will be hard to keep the kids from eating up all the ingredients as they bake. It may be hard to keep you from sneaking that spoonful of icing when you should be adding it to the cupcakes too so be warned.

Sweets are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Cookies and cupcakes get a nice makeover on Valentine’s Day to help reflect the good feelings of the holiday as well as create great family togetherness.

Children need our unconditional love, acceptance and respect, all the time. Negative reinforcement will only end up in negative behavior and results acted out through the child. When a child hears this type of labeling often, they can become emotionally damaged by the behavior of the parent. Children look up to their parents; thus, there is no justification, which motivates any parent in belittling a child. Giving the child negative attention in this manner can create many more problems then it will ever even begin to solve. The child may develop low self-esteem; increased erratic behavior; and affect their inter-relationship with siblings and peers.

It is nothing new that a parent can lose their calm and temper but it does not have to be focused on the child. A child may not understand why you are reacting this way and it can produce devastating effects. So many parents by-pass this part but it is imperative that they apologize immediately using phrasing and words that will make the child feel positive and have respect for your ability to be wrong. It is our duty as parents to be sure that our children know how much we love them, even when we are not happy, every day. The fear and disappointment the child feels must be addressed with an apology, and/or an explanation.

Disciplinary action of a child must never be accompanied by harsh words. If necessary, take a break and collect your thoughts. Think before you say anything further. Then have the child take a time out. Later, talk to the child about why the behavior was disciplined; then hug the child in a reassuring way. Let the child know you still love him or her. Words can impact a child’s life; positively and negatively. If you, as a parent, cannot control the emotional abuse; seek help. It is the very least you can do to ensure your child’s psychological state is not compromised in any way.

Additional Resources:
Sleepytime Secrets
Sleepytime Secrets is an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for learning how to get children to sleep. Put An End To The Stress And Frustration Of Sleepless
Nights For You and Your Child For Good!

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Very Berry Smoothie

This simple smoothie combines fruit and dairy in a fun snack or even a breakfast on the go. Throw in some ice before you blend and call it a milk shake. What kid could resist this?

INGREDIENTS:

* 1/2 c. raspberries
* 1/2 c. strawberries
* 1 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
* 1/3 c. skim milk

DIRECTIONS:
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend well. Serve.

Apple Dip

* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla. Mix well until all of the brown sugar has been blended into the cream cheese and vanilla. If the mixture is too runny for your taste, add a small amount of brown sugar to the mixture. If the mixture is too thick for your taste, add a small amount of vanilla extract.

Pretzel Salad
Submitted by Catherine from www.mommyresources.com

Preheat over to 400

Crust
2 2/3 c crushed pretzels
3/4 c melted butter
3 T sugar

Mix ingredients & spread into 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 8-10 min. Allow to cool.

Cream Cheese Mixture
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c sugar
8 oz. whipped topping

Combine all ingredients and spread over pretzel mixture. Place in refrigerator.

Jello Mixture
2 c boiling water
10 oz. frozen strawberries
6 oz. strawberry jello

Combine all ingredients and chill for 20 min.

Remove both from refrigerator. Pour jello mixture over cream cheese mixture. Chill until firm.

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Pizza Puffs
Submited by Kim

Ingredients
1 can (10 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (you can use cheddar)
12 to 14 slices pepperoni (optional)

Steps
1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8″ thickness. Using a cookie cutter or glass 3″ in diameter, cut circles of dough. (re-roll leftover pieces of dough).
3. Place 1/2 teaspoon of sauce in the center of each circle-do not spread. Top with a slice of pepperoni and 1 teaspoon cheese.
4. Wrap dough around filling and pinch shut.
5. Place seam side sown on a greased cookie sheet and brush tops lightly with water or egg wash.(1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water.)
6. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until lightly browned. Serve warm!!

Biscuit Pizza

Ingredients
1 small can pizza sauce
Grated mozzarella cheese
1 (10 count) can biscuits

On an un-greased cookie sheet, place biscuits about one inch apart. Flatten biscuit with palm of hand, then put on one tablespoon of pizza sauce and sprinkle on cheese. Bake according to directions on biscuit can, usually at 450 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. You can add sliced pepperoni, chopped olives, sliced mushrooms, etc.

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Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
Submitted by Catherine from www.mommyresources.com

Preheat oven 350

20 lasagna noodles
1 c chopped mushrooms
1 chopped onion
1 egg
2 c fresh spinach
3 c ricotta cheese
2/3 c grated parmesan cheese
3 c shredded mozzarella cheese
2 T olive oil
1 T minced garlic
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 t dried oregano
1 t dried basil leaves
3 c tomato sauce

In large pan, boil lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes; drain. In skillet, over medium-heat, cook mushrooms, onions & garlic in olive oil until onions are tender. Drain excess liquid & cool.

In sauce pan, boil spinach for 5 minutes. Drain & squeeze out excess liquid, then chop spinach.

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, spinach, salt, pepper, oregano, basil & egg. Add cooled mushroom mixture. Beat with electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute.

Lay 5 noodles in 9×13 dish. Spread spinach mixture over noodles, sprinkle mozzarella over, spread tomato sauce. Repeat until reach top of pan. Cover with aluminum foil & cook for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes.

Baked Mac’n Cheese with Tomato

* 1 pound macaroni
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
* 1 1/4 cups milk
* 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
* 8 tablespoons butter, divided
* 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Pour in pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

In large bowl, combine macaroni, soup, milk, cheese and 6 tablespoons butter. Pour into 9×13 baking dish. Top with bread crumbs and dot with remaining butter. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

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Chicken Cacciatore
Submitted by Shelly Howard from www.munchkinmenus.com

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 large green pepper, cut in chunks
1 large red pepper, cut in chunks
2 pieces of celery, cut semi-thick pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
½ jar spaghetti sauce
Oregano, parsley, thyme to taste.
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, except spaghetti sauce and use your hands to mix spices in thoroughly. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Pour everything into the baking dish and add the spaghetti sauce and parmesan cheese over top. Bake until tender for about 1 hour.

Aloha Chicken

* 4 pounds chicken thighs
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 2 tablespoons garlic salt
* 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
* 1 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a well greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl mix together the ginger, paprika, onion powder and garlic salt. Add the vinegar and mix well. Divide this mixture. Brush 1/2 over the chicken pieces and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces, baste with the remaining 1/2 of the vinegar mixture and bake for 15 minutes longer. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine the ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple and brown sugar. When chicken baking time is up, spoon the pineapple/soy mixture over the chicken. Bake for another 30 minutes. Serve while still hot.

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Cola Pork Chops

* 1 cup ketchup
* 1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 8 pork chops
* salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Mix together the ketchup, cola and brown sugar.
3. Place pork chops into a baking pan and pour cola mixture over, coating well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for about one hour depending on the thickness of the pork chop.

Pork Chop Pouches

* 4 pork chops
* 4 potatoes, quartered
* 1 ear corn – husked, cleaned and quartered
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 3 tablespoons water
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/8 cup dried bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place pork chops on a lightly greased large square of aluminum foil. Place potatoes and corn around chops. Pour soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and water over all. Then distribute the onion and garlic amongst the chops and veggies; top by sprinkling bread crumbs and dry seasonings of your choice over all.
3. Close foil around all and seal tightly. Place foil pouch in a 9×13 inch baking dish lines with another sheet of aluminum foil, in case of spilling. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. The pouch provides ‘self-basting’, so you need only remove from the oven and serve!

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Cheeseburger Meatloaf

* 2 pounds ground beef
* 3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
* 1/2 cup minced onion
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
* 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, bread crumbs, onion, eggs, salt and pepper, and mix well. Pat out meat mixture into a 14×18 inch rectangle on a piece of wax paper. Spread cheese over the meat, leaving a 3/4 inch border around the edges. Roll up jelly roll fashion to enclose the filling and form a pinwheel loaf. Press beef in on both ends to enclose the cheese. Place in a 10×15 inch baking dish.
3. Bake in the preheated oven 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Easy Cube Steaks

* 4 (1/2 pound) cube steaks (pounded round meat)
* 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, briefly brown the cube steaks.
3. Arrange meat in a single layer in a 13×9 inch baking dish and pour the soup over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.

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INGREDIENTS:

* 3 bananas
* 6 wooden ice-cream sticks
* 1 cup orange juice
* 1 cup milk-chocolate pieces
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 3/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
* 3/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Cover baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. slice peeled bananas in half crosswise and insert stick. Dip into orange juice. Place in freezer until firm. Melt chocolate pieces and vegetable oil in top of double boiler. Spoon melted chocolate evenly over bananas. Chocolate will harden fast, so work rapidly. Roll coated bananas in chopped peanuts or shredded coconut. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze.

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INGREDIENTS:

* 1/4 cup lite ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup nonfat cream cheese
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons no-sugar-added all-fruit seedless raspberry spread, melted
* 1 cup fresh raspberries
* 1 cup fresh blueberries
* 3/8 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
* 2 tablespoons frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS:

Combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese and sugar in food processor. Process until smooth, scraping sides of processor bowl once; set mixture aside.

Combine fruit and stir gently. Spoon 1/4 cup fruit mixture into parfait glasses. Top with 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture, 3 tablespoons cookie crumbs, 2 tablespoons ricotta, cream cheese, sugar mixture, 1/4 cup raspberry spread, and 1 tablespoon whipped topping.

Chill parfaits minimum of 2 hours before serving.