Get our perspective!

Here at Peas of Mind we love figuring out ways to make parent's lives easier and more fulfilling. We make all natural frozen food that's loaded with veggies and quick to prepare so that Moms and Dads don't have to worry about their picky eaters not getting enough veggies. We love providing recipes that take classic "kid food" and reinvent it so it's loaded with veggies; we're always trying to practice stealth health.  This month we decided we wanted to hear from you and provide our perspective on your questions.  So write in and we'll give you our Peas Perspective on how to make your kids healthier and happier at the kitchen table!

Our VERY first question is from Suzanne from San Jose, CA.  She asks: How do I get my daughter to eat more protein? She has a major sweet tooth and I'm always trying to find creative ways to add protein from real foods to her favorite foods.

This is a great question Suzanne and the truth is we could ALL benefit from adding more protein into our diet!

Our favorite protein rich foods that lend themselves to sweeter dishes are: nuts, nut butters, chickpeas (tahini sesame seed butter) and quinoa.  A great way to start your daughter's day is by making her a sweet quinoa porridge. Any grain porridge is healthy and delicious but quinoa is a complete protein that contains about 7g per serving; it's is simple and easy to make and you can make it to her liking by adding her favorite flavors like berries, maple syrup or chocolate.  A sprinkle of almond meal will take it to the next level protein wise and she'll never be the wiser.

Now that it's stone fruit season try making a fruit crumble and changing up your favorite crumble recipe by replacing the oil or butter with tahini and ground up nuts.  It will have the same crunchy, buttery flavor that we all expect from a sweet crumble but with good fats and lots of protein.

Chickpeas are a great protein rich snack and an easy way to make these beans "sweet tooth" approved is by roasting them so that they're crunchy.  Simply mix drained chick peas with honey, cinnamon and any of your favorite sweeteners or spices and roast on parchment paper for 45 minutes on 375 degrees. Then end result is a sweet and crunch snack that your daughter will devour like popcorn.

We'd love to feature your question next month! Simply email feedback@peasofmind.com with your question, name and the city you're from and we'll give you our Peas Perspective!

Food of the Month - Carrots!

This month we're feasting on CARROTS! Not only are carrots important ingredients in our carrot Veggie Wedgies, Peas of Pie, Garden Grown Nuggets and Pull-a-Parts - they're healthy, delicious and very versatile.  Carrots are in season this time of year so check out your local farmers market or grocer to explore the wide range of different types of carrots; we have a feeling your little ones will LOVE eating Kaleidoscope carrots which come in purple, red, yellow and white.

Carrots are a perfect fridge staple as they can be served hot or cold, used in savory or even sweet dishes.  One trick to ensuring that your family enjoys the array of carrots you'll be serving this spring is to experiment with different types of cuts. Here are some time saving tips on different ways to cut carrots:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C79WRZrZ-ys  Currently, our favorite way to eat a carrot is by peeling the whole thing. This spaghetti like cut is great for salads as it adds crunch but blends in nicely with lettuce greens, it looks beautiful and tastes really good with light spring inspired dill dressings!

Carrots ARE good for your eyes; they're loaded with vitamin A which is good for the immune system and of course vision. It also helps the lungs, heart and kidneys function properly.  Carrots also contain a large amount of Vitamin K which can help against blood clots, cancer and heart disease. 


Have you every tried adding carrots to your families favorite meals? We love adding carrots to pancakes, marinara sauces, muffins and meat balls.  The secret is in the finely chop (or simply use a food processor) to get the carrots down to an unnoticeable size.  And remember, the perfect side dish for your carrot infused meat balls are Peas of Mind's carrot fries. Your little one's plate will be LOADED with vitamin A and we promise, dinner will be scarfed down before you can say CARROTS ARE MY FAVORITE SPRING VEGETABLE!

The "other" greens

"Finish all your Greens" demanded your Mom which is why you repeat it to your little ones.  "Greens" which usually makes us think of broccoli, spinach, kale and salad fixings are an essential part of a healthy diet.  But because we're Peas of Mind, we're here to shake things up and change the way you think of greens and help you incorporate some "other greens" into your families diet.

We're talking about FRESH HERBS! Now that it's spring, herbs are available at your local grocery store, your favorite farmer's market or hey, even your garden!  Not only are they loaded with nutrients they're packed with flavor and can add zest and pizazz to any meal. Yes, herbs are great to cook with but for an extra dash of flavor and nutrition, add freshly chopped herbs to your fully prepared meal. Uncooked-raw herbs are much more potent.

Our favorite herbs include basil, dill, thyme, rosemary, cilantro and parsley.  Fresh herbs like these contain a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-bacterial that can help you fight a cold! Most herbs are extremely high in vitamin K and are a loaded with vitamin A and C, iron, magnesium and folate.

Now you can confidently serve your family their favorite meals: add extra parsley and basil to your favorite pesto recipe, a double sprinkle of cilantro on your famous enchiladas and put another sprig of rosemary in the lemon, garlic noodles that your kids love so much!  And with all these meals, you'll never have to say "FINISH all your greens" because they'll eat everything up and they'll never be the wiser!