It can be tough to find healthy, kid-friendly recipes everyone in the family will actually like. Food writer Victoria Dwek knows firsthand how challenging this can be. In Dwek’s new book, “Secrets of Skinny Cooking,” co-created with nutritionist and dietitian Shani Taub, you’ll find more than 135 delicious recipes with tips and suggestions for cooking with even the pickiest of eaters in mind.
The book is a visual delight. With each recipe accompanied by a stunning photograph, just flipping through the pages is sure to get your mouth watering. To top it off, all of the recipes are low-calorie, adaptable to dietary restrictions, and are actually good for you. Some favorites include Pulled Chicken Tacos served assemble-yourself style, and Chocolate Brownies sweetened with cocoa and chocolate pieces. “Secrets of Skinny Cooking” is an innovate and creative approach to healthy eating that makes cooking for the entire family fun and easy.
Click here for more information or to purchase the book.
Protein Pancakes (contains dairy, sugar-free)
I originally created this recipe to sneak protein into my picky kids, and they had no idea I secretly made their beloved pancakes healthy. Then I realized … with no sugar or fat and lots of added protein, these were a great guilt-free pancake option for grownups too … and I sat down and enjoyed the pancakes with them. Light vanilla yogurt will sweeten the pancakes without adding sugar (you can use plain yogurt if you prefer a pancake that’s not sweet), and you can also try using white whole-wheat flour if you like (add an additional tablespoon or so of milk).
Yields 12 pancakes
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 egg whites
1 ½ cups light vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup low-fat milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir in egg whites, yogurt, milk, and vanilla.
Coat a skillet or pancake pan with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop up batter and add to pan. Cook until pancake bubbles and edges are set. Flip; cook on second side until golden.
To serve [for the family]: Though my kids always insist on enjoying these pancakes with a syrup topping, I’m satisfied that they’re happy with this healthier version. I’ll even serve these as a kid-friendly breakfast-style dinner paired with a fruit shake (also secretly loaded with protein).
To serve [Shani Says]: For a complete breakfast, enjoy 2 pancakes topped with a little more Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and fresh fruit.
Top Tip: Make Ahead! These freeze well! Make a double batch and keep some in a zip-lock bag in the freezer. Microwave pancakes for a quick-prep morning meal.
