The key to surviving and enjoying March Break is planning ahead. Having some activities figured out in advance will keep everyone from getting bored.  Whether you stay at home or go on a little holiday, now is the time to get organized.  Your break doesn't have to cost a lot of money.  Explore some local sites, get outside and play, do some crafts, or check out community programs.  Whatever you do, take each day one at a time and enjoy everything it has to offer.  Nourished Kids   Active Kids   Happy Kids   Broccoli Gratin (A perfect green treat on St. Patty's Day!) INGREDIENTS: 5-6 cups of broccoli, chopped 1 onion, diced 1 clove of garlic, diced 2 tbsp. oil 1/4 cup flour 2 cups milk 1 tsp. pepper Pinch of ground nutmeg, red pepper flakes 1 cup cheddar cheese 1 cup bread crumbs 1 tbsp. butter, melted 1 tbsp. dried parsley 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS: 1. Steam broccoli just until crisp-tender, about     6-8 minutes.  Drain and set aside. 2. In a small saucepan saute onion and garlic in oil    until tender.  Sprinkle with flour and stir    constantly for about 3 minutes without    browning.  Whisk in milk and bring to a boil.     Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and red pepper flakes. 3. Stir in cheddar cheese and remove from heat.     Combine with broccoli. Transfer to a baking dish. 4. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs,    melted butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley.     Sprinkle on top of broccoli mixture. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Recipe from Simply in Season, a World Community Cookbook

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 NOURISHED KIDS!

• Give kids a reason to try new foods.  Getting kids involved in preparing new foods is a great way to encourage tasting them.

• Challenge them as they grow.  Children can do more in the kitchen as they get older.  Start by having them add ingredients and move on to coaching them on using a knife and the oven.  Even menus can become more sophisticated as you allow them to experiment. 

• Let them plan it.  Allow your children to learn about menu planning through hands-on experience. Pick one day a month where your child plans a meal. They may need help, but allow them to make the decisions keeping safety in mind.  Encourage them to include veggies or fruit, whole grains and a protein rich food.

  Helpful Links: 
• Check out Kidnetic's Recipe Roundup for fun, kid-friendly foods to try.
• Looking for a menu plan already put together with a grocery list? 
  Visit Eat Right Ontario where you can personalize your menu .
• Download the Get Cookin' with Children of All Ages! fact sheet for age appropriate ideas on getting kids involved in the kitchen.
• March is Nutrition Month!  Connect with the Dietitians of Canada for great recipes and nutrition information.