Healing Herbs, Tasteful Tonics and Ravishing Recipes

Children's health is one of the most important topics of conversation especially now that obesity rates are on the rise and health problems that were once thought to only affect adults are being diagnosed in young children. Dr. Kate Appleton, ND, facilitated a wonderful workshop at Kids Grow to uncover myths about children's diets, claiming that they love to eat healthfully and that living a healthy lifestyle as a family is definitely plausible in today's processed, industrialized and newly-shaped food market. Yes, sometimes you will have to make use of sheer creativity or sneakiness to add the specific herbs, roots and tonics to your favourite recipes, but the benefits can go a long way. She shared some delicious alternative recipes for common household favourites that will be sure to meet nutritional requirements without having your children spit it out, push away plates or make funny faces.

Pretty in Pink Lemonade

1/4 cup liquid sweetener (pure maple syrup or honey)
1 Tbsp freshly chopped ginger
1 cup boiled water
2-4 thin slices raw beets
2.5 cups cold water
minced fresh peppermint leaves
1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions: Place the sweetener and ginger in a 1 litre glass jar. Pour in the just boiled water and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes before adding the beet slices. Add the water, peppermint and lemon juice.

Fruit Balls

1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup dried prunes
1/2 cup almonds
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions: Slowly grind all ingredients except the coconut in a blender or food processor. Add a little water as needed to form a sticky dough. Form into 2-inch balls and roll in the coconut.


At Silver Springs, we harvested our potatoes. The children and families engaged in an afternoon of hard work pulling out the withering away potato plants and then digging deep into the rich soil to uncover hidden edible gems! The children each got one to take home in appreciation of their hard work that day and the rest, totalling to 37 pounds were donated to the Calgary Food Bank.We held a discussion about the importance of giving back to the community. Those who visit the food bank are often greeted with an abundance of packaged, processed and non-perishable goods. By making a donation of fresh, local and organic produce, we are making a statement about the right of every Calgarian citizen no matter what situation they are in, where they live or what they look like to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Potatoes are also a staple in diets around the world regardless of  place, culture and age and they can be prepared and consumed in so many different ways!