Spooky and Healthy?

Some easy transformations to set the stage for some healthy halloween... check out some more great alternatives by clicking here!

Trick or Treat? 15 fun candy alternatives!

Halloween is fast approaching, but in case you have not stockpiled bags of sugary treats awaiting distribution on Thursday night, consider these alternatives form Catherine Cameron in her recent article here 

While it is wonderful to have traditional Halloween treats in moderation, the scariest part of Halloween, as Cameron notes, is in the nutritional labels of all the 'loot' kids will gleefully amass. The excitement and the trill of the chase, however does not need to be sacrificed! 

If you're interested in trying something new this year, here is a list of affordable candy alternatives. These fun 'treats' are wonderful options for all families to try out, especially for kids with specific nutritional restrictions or allergies. Hopefully these options may help to redefine the nature of 'trick or treating' and translate it into a more balanced and sustainable enjoyment.

1 – Jump ropes

2 – Inflatable beach balls

3 – Frisbees

4 – Step counters

5 – Pencils and erasers for school

6 – Yoyos

7 – Chalk

8 – Bookmarks

9 – Tattoos/stickers

10 – Bicycle bells

11 – Bouncy balls

12 – Passes to the local community centre, skating rink, or pool

13 – Fun shoes laces for sneakers

14 – Sweatbands (wrist/headband type)

15 – Bubble mix for blowing bubbles

Catherine Cameron

Ambassador, Active Living

15 alternatives to Candy 

A Halloween Story of Kale

The Halloween Tradition Best Left Dead: Kale as Matchmaker

 

Article via The Smithsonian 'Food and Think'

Halloween is often associated with tricks and treats, and the only 'vegetables' that come to mind on Halloween eve are often pumpkins and candy corn. So you may be surprised to learn more about Halloween's leafy green roots in Kale.

Check out this article (click here) via the Smithsonian 'Food and Think'. Learning more about Halloween's history is a great activity the whole family can enjoy. Kids may even want to try some fresh new halloween treats, like delicious kale chips! What do your kids think of the goofy 'Cromartie fool'?

The Cromartie Fool holding a kale stock. Check out the article linked above to learn more about this traditional Halloween figure! Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Read more of the Smithsonian here
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Today's events are cancelled!

Due to the unfortunate downpour, the Kids Grow! team has decided it's necessary to cancel today's events. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, and we hope you have a great day!

Do you still want to check out a great event with lots of crafts, games, prizes and more? Come on out to the HSCA On October 2nd for the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association's third annual Harvest Fair!

The Harvest Fair is a great chance to see the amazing things urban agriculture can bring, as well as check out local celebrities, play some fun games, and enter amazing contests. Interested in submitting your artwork? Check out the categories and regulations, and enter for your chance at winning HSCA glory, and some great prizes! Encourage your kids to submit their art as well; it's a great way to flex those creative muscles and get them thinking about their role in food production.

Have a great weekend!

Let them Eat Cake… for Breakfast?

Looking ahead to school days

Oatmeal Breakfast Clafoutis

A filling and healthy morning meal that will certainly appeal once its true nature as an oatmeal cake is revealed. Experiment with different fruit and nut combinations. Some winners are apricot ginger (pictured), rhubarb with berries and vanilla. Or opt for a more indulgent variety of sour cherries and dark chocolate chips.

Perfect for the morning school rush, eaten fresh or pulled from the freezer.

Ingredients:

Serves 8

- 2-1/4 C quick cooking oats, uncooked, or 2-3/4 C old fashioned oats, uncooked
- 2/3 C brown sugar
- 3/4 C raisins and/or dried cranberries (substitute other dried fruits)
- 1 apple, peeled and sliced (substitute other fresh fruits - optional)
- 1/4 to 1/3 C nuts, chopped (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts..., or even better a mix of all - optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3-1/3 C milk
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1.      Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Lightly oil an 13 by 9-inch baking dish.

2.      In a large bowl, combine the oats, sugar, raisins, chopped nuts, cinnamon and salt. Mix well. In a medium bowl, combine the milk, eggs and vanilla. Mix well.

3.      Add this to the dry ingredients, and mix until well blended.

4.      Pour the mixture into the baking dish, and use a wooden spoon to make sure the solids are more or less evenly spread out. 

5.      Arrange the apple slices over the surface. They will sink somewhat but that's okay, they'll float right back up when the oatmeal cooks.

6.      Put in the oven to bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the center is set and firm to the touch. Let cool slightly: it should be eaten a bit warm but not scalding hot.

7.      Cut in 8 servings, and serve with yogurt and fruit if desired ; it is also nice with a thin spread of jam or peanut butter. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, or wrap each serving individually and put in the freezer. You can then take a serving out the night before and leave it to thaw until the morning, when a 30-second stay in the microwave will bring it to the perfect temperature.

Original recipe by Quaker Oats.

Recipe via:http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2004/03/oatmeal_breakfast_clafoutis.php

Photo courtesy of http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/apricot-oatmeal-breakfast-clafoutis/