Even the pickiest of eaters can't turn down these yummy, kid-friendly foods!
45 Grandkid-Approved Recipes
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
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Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandsons rave over these creamy potatoes loaded with Parmesan. That’s all the endorsement I need. Sometimes I use golden or red potatoes, with skins on. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Cream-Filled Chocolate Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making these cookies for years. My children and grandchildren gobble them up.
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwich cookies: 250 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 526 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
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Almond Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Beverly Preston of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin started making Almond Cookies after enjoying similar ones at her favorite Chinese restaurant. “These crisp cookies have a wonderful almond flavor,” she says.
Nutrition Facts:
2 cookies: 100 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Olive and Red Pepper Linguine
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With 16 grandchildren, I find that someone is always hungry. This is a quick dish to fix. I sometimes serve garlic bread alongside it for an easy meatless meal. —Betty Carpenter, Hookstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 159 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
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Miniature Peanut Butter Treats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is one of my family's favorites, and I make the treats a lot, especially at Christmas. I have three children and eight grandchildren, and every one of them loves those "peanut butter thingies," as the grandchildren call them! —Jodie McCoy, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 108 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
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Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 450 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
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Crescent Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you'd like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 128 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 137 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Banana Bread Pudding
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I visited my grandmother in summer, I always looked forward to the comforting pudding she'd make. With its crusty golden top, custard-like inside and smooth vanilla sauce, this bread pudding is a real homespun dessert. Now I make it for my grandchildren. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
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Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 191 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
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Crunchy Spinach Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our holidays would not be the same without this family tradition. My mother made it every Thanksgiving when I was growing up; now I make it every Christmas as well, and my children and grandchildren absolutely love it! We triple the recipe because the kids can't get enough. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 369 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 974mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
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Pickled Eggs and Beets
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever since I can remember, my mother served this pickled egg recipe at Easter. It was a tradition that my family expected. I made them for my granddaughter the last time she visited and they were all gone before she left. —Mary Banker, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg: 168 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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Cran-Apple Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to pile a fresh batch of these muffins on a plate when friends drop in for coffee. Even my grandkids enjoy the cranberry and apple flavor combination. —Millie Westland, Hayward, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 195 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh sweet potatoes Mom grew disappeared fast at our family table when she served them with this easy, flavorful glaze. She still makes them this way, and now her glazed sweet potato recipe has become a favorite with the grandchildren as well! —Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 352 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.
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Green Tomato Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When frost nips our garden, I quickly gather all the green tomatoes still on the vine and make this old family favorite. It's been handed down from my grandmother, and now my granddaughters are asking for the recipe.—Violet Thompson, Port Ludlow, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 433 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These special stuffed baked potatoes are a hit with my whole family, from the smallest grandchild on up. I prepare them up to a week in advance, wrap them well and freeze. Their flavorful filling goes so nicely with juicy ham slices. —Marge Clark, West Lebanon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 416 calories, 26g fat (17g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 693mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
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Dream Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 155 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
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French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It does my heart good to see everyone at our table—right down to my great-grandchildren—reach eagerly for one of my homemade rolls. These are hearty with whole wheat and rich with old-fashioned goodness, and they bake up to a beautiful golden brown. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 89 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Almond Pork Chops with Honey Mustard
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love how crunchy almonds and sweet mustard sauce jazz up this tender pork dish. Usually I double the recipe. One chop is never enough for my crowd of grandkids and grown children. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with about 3 tablespoon sauce: 642 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
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Pizza Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
14 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I clipped this recipe from our local paper a few years ago. It's a tasty lunch treat for hearty appetites. Plan on doubling the recipe for hungry grandkids. —Maxine Smith, Owanka, South Dakota
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Blueberry Ice Cream
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-3/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
The wild blueberries on our property spark recipe ideas. When my daughter and I made this ice cream at a Girl Guide meeting, it was well received. Even today, our 10 children, 19 grandkids and 4 great-grandchildren think it tastes great. —Alma Mosher, Mohannes, New Brunswick
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 226 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Deluxe Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 301 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
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Chocolate-Raspberry Whoopie Pies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve saved this jam-filled whoopie pie recipe for years after cutting it out of a newspaper. It’s one of my grandson's personal favorites. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 whoopie pie: 186 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Ice Cream Cone Treats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe as a way for my grandkids to enjoy Rice Krispies treats without getting sticky hands. You can also pack the cereal mixture into paper cups and insert a wooden pop stick to create pops. —Mabel Nolan, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 174 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Hamburger Macaroni Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom often made this casserole when I was growing up, and it was one of my favorite meals. It tastes terrific with a salad and rolls. —Judy Hluchy, Mt. Prospect, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 357 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids of all ages love pizza and cheeseburgers, and this recipe combines them both. My grandchildren usually request pizza for supper when they visit me. They like to help me assemble this cheeseburger pizza, and they especially enjoy eating it! —Cherie Ackerman, Lakeland, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 841 calories, 43g fat (22g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1989mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 53g protein.
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Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Both my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn't be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one's the most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 ounces: 375 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
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Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
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Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These three-layered brownies are simply irresistible and my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 212 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Cheeseburger Pepper Cups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve my grandkids something special, and this is one of their favorites. They like red or yellow peppers because they're sweeter and look more appetizing. —Betty Winscher, Royalton, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pepper halves: 413 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 893mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
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Basic Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe evolved from several different recipes that I combined into one. I've never received so many compliments on my baking!—Denise Hufford, Midland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 153 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Marshmallow Puffs
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, these treats were very popular with our three kids as they were growing up—and now I make them for our two grandchildren. They're perfect for the holidays when time is so precious. —Dody Cagenello, Simsbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 83 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Cheesy Chili
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
My six grandchildren enjoy feasting on big bowls of this zesty chili. It's so creamy and tasty, you can even serve it as a dip at parties. —Codie Ray, Tallulah, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 396 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1166mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
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Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.
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Chocolate Pudding
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delightful pudding is always a treat and easy to whip up with pantry staples. I usually top it with M&M's. My husband prefers whipped topping, and our daughter loves to dip fresh strawberries in hers. —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 196 calories, 4g fat, 2mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate, 5g protein.
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Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 478 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
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Favorite Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they're here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 96 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
43/44
Jam Biscuits
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My teenage granddaughter, Holly, and I have enjoyed cooking together since she was 4 years old. We like to make these golden biscuits for holiday gatherings. Fill the centers with homemade jam, orange marmalade or cheese. —Mary Lindsay, Dunrango, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 147 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Chicken Avocado Wrap
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
