Take the Day Off This Mother's Day

Take a load off this Mother's Day and let someone else do the cooking for a change. You deserve it!

Not only will you get some extra time to take a walk or catch up on your gardening, but your family will gain something valuable, too. Have Dad teach them how to cook these healthy recipes.

It's important that everyone picks up the skills necessary to build a menu that emphasizes good foods: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy ingredients and lean meats. Even young children who aren't ready to use a stove can learn by helping make a no-cook, wholesome breakfast. Put your feet up and have Dad enlist all hands on deck. These recipes are kid-friendly and delicious.

Fruit and Ricotta Parfait
Dad (or older kids) can chop and slice the fruit, and younger children can build Mom a light and creamy breakfast parfait all by themselves.

Cold Cucumber Soup
With the press of a blender button, your family can turn vegetables into a frothy soup in minutes—have Dad help the little kids for safety. You might suggest chilling the soup before serving, so it's even more refreshing.

Scrambled Eggs and Cheese Pizza
This easy, family-friendly breakfast pizza is delicious as-is or dressed up with your favorite vegetable toppings.

Chicken, Mango and Spinach Salad
Pass this tip along to the kids before they start preparing this refreshing salad (or to Dad if the kids are too young to use a knife): To cut a mango, spear the fruit with a large fork. Hold it in place on a cutting board and peel with a paring knife. Cut off thick slices of fruit, then dice.