I’m sure I’m not the only person greatly saddened by the passing of Paul Newman several weeks ago. Not only was he one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen and stage, but he was also an incredible philantrospsit. Newman’s Own is a brand that you count on to make quality food products which also send a positive message and do a lot of good in this world. The Newmans started their company with a $6000 investment which 26 years later turned into a $250 million company. The proceeds of the sales of their products go to thousands of charities and camps such as the Hole in the Wall Camps.
When Kenya was just starting to get teeth and I wanted him to have simple, healthy snacks to munch on, I found these unsalted pretzels. They’re still one of his favorite snacks and mine too.
We miss you, Paul.

I don’t know a kid or adult that doesn’t like string cheese (maybe I have to stop hanging out with all those people from the National Dairy Association). I’m sure to most of you this is one of those obvious snacks for kids, but for those of you who are just getting into the snack game, string cheese should be a staple in your fridge.
This is one of Kenya’s favorites. When he hasn’t had enough calcium or protein in his day, I give him one or two of these and it fulfills both requirements. I know if I let him, he would subsist on cheese sticks alone. Babies and toddlers get so used to us breaking and cutting their food into tiny pieces for them, so when they get a food they can actually hold and control in their tiny hands they’re usually elated.
There are many different brands and types of string cheese sticks on the market, but two of my favorite are Horizon’s Organic Mozzarella String Cheese (6 individually wrapped sticks to a pack) and Trader Joe’s Organic String Cheese (9 individually wrapped sticks to a pack). You definitely pay a higher price for the organic, but I think it’s worth it. When you know the product your child is eating is produced without antibiotics, added growth hormones or dangerous pesticides, it puts your mind at ease.

I have to admit that one of my pet peeves is when my car transforms into a garbage can. It’s tough, though, when you’re on the go and want your little one to have a snack for the wrappers, napkins and crumbs not easily find their way onto the seats and floor.
I’ve always been a fan of rice cakes because they’re healthy, crispy and delicious. They’re great to top with all kinds of jam, almond butter or just some avocado slices, but even plain they’re yummy too. Kenya and I were rolling through the aisles of Whole Foods the other day and came across Kamut Cakes, a divine twist on these favorite of my snacks. “Put the brakes on, Kenya! Oh my goodness, wow!” These Kamut cakes are slimmer then your typical puffy rice cake and have an intense nutty aroma. They contain no sodium or preservatives and are higher in vitamins, minerals and amino acids than commercial wheat. The first week I bought them I was making all of our friends and their kids try them! (When I get passionate about a product, watch out!)
So now I buy bags of these by the truck load and always keep one pack in the car for a “no mess snack” for Kenya….and me!