Let’s Talk Butter!

I think we mentioned that we’re right in the midst of party season, and we’re swamped. I’m certainly not looking for anything new to do, but when this opportunity for a sponsored post from Country Crock came into my inbox, and I saw the adorable free e-cookbook by Clare Crespo they just released (a few favorite recipes shown above), I knew I had to do it. This post had to go up by Saturday, and between Aimee and I, we are hosting three parties this week! Yes, it’s as crazy over here as it sounds. Maybe we need to change the name of the blog to Super-insane Moms? Actually we do *try* not to overbook ourselves, and it certainly wasn’t MY idea to have two children with birthdays within a week of each other, but I digress. Where was I? Oh yes, BUTTER!

I’m a fan of Country Crock — I’ve been buying it for more years than I care to count because I’ll feel old — let’s just say a long time. So a while back Superdad was picking up a few things at the store for me and margarine was on the list. He bought the generic brand and when he returned home, I scolded him for not buying Country Crock. Some might say (and in fact, he DID say), “It’s just butter!” If I’m being honest, the real reason I buy Country Crock: I love the look of their tub. Seriously, it reminds me of my favorite children’s book Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, and the Country Crock website features more illustrations of that same style. In my own warped calculations, I’ve figured that tub of margarine is going to be in our fridge and on our dinner table for a couple months. Do I really want to look at the blah generic packaging or that homey, classic Country Crock tub? Easy choice!

At the store this week I also saw a Cinnamon Country Crock that I decided to try — we’re loving it on our morning bagels.

So about this fabulous Clare Crespo Cookbook — it’s got loads of clever ideas for making veggies fly off your kids’ plates. They are whimsical creations like a Corn-on-the-cob Rocket Ship, Molecular Model Brussels Sprouts, or Green Bean Campfire. There are also a few holiday ideas to file away — wish I’d seen the adorable Cabbage Nests before Easter, but the Flag Pizza will be perfect in July.

I’m not above hiding pureed veggies in things to get my little ones to eat them, but I love that these recipes are so fun kids will be dying to try them, and they’ll be pleasantly surprised that
veggies taste good with Country Crock, there’s no need to hide them! When I showed the cookbook to Attalie, she pretty much wanted to make every one.

We picked out one of the simplest ideas to make for lunch yesterday. This darling Peas and Thank You recipe involved some simple carving of whole carrots (a small knife works better for this party) then slicing them up and tossing with green peas and Country Crock. I microwaved for a couple minutes and they were ready to enjoy. Baby Modette was the cutest fan of this dish.

Are you looking for quick and simple tips and recipes to make serving veggies more fun? Download the free Clare Crespo Cookbook here for fun and whimsical recipes your family is sure to love!

This post is sponsored by Country Crock. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.