healthy RECIPES


Cook up some amazing healthy recipes created by Playnormous members during the 2011 Recipalooza contest! It's healthy, it's kid-friendly, it's monstrously tasty.

What better way to take what you've learned on Playnormous than by cooking healthy in the real world! We've compiled a complete set of easy, tasty and nutritious recipes that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Each recipe comes with a printable recipe card and features a particular fruit or vegetable.

Knife Safety

  1. 1. Use the cutting board when cutting food.
  2. 2. When using a knife, curl hand holding food so that only your knuckles faces blade.
  3. 3. Move the hand holding the knife up and down as you cut the food.
  4. 4. Be careful of your fingers and hands when lowering the blade to the food.
  5. 5. Do not hold the knife at the blade and always cut away from your body.

Blender Safety

  1. 1. Make sure the blender is unplugged before you start.
  2. 2. Add ingredients to the blender container.
  3. 3. Place the blender container on the base.
  4. 4. Put the lid tightly on the blender container.
  5. 5. Plug in the blender and press the button to begin blending.
  6. 6. Do not open the blender container or put anything in it while it is running.
  7. 7. Turn off the blender and unplug it.
  8. 8. Remove the blender container from the base.
  9. 9. Remove the lid.
  10. 10. Be sure your hands are dry before plugging in or unplugging the blender.

Microwave Safety

  1. 1. Use a microwave-safe container (no metals or plastics).
  2. 2. Food and liquids get very hot in the microwave, so use oven mitts when removing items to prevent a burn.

Can Opener Safety

  1. 1. Ask a responsible adult to show you how to properly use a can opener.
  2. 2. When using the can opener, be sure to hold the handle of the can opener, not the sharp edge. The sharp edge opens the can.
  3. 3. After the lid has been cut off the can, pick it up carefully.
  4. 4. Throw the lid in the trash can, being careful not to touch the sharp edges with your fingers.

Oven and Stove Safety

Both the oven and stove can get VERY HOT. Always ask a responsible adult to help you when using the oven or stove.

1 Serving of Fruit =

  • one medium sized fruit (like an apple or banana)
  • 1/2 cup of raw, cut up, canned, or frozen fruit
  • 1/2 cup of grapes or about 15 grapes
  • 1/2 cup of berries
  • 1/4 cup of dried fruit (like raisins or apricots)
  • 3/4 cup or 6 oz of 100% fruit juice

How to Serve Fruit

  • Fresh: Eat it straight from the store or market but make sure to wash them first.
  • Canned: Always choose canned fruit that is in water, its own juice, or "lite syrup" to keep down the sugar.
  • Frozen: Frozen fruit is just as healthy as fresh. Be careful though, some have added sugar or syrup so be sure to read the label.
  • Dried: Examples include raisins, apricots, dates, or cranberries.
  • Juiced: Make sure label says 100% fruit juice. If it's not 100% fruit juice, it cannot be counted as a serving of fruit.

1 Serving of Vegetables =

  • 1/2 cup of raw chopped, cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables such as carrots or corn.
  • 1 cup of raw leafy green vegetables like raw spinach or lettuce.
  • 1/2 cup of cooked legumes, like pinto beans, black beans, or chickpeas.

How to Serve Vegetables

  • Fresh: Eat them whole or cut up. Make sure to always wash them first.
  • Canned: Canned vegetables usually have added salt. Buy canned vegetables labeled "low-salt" or "low sodium" OR buy regular canned vegetables and rinse in a colander.
  • Frozen: Frozen is just as healthy as fresh. To avoid extra fat, choose frozen vegetables that do not contain any added butter, margarine, or sauces like cream or cheese.

    • Wear, carry, stick and cuddle with Playnormous. Visit the Monster Gear Store for aprons, mouse pads, bibs, t-shirts and more!

    • Playnormous health games on CD-ROM

    • FREE teacher guides available, complete with student assessments and classroom activities.

    • Colorful classroom posters now available in the Monster Gear Store!

    • Visit the stories tab to learn all about how the Playnormous world began.

    • "I like the game Bubble Rubble because it is funny when you get it wrong and he says, DUDE!! Playnormous has made me want to eat better!"
    • - Caroline, 1st Grader
    • "I love the games. Not only is it fun, but we learn as we go. I thought all fruit drinks were healthy, but now I know what to look for on the labels."
    • - S.B., High School Student
    • "I like Pyramid Pile Up because the Chompies are funny."
    • - Aidan, 2nd Grader
    • "The Playnormous tournament was so fun. Some of my friends and I are still challenging each other."
    • - K.C., High School Student