restaurant kids meals

most restaurant food is unhealthy enough. but, being a parent who likes to feed her kids pretty healthy, restaurant meals for kids is sometimes rough. think about what most places have as far as meals for children: chicken tenders (fried), cheeseburger (greasy), grilled cheese (carbs), etc etc. and what is the typical side: fries. they stupefy the meals. I'm lucky my kids aren't into most of this type of food. the older eats off the adult menu. that's another story. but, the younger would prefer a real meal. another bad part is that they use salt salt salt.
I've asked for a nutritional menu on several occasions, they usually look at you like you're nuts. go figure.

mashed garlic cauliflower

this is probably my favorite side. we never have leftovers. all measurements vary with how moist you'd like it.

1 head of cauliflower; cut into florets
tsp of "vegan" Parmesan cheese (regular if you like)
tbsp oleo (or butter)
tsp pepper
tsp of dried garlic
1/4 cup soy milk

~steam the cauliflower. i use a microwavable steamer with the garlic and 1/4 cup water. takes about 5 minutes.
~place steamed cauliflower and garlic in medium bowl and use masher. (it's good stress relief. :P )  or you can use your food processor.  until you get a creamy mashed potato consistancy.
~add remaining ingredients.
~enjoy.

easy gnocchi with parsley

this is my kids favorite easy meal. or it can be a side if i have more time. 

1 package of gnocchi
 tbsp of dried parsley
1/2 tbsp of chopped garlic
tsp of olive oil
tbsp of soy butter (or regular butter/oleo if you can have it)

cook gnocchi per package. boil til they float. they cook fast.
drain. return to pot and add all ingredients. when butter is melted, it's done.

i go heavier on the garlic. but, we eat a lot of garlic here.

diet peach "sweet leaf" iced tea

usually I'm not one to buy bottled tea. but, this sounded good. i was at target and was thirsty. it's pretty much 0 everything. all ingredients i can understand. and, it tastes very good. my younger son loved it too. no nasty aftertaste.