We’re all busy. Period. And that can mean all kinds of sacrifices, but we don’t want to sacrifice when it comes to making sure our family has a good meal, that the kids get the nutrition they need to be the amazing kids we know they are. But where do you find the shortcuts? I have a suggestion, courtesy of Katie Workman, author of The Mom 100 Cookbook. Katie has two kids, and is the founding editor Cookstr.com and has about as much time as well all do to whip up gourmet grub. But she has a lot of fun ideas that really do work. And you'll find 100 of those delicious ideals in The Mom 100 Cookbook.

   When we had a chance to chat, she brought up a very good point about our kids and what they eat – how much peer pressure can enter into their diets. But that pressure can work both ways which is what she discovered with her kids when what they had to eat, courtesy of Mom, looked and tasted a lot better than what the other kids had. The Mom 100 Cookbook has a lot of enticing recipes for the kids, and adults alike. We all like pizza, right? But pizza for breakfast…oh yeah! Personalized pizzas will work for everyone.  Katie has a great story about why the book is a favorite of her adult friends as well. Creative use tape goes a long way!

   Katie’s book also takes into account what many moms have to deal with, and that’s allergies. So for the many moms that do have to cook at home, this book can help a great deal, and Katie also speaks to that.  So if you’re one of those moms that just discovered your child signed you up for the bake sale, that you have a picky eater, or are just tired of the same old meals just as your kids are, give The Mom 100 Cookbook a good look. Katie took a great deal of time to look at recipes she loved and adapted them for her kids taste, making sure they were good for them, and maintained that same flavor and appeal. I do like Katie’s attitude toward kids and the kitchen – get them involved! There’s no better way to make a child love what is on the table, than to give them a hand in creating their meals. It’s fun and a great opportunity to pass along what you love as well.

   If you have a story, or a photo of you and the kids in the kitchen send that along to me at ann.kelly@coxmg.com,  so we can let the rest of our Kelly’s Kitchen crew see what you’re up to, and send your favorite recipes to us to share. There’s nothing better than letting your child say “look what I did!” And to hear the full interview with Katie, just click here. And don't forget you can still send me your kitchen organization suggestions for a chance to win a special prize from Kelly's Kitchen. I need a little help!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

Don't want to argue, I don't want to debate
Don't want to hear about what kind of food you hate
You won't get no dessert 'till you clean off your plate
So eat it! —"Eat It" by Weird Al