Leah Sucharski : Apple Cinnamon Muffins

 Q + A

Tell me about yourself!

I have a 5 year old daughter and I’m a former professional musical theater singer/actress. I use my creative background and love for food to share (and sing about!) easy and healthy recipes. I have a passion for getting veggies in families' diets in fun and creative ways as well as showing that eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated.

What do you love about this recipe, and how has it helped you with feeding your toddler?

I love these muffins because they are sweetened with fruit, make a great snack and they are a great portable option. I usually serve with a protein, like yogurt, to make it more of a filling snack. These can be frozen but I've found they work better fresh and will last in the fridge for up to a week.

What is your biggest tip when it comes to feeding a toddler?

Stay consistent, switch up how food is presented, don't put pressure on finishing food and encourage them to honor their own hunger cues.

What is your current eating challenge and how are you working to overcome it/how did you overcome it?

When my daughter used to refuse beans/chickpeas, I kept offering them but tried smashing them up and serving them that way and she loved it. I then realized it was the texture that she didn't like. I created a black bean quesadilla recipe where the beans are blended into the filling and I served chickpeas smashed with avocado and they both were hits. Now, she will eat both chickpeas and beans whole!

How do you keep your child entertained when prepping a meal?

My daughter loves helping in the kitchen! I will give her things to stir in a bowl, or even spreading veggies on a sheet pan is a great activity to keep them involved and busy. I've also given her a bowl of water and some measuring cups and spoons and she loves to just play with that as I cook!

Follow Leah at: @tapey1026