Baton Rouge Family Fun

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Tiany made her way to Baton Rouge over 25 years ago after meeting her husband, Baton Rouge native Jazz drummer, Troy Davis, in Paris, France.

She has over 15 years of experience blogging, microblogging, managing social media, and building online communities.

One of her greatest passions is supporting families where they live and love – locally! Oh, and she homeschools four boys.

Family Friendly Halloween Drive-In Movies – Lamar Dixon Expo Center

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Starting next week, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center will host Movies on the Mississippi with a fun lineup of Family Friendly Halloween Drive-In Movies, your favorite Halloween flicks plus treats!! 🎃 👻

Drive-in movie theaters, an entertainment staple from the late 1950s to the early ’80s, are exactly what they sound like: a large outdoor screen visible from the comfort of your own car, using a radio frequency or external speaker to hear the audio. Now they’re being resurrected as a way to have an in-person viewing experience while adhering to social-distancing guidelines.

Family Friendly Halloween Drive-In Movies

Lamar-Dixon Expo Center has taken the cinematic experience to an entirely new level. From childhood nostalgia and classic films to recent releases, Live stream tailgating events, live music, and much more. 

Movies on the Mississippi will have classic snacks & drinks at concessions: popcorn, soft drinks, bottled water, snack packs, candy plus food trucks. They respectfully ask that you do not bring in any outside food or drinks in order to help support local Food Trucks and vendors that have been greatly affected by events being canceled due to COVID. 

Family Friendly Halloween Events

Family Friendly Halloween Drive-In Movies Lineup:

  • Hocus Pocus – 10/21 & 10/30- Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Hotel Transylvania – 10/21 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Casper – 10/22 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Nightmare Before Christmas – 10/22 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Ghostbusters – 10/23 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Frankenweenie – 10/23 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • The Addams Family – 10/28 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Beetlejuice – 10/29 – Showtime: 7:15 pm
  • Ghostbusters – 10/29 – Showtime: 9:45 pm
  • Hotel Transylvania 2 – 10/30 – Showtime: 7:15 pm

There are also a few thrillers, concerts and Live stream tailgating scheduled. See the full schedule of events on the Movies on the Mississippi website. 

Drive-In Movies Details:

  • All tickets must be purchased online. You can purchase your tickets here. 

  • Parking spaces are allocated upon arrival.

  • Check for scheduling and availability.

  • Check out the FAQ page for more information.

  • We encourage you to enjoy the show from the comfort of your car, or within the allotted space.

  • Social distancing must be practiced at all times when in the proximity of people outside of your party.

WHAT: Movies on the Mississippi – Drive-In Movies 

WHEN: Starting October 21st

WHERE:
Lamar Dixon Expo Center
9039 S St Landry Ave
Gonzales, LA 70737

TICKETS: https://www.moviesonthems.com/lamardixon

Be sure to visit our Full Fall Guide here for more family-friendly fun! 

 

Boo at the Zoo – Halloween Fun at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

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Calling all ghosts, goblins, little ghouls and boys…  on October 17th, 18th, 24th, and 25th, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is thrilled to be able to host their most popular family event of the year – Boo at the Zoo! This year’s event will be a little bit different than in the past. For safety purposes, pre-prepared treat bags will be available for children to pick-up upon exiting the Zoo. They are still encouraging creative & fun costumes for all guests to create a merry-not-scary experience!

There will be traditional fall-themed photo opportunities & they’ll be providing fun and festive enrichments to their animal friends during the day. While this year’s event will be a little different, it promises to keep this family tradition special for all ages! 

Boo at the Zoo

This year at Boo at the Zoo

Regular Zoo admission applies and admission is free for Friends of the Zoo Members. Admission gates open 9:30am – 4:00pm. Grounds close at 5 pm.

Due to COVID-19 Safeguards, we will be pre-packaging treat bags for all children ages 12 and under to collect upon exiting their adventure at the Zoo.

We encourage costumes, as always, and protective face masks for guests.

While this year’s event will be a little bit different, we promise to keep this family tradition special.

There will be traditional photo ops throughout the Zoo with Fall and Halloween themed structures.

As well, we will be providing fun and festive enrichments to our animal friends throughout the day.

It’s sure to be a good time for all ages! 

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, October 17, 2020
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Sunday, October 25, 2020

Boo at the Zoo

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How old do you have to be to trick-or-treat?

A: Treats are for children under the age of 12.

Q: Is parking free?

A: Parking is free, but the parking lot often fills up for Boo at the Zoo. Deputies will assist in directing traffic but please “bear” with them. Cars will be permitted to enter as soon as spots become available. It’s best to get there early!

Q: Is your event scary?

A: Boo at the Zoo is a merry, not scary Halloween event. The Hay Maze & other attractions are not scary and are suitable for young children.

Q: Can we bring our own snacks and beverages?

A: Outside snacks and beverages are not allowed inside the Zoo, but feel free to enjoy your Zoo favorites at the Flamingo Cafe, or try out the Food Court with everything from quesadillas and fried pickles to funnel cakes and smoothies! 

You won’t want to miss this day of family fun! 

Boo at the Zoo

Learn more at the BREC Baton Rouge Zoo website and follow the Baton Rouge Zoo Facebook page for updates! 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRFF via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Hurricane Laura Relief: How to Help Louisiana Victims

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Hurricane Laura was the strongest of any hurricane making landfall in Louisiana since the Last Island Storm in 1856, according to NBC meteorologist Bill Karins said. The storm has seen over 580,000 coastal residents placed under evacuation orders, while nearly 470,000 homes and businesses were left without power, as the hurricane made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday. We’ve put together a list of Hurricane Laura Relief organizations directly helping those impacted by the storm. 

Hurricane Laura Relief

Hurricane Laura Relief – How You Can Help:

Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana: The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is raising money to issue grants to local non-profits that will help people recover from Hurricane Laura.

The Salvation Army: Your donation helps keep The Salvation Army on the front-lines, buying meals, drinks, snacks, and other critical commodities desperately needed by survivors and rescue workers.  For more information, visit  www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.  Or if you or someone you know needs to talk, please call our emotional & spiritual care hotline at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673).

Catholic Charities USA: Your support helps people through the immediate aftermath and continues helping them as they work through the long process of recovery. 100% of donations go to relief efforts through this link. 

Save The Children: Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.

Second Harvest Food Bank – Feeding South Louisiana: The team stands ready to respond to Hurricane Laura. They are in need of volunteers to help prepare meals for this devastating storm. Please consider signing up or donating at no-hunger.org/volunteer

Delgado Athletics: the Delgado Athletic Department is relaunching its Delgado Cares Project, which will be collecting gift cards of any denomination that can be shared directly with those impacted by the storm.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.

Direct Relief USA: Direct Relief offers prescription drugs and other medical supplies to those who need it in emergency situations, and works with clinics and primary care doctors to ensure that people are able to get what they need when they need it. 

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area (AAVA)
 

Bethany Church: Bethany is focusing our finances and manpower on feeding thousands of displaced people and helping to muck out flooded homes and churches. They are partnering with organizations to make efforts more efficient.

Fine and Dandy in Gonzales: My husband and I will be collecting items Friday from 10-5, Saturday 10-2, and Sunday 12-4 pm at the storefront location 38011 HWY 621, next to Ace Hardware. We will be delivering these items to needed communities Monday. If you feel it in your heart to help, here is an Amazon wish list you can order from, or a list of needed items that can be purchased and dropped at the store during those set times.
 

Louisiana Hospitality Foundation The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is planning to deploy resources shortly after Hurricane Laura’s landfall to provide hot meals for first responders and community members impacted across southwest Louisiana. Please consider donating to help offset the costs of this effort: https://louisianahospitalityfoundation.org/laura/

Samaritan’s Purse : Samaritan’s Purse is deploying staff members and one of our Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief units to Lake Charles, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

We will continue updating this list daily as we receive news of more ways to help and assist the victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Building a better Baton Rouge by listening, learning, and growing together.

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It’s been an emotional two weeks for our country and our community. The last two weeks have shown us the best and the worst in humanity. The last two weeks have shown us that a once-in-a-generation opportunity for real change feels tangible.
 
The last two weeks have shown me, a Latina and owner of Baton Rouge Family Fun, that we have an important role to play in our community.
 
At its heart, Baton Rouge Family Fun is a community organization serving ALL Baton Rouge families. We stand in solidarity with all who are working to dismantle racism in our community. We are committed to being an ally to those leading the change. Standing against racism and injustice has nothing to do with our politics and everything to do with our humanity.
 
 
While Baton Rouge is a great place to live, with a diverse and resilient community, great restaurants, rich culture, and fun events… we have significant challenges to face, challenges that aren’t new.
 
We don’t have the answers to such ingrained and complex problems such as racism but we do know it starts at home, it starts with our children. As parents, families, and members of this community, who seek to raise one another up, we must point out and condemn racism, brutality, and indifference to suffering wherever we see it.
 
We are tasked with the important job of raising the next generation to be pro-actively anti-racist. Our children will be better able to break this chain of bias if we give them opportunities to think deeply and talk openly about justice, inequity, and humanity from a young age.
 
We do not have all of the answers but we do have this space where we can learn with one another. We hope to support families in the effort to build a better Baton Rouge by listening, learning, and growing together.
 
As a platform for local parents, we will continue to be a resource to all families, working with inclusive businesses and organizations to support our collective community.
 

Building a better Baton Rouge by listening, learning, and growing together.

Anti-Racism Resources for Parents and Kids

Below is a list of local grass-roots organizations that are working to educate and dismantle racism in our community along with some helpful resources to start the conversations at home:

Dialogue on Race Louisiana
Power Coalition
Step Up Louisiana
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition-EBRPPR
TRUCE Baton Rouge
The Promise of Justice Initiative
Innocence Project New Orleans
Women with a Vision, Inc.

It’s never too early to talk about race.

“Adults often think they should avoid talking with young children about race or racism because doing so would cause them to notice race or make them racist. In fact, when adults are silent about race or use “colorblind” rhetoric, they actually reinforce racial prejudice in children. Starting at a very young age, children see patterns — who seems to live where; what kinds of homes they see as they ride or walk through different neighborhoods; who is the most desirable character in the movies they watch; who seems to have particular jobs or roles at the doctor’s office, at school, at the grocery store; and so on — and try to assign “rules” to explain what they see.” (Dr. Erin Winkler, 2017)

Books for parents:

Books for children:

Books for young adults:

More resources: 

 

Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge – Spread joy and kindness!

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 Social distancing hasn’t stopped the community from coming together to beautify the outdoors — at least at a distance from each other. Last week we kicked off the Louisiana Boot Trail and we loved seeing your beautiful Louisiana Boots on display in neighborhoods around the Baton Rouge area! We also had many of you tag us in your Chalk Walk photos and we fell in love with the idea to #ChalkYourWalk! The perfect way to spread more joy and kindness! Many of us are looking for something to do that’s safe and gets us out of the house during this time of pandemic restrictions. Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge is pretty simple. Go outside with some chalk and write an uplifting message or drawing on your driveway, fence or sidewalks. We’ve partnered with the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge to encourage families to get out and #ChalkYourWalkBR! 

Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge

Haylie Smith, a Baton Rouge mom of three sent us this great idea for a fabulous chalk project using tape to share with you all! and her family was not the only ones with this fabulous idea! She 

Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge

I’m a mom of 3 trying to find things to do around the house just like everyone else during this self-quarantine. I asked my husband to put tape around the fence so the kids could color it in since he’s the creative one. He took it to another level by adding our last name since this is week has brought us closer together. All you need it tape and side walk chalk for this time consuming art project. Loclon, Ally & Annie Jane are proud of their work. – Haylie Nola Smith

Haylie’s family was one of many that enjoyed some family time making joy-filled masterpieces with chalk and tape this weekend! Carly Peterson’s family had the same idea and decorated their driveway along with encouraging notes on the sidewalk. If this doesnt put a smile on your face, we don’t know what will! 

Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge

Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge

Chalk Your Walk Baton Rouge

We invite you and your family to draw inspiring art and/or write encouraging messages on a nearby sidewalk or your driveway. Or, put a surprise message or drawing on the sidewalk of a neighbor or friend . Then take a walk, go for a bike ride, or even take a drive to check out the art around your neighborhood.

Take a pic of the art and post it in our event on Facebook, or send it to us. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ChalkYourWalkBR and tag us @batonrougefamilyfun on Instagram! We will give Baton Rouge Family Fun shirts and Tote Bags to a few lucky winners each week.

Ready, get set, chalk away!

More posts you might find helpful:

Louisiana Boot Trail – Sharing Hope & Cheer One Window at a Time!

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As most of us are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing, our walks outside  for some fresh air and exercise will be more precious than ever! Let’s add something lovely to to our daily walk or bike ride – something we can do without touching! Something to remind us that even through this time of uncertainty there is hope and we are Louisiana Strong! 

Let’s launch a Louisiana Boot Trail! Spread the happy, not the virus! 

Louisiana Boot Trail

 

Color a Louisiana Boot — out of any material — or just print one out, and put it in your window!

We have a set of three printables below for you to print and decorate! Get together with the family and decorate your Louisiana Boot with signs of hope and cheer!

When we enjoy our neighborhood walks outside we can look for each other’s Louisiana Boots – be sure to share with your neighborhood association! 

If you see one or create your own, snap a pic and share it back on our Facebook post here!

If you share it on Instagram, tag @BatonRougeFamilyFun so we can see them! 

Let’s get the Louisiana Boot Trail started! 

Printables – Click on the image to print! 

Louisiana Boot TrailLouisiana Boot TrailLouisiana Boot Trail

More posts you might find helpful:

Introducing Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates – Join us for some virtual fun!

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As you already know, events are being canceled, businesses are temporarily closing and kids are out of school for the next month. We know that school closings will cause lot of disruption and worry for some families. Baton Rouge Moms (soon to be Baton Rouge Family Fun) hopes to make the transition a little easier and a little more fun! Beginning this week, we will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to help you over the upcoming weeks – in the form of Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates!!

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

Many thanks to our community partners for making this project possible.

Do you have a business or organization that would like to get involved? Email Tiany at Tiany@batonrougemoms.com to let us know you are interested.

 

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

We’re lining up some of your favorite small businesses, organizations and groups to lead us through daily 15-30 minute activities via video.

The Virtual Playdate videos will be available each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We hope that this will be a great way to keep our families engaged in the community even while practicing social distancing.

Look Forward to:

  • Follow-Along Dance Lessons
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Study Tips for doing Schoolwork at Home
  • Fun Science Experiments (Video demos you can follow along to)
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Fun Treats Kids Can Make at Home
  • Easy Art & Craft Ideas (How to videos with these too)
  • Family Challenges
  • Ideas for Helping Families in need
    and more!

How to Follow Along 

>> Virtual Playdate videos will be posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages starting this week! 

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Facebook

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Instagram

Stay tuned for all this and more in upcoming emails! Sign up to receive the emails to be notified about each days video and any prep you might need to participate.

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See below for links to each day’s posts; we will add them as they are published.

 

More posts relating to COVID – 19

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe – Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

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Lately, my favorite grocery method is online ordering and home delivery. I love the convenience of having my groceries delivered to my home but can’t always depend on the quality of meat or the availably of the meat that I prefer for my family. I’m thrilled to share a brand new program that is sure to help make family mealtime and serving the best quality meats to your family a whole lot easier! Perdue Farms recently launched its brand new direct to consumer bundle boxes and they are everything we didn’t realize we needed!

Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

High-quality protein is the most important part of the meal when it comes to my four growing teen boys. Now I can get the quality of Perdue Farms meats I know and trust delivered to my door with the direct to consumer box. Be sure to check out our favorite Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe using Perdeu Farms chicken below! 

Thanks to Perdue Farms, my family had the opportunity to try the medium Family Bundle box {a 17% savings) which included:

Perdue Farms

Family Farmers and a Commitment to Animal Care

Over the last 10 years, Perdue Farms has transitioned from conventional chicken & turkey production to becoming the #1 supplier in the U.S. for Organic Chicken as well as a leader in premium Beef, Pork, Lamb, Pasture Raised, Grass-fed, Heritage Breed, Antibiotic Free (No Antibiotics Ever), Non-GMO, Ever, Certified Humane, GAP & more.

Direct to consumer boxes will include heritage, organic, pasture-raised, pork, beef, chicken or lamb – all raised with no antibiotics ever by farm families with the highest standards of animal care. 

Perdue Farms Sustainability and Recyclable Packing 

All packaging is 100% recyclable. The foam insulation is made from water-soluble cornstarch, which can be composted or even disintegrated under running water and safely rinsed down a kitchen sink. Each order also includes a reusable shopping tote and a packet of bee and butterfly-friendly seeds for consumers to plant in their yards to help the local pollinator population flourish. 

Additionally, with each direct to consumer box, Perdue Farms will make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to help offset the shipment’s carbon footprint, which will equate to removing more than 70 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere per order. You can read more about Perdue Farms’ Sustainability Initiative on their website.

Perdue Farms

One of my weekly go-to meals is a very simple Sweet Pepper Chicken recipe that my boys love. This quick and easy recipe with chicken and mini sweet peppers, in a savory and sweet sauce, is sure to be a family pleaser! Perdue Farms’ precut diced chicken breasts in our Family Box were perfect for this recipe and made meal prep a breeze. 

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe

Sweet Pepper Chicken
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MARINADE INGREDIENTS
  1. 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
  2. 1/4 cup
  3. 1/3 cup water
  4. 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  5. 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  6. 1 Tbsp. honey
  7. 1 Tbsp. corn starch
PEPPER CHICKEN INGREDIENTS
  1. 1 lb. chicken chunks
  2. 2 Tbsp. olive oil, Avocado oil or Butter
  3. 12 mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced
  4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
MARINATE CHICKEN
  1. Combine and mix all marinade ingredients in a ziplock or bowl. Add the chicken chunks and toss in the marinade. Refrigerate chicken/marinade mixture for at least 30 minutes - the longer the better!
TO MAKE THE SWEET PEPPER CHICKEN
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the sweet peppers and garlic and saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large bowl.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Remove half the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon or tongs (reserve the marinade) and saute 3 minutes turning until browned. Transfer chicken to the pepper bowl. Saute the remaining chicken and transfer to bowl. - If doubling recipe you will have to saute chicken make in two to four batches.
  3. Pour reserved marinade into the same pan and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Add the chicken and peppers to the pan, toss to combine. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
  4. Serve immediately over rice and a broccoli for the perfect sweet pepper chicken and veggie bowl!
Notes
  1. You can make an extra batch of the marinade and set aside until it's time to thicken the sauce if you like extra sauce with your chicken.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Perdue Farms

A 100-Year Tradition of Excellence

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food, and agriculture company in its 100th year of business. Through their belief in responsible food and agriculture, they are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Learn more about Perdue Farms’ new Direct to Consumer program and SAVE UP TO 25% ON BUNDLED PRODUCTS. Shop now!

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Operation Imagination: NEW Indoor Play Area in Baton Rouge

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Something NEW and EXCITING has opened up for families in Baton Rouge! If you’ve been wishing for another indoor play option for your littles, you’ll want to visit Operation Imagination, an intimate 2,000 square foot imaginative indoor play area where children can explore, learn and have fun through pretend-play! We’ve partnered with Operation Imagination to host a giveaway, be sure to enter below!! 

Operation Imagination

Operation Imagination is a unique and imaginative play experience designed for young children. The play stations have been well planned with great attention to detail to stimulate children’s minds through exploration and pretend play. Unlike other local facilities, Operation Imagination doesn’t just focus on active play but use pretend-play to engage the mind. The elements/activities are structured for preschool-age children to learn gross motor skills and build confidence as they interact in this “town within a town” with settings such as a grocery store, a theater, a camping area, home, education station, a mail stop, construction area, streets, an airplane to fly and more!

Operation Imagination

 

Pretend play is the acting out of stories that involve multiple perspectives and the playful manipulation of ideas and emotions; an important part of thinking and brain development. Our focus is for those 6 months to 7 years old looking for a play space to put their imagination to the test. 

Operation Imagination

There are endless options for pretend play inside of the magical walls of Operation Imagination. If you’re searching for a new birthday venue for your little one, you can book parties too! You can also reserve a time for larger groups of field trips. Have questions about Operation Imagination, no worries, they have answers on their FAQ page here!

Events

Operation Imagination also holds events and craft times – the next event is coming up in December. Wear your Christmas PJs and join Operation Imagination for milk & cookies, letters to Santa, elf hats and Playtime and a special Elf guest all the way from the North Pole! Register here!! 

Operation Imagination

 

WHERE:
4606 Jones Creek Rd, 100
Baton Rouge, LA 70817, US

HOURS: 
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday Closed

PRICE: 
Children under 1 (utilizing the play space) – $4
Children over 1 – $7
Adults – Free

GIVEAWAY

We stopped by Operation Imagination and we were blown away by this locally mom-owned play area, it was evident that it was created with much thought and love. Don’t miss out on this gem, your little ones will LOVE it! We’ve partnered with Operation Imagination for a fabulous GIVEAWAY too! Operation Imagination wanted to bless one mama with a 10 Visit Punch Card – valued at $70! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions

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We’ve all been there! You’ve just returned from the grocery store and you’re getting ready to make dinner, bake or whip something up on a whim, and you’re missing a crucial ingredient. The last thing you want to do is go back to the grocery store for one item. No worries! We have 50 Need-to-Know Ingredient Substitutions for you to print out. Take into account that the substitution could change the taste, texture, and or consistency, but will do when you’re in a pinch.

Healthy Recipe Substitutions

Unsweetened applesauce for oil, butter, or sugar

Using applesauce in place of sugar can give the necessary sweetness without the calories. You can sub sugar for apple sauce in a 1:1 ratio, but for every cup of applesauce, you use, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

Mashed bananas for fats

The creamy, thickening-power of ripe mashed banana is perfect for replacing fat in baking recipes. One cup of mashed banana works perfectly in place of 1 cup of butter or oil! Here is a great recipe for a low-fat, quick and easy banana bread…

3 Ingredient Banana Bread
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Ingredients
  1. 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
  2. 2 eggs
  3. 3-4 overripe bananas
Instructions
  1. Directions
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Smash bananas in a large bowl with a fork, beat eggs in separate bowl, then mix all ingredients well. Spray 2 small loaf pans or 1 large loaf pan with non stick cooking spray. Fill the pans evenly with batter. Bake at for 35-40 minutes
Notes
  1. Sprinkle the pans with cinnamon and sugar before filling for an added sweet touch.
Baton Rouge Family Fun https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/

Grated steamed cauliflower for rice

Cut both calories and carbs with this simple switch. The texture is virtually the same, as is the taste.

Spaghetti squash for pasta

Roast or bake your squash and scrape with a fork for a healthy low-carb spaghetti squash substitute for pasta. One squash will make between two and three servings.

Two egg whites for one whole egg

Trade out the yolk for a second white to cut cholesterol and double the protein.

Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo

Nonfat Greek yogurt has far fewer calories and fat than mayonnaise or sour cream, but its consistency is quite similar. Next time a recipe calls for either of those fattening ingredients, try using the yogurt instead.

 

50 Ingredient Substitutions

PRINTABLE—> Ingredient Substitutions Guide PDF

Ingredient Substitutions Guide

Ingredient Amount Substitution
Allspice 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Baking mix 1 cup 1 cup pancake mix OR 1 cup Easy Biscuit Mixture
Baking powder 1 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar OR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk (decrease liquid in recipe by 1/2 cup)
Baking soda 1 teaspoon 2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder + replace acidic liquid ingredient in recipe with non-acidic liquid
Balsamic Vinegar 1 cup Equal amount of sherry or cider vinegar
Broth: beef or chicken 1 cup 1 bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup boiling water OR1 teaspoon powdered broth base dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
Brown sugar 1 cup, packed 1 cup white sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses and decrease the liquid in recipe by 1/4 cup OR 1 cup white sugar OR 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Butter 1 cup 7/8 to 1 cup hydrogenated fat (shortening) and 1/2 teaspoon salt OR7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR

1 cup margarine OR 7/8 cup oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup oil OR To reduce fat and calories – applesauce or prune puree for half of the butter in the recipe OR ¾ coconut oil in place of a cup of butter.
Buttermilk 1 cup 1 cup yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup
Cajun Spice 1 tablespoon 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chocolate(semisweet) 1 ounce 1 (1-ounce) square of unsweetened chocolate plus 4 teaspoons sugar OR 1 ounce semisweet chocolate chips plus 1 teaspoon shortening
Chocolate (unsweetened) 1 ounce 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa plus 1 tablespoon shortening or vegetable oil
Cocoa 1/4 cup 1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
Corn syrup 1 cup 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup honey OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
Cottage cheese 1 cup 1 cup farmer’s cheese OR 1 cup ricotta cheese
Cracker crumbs 1 cup 1 cup bread crumbs OR 1 cup matzo meal OR 1 cup ground oats
Cream (half and half) 1 cup 7/8 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon butter
Cream (heavy) 1 cup 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter
Cream (light) 1 cup 1 cup evaporated milk OR 3/4 cup milk plus 3 tablespoons butter
Cream (whipped) 1 cup 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
Cream cheese 1 cup 1 cup pureed cottage cheese OR 1 cup plain yogurt, strained overnight in a cheesecloth
Crème fraiche 1 cup Combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Let stand for 6 hours at room temperature
Egg 1 whole (3 tablespoons or 1.7 oz) 2 1/2 tablespoons of powdered egg substitute plus 2 1/2 tablespoons water OR 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute OR 1/4 cup silken tofu pureed OR 3 tablespoons mayonnaise OR half a banana mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Evaporated milk 1 cup 1 cup light cream
Fats for baking 1 cup 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree
Flour–Bread 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon wheat gluten (available at health food stores & some supermarkets)
Flour–Cake 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons
Flour–Self-Rising 1 cup 7/8 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Garlic 1 clove 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic OR 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt–reduce salt in recipe
Green onion 1/2 cup , chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion, OR 1/2 cup chopped leek OR 1/2 cup chopped shallots
Herbs–fresh 1 tablespoon chopped fresh 1 teaspoon (chopped or whole leaf) dried herbs
Honey 1 cup 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup corn syrup OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
Ketchup 1 cup 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1 teaspoon vinegar plus 1 tablespoon sugar
Lard 1 cup 1 cup shortening OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil OR 1 cup butter
Lemon grass 2 fresh stalks 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Lemon juice 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lime juice
Lemon zest 1 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract OR 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Lime juice 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Margarine 1 cup 1 cup shortening plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 1 cup butter OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mayonnaise 1 cup 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup plain yogurt
Milk–whole 1 cup 1 cup soy milk OR 1 cup rice milk OR 1 cup water or juice OR 1/4 cup dry milk powder plus 1 cup water OR 2/3 cup evaporated milk plus 1/3 cup water
Onion 1 cup, chopped 1 cup chopped green onions OR 1 cup chopped shallots OR 1 cup chopped leeks OR 1/4 cup dried minced onion OR 1/4 cup onion powder
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese OR 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Raisin 1 cup 1 cup dried currants OR 1 cup dried cranberries OR 1 cup chopped pitted prunes
Ricotta 1 cup 1 cup dry cottage cheese OR 1 cup silken tofu
Semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup 1 cup chocolate candies OR 1 cup peanut butter or other flavored chips OR 1 cup chopped nuts OR 1 cup chopped dried fruit
Shallots, chopped 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chopped onion, OR 1/2 cup chopped leek OR 1/2 cup chopped green onion
Shortening 1 cup 1 cup butter OR 1 cup margarine minus 1/2 teaspoon salt from recipe
Sour cream 1 cup 1 cup plain yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough cream to make 1 cup OR 3/4 cup buttermilk mixed with 1/3 cup butter
Soy sauce 1/2 cup 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Stock–beef or chicken 1 cup 1 cube beef or chicken bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water
Sweetened condensed milk 1 (14-ounce) can 3/4 cup white sugar mixed with 1/2 cup water and 1 1/8 cups dry powdered milk: Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes
Vegetable oil–for baking 1 cup 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree
Vegetable oil–for frying 1 cup 1 cup lard OR 1 cup vegetable shortening
Vinegar 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice OR 2 teaspoons white wine
White sugar 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar OR 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar OR 3/4 cup honey OR 3/4 cup corn syrup
Wine 1 cup 1 cup chicken or beef broth OR 1 cup fruit juice mixed with 2 teaspoons vinegar OR 1 cup water
Yogurt 1 cup 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup buttermilk OR 1 cup sour milk

 Do you have any go-to ingredient substitutes you rely on when you’re in a pinch or need to replace an item for health reasons?

Sources: http://greatist.com