We love pasta, and we like to try different meat combinations. We also like marinara and alfredo sauces, however sometimes simple is better and I have found that pesto allows me to get creative with the pasta combinations. It is also easy to make, you can make a big batch and freeze to use later. Here is a simple family recipe for homemade pesto.

Combine basil leaves, olive oil, pine cuts and garlic on a blender. Blend until a paste forms. Add cheese and salt and continue blending until mixture is smooth. Put into a small bowl and then top with 1/2 inch olive oil and let cool.

If you would like to freeze, place in small containers and place on the freezer.

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You can make this for dinner at home, but they are also great for a party. They are easy to make and a healthy option that both adults and kids will enjoy.

• 2 large chicken breast (shredded)
• 3 red organic tomatoes (diced)
• 1 minced garlic
• 5 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 loaf of baguette bread (sliced)
• Garlic butter 
• 1 avocado 
• Purple and green lettuce

1. Prepare the bruschetta topping: mix in a big bowl the diced tomatoes, garlic, sliced basil leaves, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
   
2. Place the baguette bread (sliced) on a large baking sheet. Spread with garlic butter. Place the bruschetta mix, leaves of lettuce and chicken on top. Bake for about 5 minutes (to toast the bread). 
   
3. Serve with smashed avocado on top.

I have been very involved on my son’s education. Even though he goes to school, I complement his learning with activities at the house and even some extra homework. I believe school teaches basics, but parents are a very important component of kids learning and success in school.

I think it is great that we can use technology to help our kids learn. But we have to be careful because not everything that is out in the internet is correct and we do not want our kids to learn things that are not true. The PreK12 Plaza website counts with great resources and information we can trust. There is another advantage to the site, it is bilingual and multicultural. This is very important for me, because I want my son to have a great cultural background.

The website offers tools for each grade level and different topics, such as math, language and science. The website site offers a comprehensive Common Core Standard based Bilingual Preparation and Assessments platform: “Our approach to math education is to engage the child with fun and rewarding experiences, offer teachers comprehensive tools to manage the learning process and get the child’s extended Familia involved.”

Another cool thing about the website is the content called TAILs (Teaching as I Learn) where you upload videos of what your kids are learning, so they can help other families learn the same topic. There is also e-books and so many tools that will make learning fun. Kids can earn points that they can exchange for rewards.

Cute, funny and entertaining. A hit among the boys during the play-date. Great message for kids. We will for sure be watching it again soon