Feeding your family healthy and nutritious meals that also taste great isn't easy! Kids need fresh, delicious foods that don't break the bank and can be prepared quickly. Here are a few suggestions for simple substitutions and additions to boost the nutritional value of your favourite family recipes without sacrificing the flavour.

Applesauce

For added sweetness in most baking recipes, substitute some of the sugar or butter for unsweetened applesauce. Avoid the temptation to substitute all the sugar or butter in a recipe for applesauce as the texture of your baked goods will become too rubbery. Though you can buy applesauce it is easy enough to make your own. Buy a large bag of apples--any kind will do--peel, chop and cook until just softened. Blend to a puree using a food processor or blender. You may need to add some water to achieve the correct consistency. Kids love applesauce in porridge and on lean pork chops. Applesauce freezes well so make a large batch and freeze portions.