Celebrating The Moon Festival With VH (Plus A $50 Grocery Card Giveaway!)

Way back when Gretchen was a wee babe, and we first starting introducing solids, I vowed not to go the standard BLAH route of bland, icky baby foods, in hopes that she's end up with a rather sophisticated palate. Now, at 2 1/2, she's happy to much on all things spicy, curried and exotic. She's thrilled when she knows we're going out for sushi (she prefers japchae, fish soup, rice & a few bites of maki). It makes me SO happy that I can bring her to just about any restaurant possible and find something she'll enjoy. I'll never have to be that mom with the no-sauce-on-my-white-pasta kid. Success.

I also enjoy cooking, which makes things easier. I love trying new recipes and finding new things that she loves. Recently, she's discovered a love of fish, and she's a monster for my signature breakfast burritos. However, like most moms (I hope) I sometimes find myself insanely tired and completely unmotivated to summon dinner (from a probably messy kitchen). Ever feel like that? Ever resort to the dreaded freezer meals? I'll admit I've been a bit of a snob about buying frozen meals in the past, especially since becoming a mother, but if it's the difference between me having quality time with my daughter while we eat together, or me cursing while trying to fix a meal with no clean pots and and empty fridge, then count me in!

Recently, Gretchen and I celebrated the Moon Festival -- one of the most important holidays on the Chinese calendar, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival -- To celebrate, Gretchen and I tried out some VH Steamers. I was skeptical, let me tell you, but considering I only had to spend four minutes making dinner (on what ended up being a particularly stressful day) I could have kissed the colourful packaging it came in.

Actually, they're pretty darn tasty. And surprisingly filling. I remember eating frozen meals when I was in university, and I always wanted about four of them. Is that a terrible thing to confess?

Gretchen and I gobbled them up, and ended up having yogurt & homemade granola for desert, since I never ended up finding the mooncakes that are traditionally eaten on this holiday. Any of my local readers know where I can find some? They look so tasty!

Hmm, or perhaps I'll try to make my own? This recipe looks interesting... this one too.

It was really neat to learn about a holiday I wasn't previously familiar with, and I'm looking forward to teaching Gretchen about all kinds of traditional holidays over the years. I think it's a beautiful insight into another culture when you take part in their festivities. And knowing my adventurous little girl, she'll be happy to sample holiday treats from all over the world.

GIVEAWAY: To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment letting me know how you introduce culture into your meals and you'll be entered to win a $50 grocery gift card! Also be sure to visit vhsauces.ca for some tasty Moon Festival inspired recipes. This giveaway is open to my fellow Canucks. Quick turn around on this one, ladies & gents -- entries must be in by noon on September 21st!

Disclosure: I am participating in the VH Moon Festival program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of VH. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own.

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Update: The lucky winner is... Iris! Congrats!