Edamame are fresh soybeans. They are the base of soy sauce, tofu, and soy-milk. You can eat them as a snack before sushi or as part of a crudités platter. Edamame are also an excellent addition to salads, soups, and rice dishes.

• Bring the water and the salt to a boil in a saucepan.

• Add the edamame and let the water come back to a boil.

• Cook on medium-high for 5 minutes.

• Drain the edamame and rinse with cold water.

• Drain again and serve either warm or cool.

Snacks Should Be Healthful and Fun

Tastes are formed early. If your kids don't try something, don't make an issue, but keep presenting the food and see what happens. If you have a few kids in the house, have a “crunch contest”! Whose bite of celery or carrot or cucumber makes the loudest crunch? Everybody wins!