Fieldtrip 101: Riley's Farm

Strawberries are probably the most loved fruit in our household, so it's no surprise that we love picking our own from a local farm.

Riley's Farm is about 15 minutes from Yucaipa/Beaumont and nestled in the small town of Oak Glen. Famous for it's U-Pick apples in the fall, there are plenty of activities to enjoy year round! From Revolutionary War reenactments to themed dinner events, and there's plenty of u-pick opportunities, as well- Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Pears, Apples and even Zinnias!

We spent the morning there picking fresh strawberries. I recommend calling ahead to check their crop availability, as it was a little sparse when we showed up. We still were able to grab a couple pints full of delicious red berries.

After your day of harvesting, you can browse through their general store or enjoy a slice of fresh baked apple pie from their bakery! (Crumb Crust is our fave!)

Riley's Farm

12261 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen 92399

Parking: FREE

Cost: Varies per activity. Strawberries were 1/2 pint $3.00; 1 pint $5.00

Good for ages: 3 and up

Hours: Mon-Sat 10a-4p; Closed Sundays

Notes: Everything is outdoors. Please arrive early and bring sunscreen and water. Wear close toe shoes- remember this is a working farm. The ground may be uneven in places. They accept cash and credit cards for payment. Cell phone service is sparse. 

Chicken Rollatini

I love it when I can sneak vegetables in to my boy's food. They are usually fans of corn and green beans. That's it. But, I found that if I incorporate it in to the main dish to combine flavors, then I can get away with more. Like this recipe with Spinach. I mean, it did help that I called it Popeye food and claimed that it would give them big muscles. (This speech worked on LC, not so much on the hubby, but he still ate it and loved it). Even better news? It's low calorie and healthy for you. Yes!

CHICKEN ROLLATINI
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
4 thin sliced chicken breasts
1/2 cup italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
6 Tbsp. egg whites or egg beaters
5 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of any liquid
6 Tbsp. part skim ricotta cheese
4 slices part skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
olive oil non-stick spray
1 cup marinara sauce

Directions
1 Preheat oven to 450. Spray baking dish with non-stick spray
2 Combine breadcrumbs and 2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese in one bowl. Put 1/4 cup egg beaters in a seperate bowl
3 Combine shredded mozzarella cheeese, remaining parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, spinach and 2 Tbsp. egg beaters
4 Spread spinach-cheese mixture onto pieces of chicken. Loosely roll each piece, keeping seam side down
5 Dip Chicken in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture and place seam side down in baking dish. Lightly spray with olive oil
6 Bake 20-25 minutes. Topp with sauce, then cheese. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is just melted.

Healthy Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

Casseroles are always comfort food- and this one is healthy for you! Chicken, Brown Rice, Black Beans, Corn... and NO sour cream, condensed soup or mayo! Put this one on your must try list. Both hubby and LC loved it. The original recipe can be found on Tasty Kitchen.

HEALTHY CHEESY CHICKEN RICE BAKE
Serves: 4-6
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
4 cups cooked brown rice
1 can (15 oz.) corn
1 can (15oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
1 can (4oz.) diced green chiles
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)


Directions
1  In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until mixed thoroughly. Make sure the cheese and yogurt is mixed throughout.
2 Transfer to casserole dish and sprinkle with extra cheese.
3 Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until warmed throughout.

I used instant rice and chicken thighs and it turned out yummy! If you like your food spicy, you can use hot salsa and chiles. Enjoy!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

 I originally saw this recipe made with a packet of dry Italian Seasoning. When I went to make it, I found out that we didn't have any. So I substituted the oregano, basil and garlic salt. Definately going to try the Italian Seasoning next time!

LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP

Ingredients
raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 lemons
1 stick butter
1 Tbsp. Oregano
1 Tbsp. Basil
Garlic Salt

Directions
1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in 9x13 pan in oven
2 Slice lemon into thin slices and place in bottom of pan
3 Place shrimp on top of lemon and butter. Sprinkle with oregano, basil and garlic salt to taste
4 Bake for 15 minutes or until pink

Knott's Berry Farm

I was going to stay away from the major theme parks because if you live in So. Cal, they're pretty much a given. But, then I thought there might be some people looking at this from out of state and planning a trip. Or possibly a first timer! So, here is the first major theme park- Knott's Berry Farm.

I think this is probably the most affordable theme park that offers rides of every thrill level for the whole family. There are rides for little ones in Camp Snoopy, water rides, roller coasters for the thrill seekers and there are actually a lot of educational opportunities at this park. Especially if you're looking for something with a Wild West/ Native American theme.

The first time I took LC, he was 4. The rides in Camp Snoopy are fairly small(cars that go a round in a loop, airplanes that fly in a circle, etc.). You can find some of the same rides when the fair comes to town. But this is exactly the kind of thing 4 year olds love. And because they're simple and in full view, you can let them go on it by themselves while you watch from the sidelines and cheer them on, take pictures, etc.  His absolute favorite was Woodstock's Airmail- which is a mini version of Supreme Scream. They even have a child sized roller coaster for the smallest thrill seeking guests that are 36" or taller.

For the older kids and adults in the family, there are several roller coasters and thrill rides.

Don't forget to check out the educational opportunities through out the park. LC's favorite was the Calico Railroad where he got to ride on a full size train, and deal with the bandits on board trying to steal every one's valuables! They also have great shows that incorporate Native American traditions or show how things were handled in the Wild West.

As a bonus, the park is hardly ever crowded. (I've been told that Knott's meets it's budget off of their Halloween Haunt promotion and the rest of the year is icing on the cake).

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park

Admission: Adults $36.99, Kids $24.99 (current online prices)
Parking: $15
Good For Ages: 3-Adult
Notes: Shop for souvenirs in their marketplace! In addition to their yummy funnel cake and the famous Mrs. Knott's Chicken, they also have standard theme park food and well known restaurants such as Panda Express and Johnny Rockets

Summer Fun: Zoomars Petting Zoo

Yep, another OC post. You could make a great day trip out of this one. Zoomars is a petting zoo (and much more), but it's located next to a great park (Los Rios park) and walking distance from Mission San Juan Capistrano and historic downtown with little shops and yummy restaurants. The train depot is also located right there if you decided to take a trip by train!

I saw Zoomars Petting Zoo awhile back while surfing online for birthday party venues. It's an animal petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano. But, not JUST a petting zoo. They also offer a variety of other fun activities. I admit, we paid more than I would have liked (every activity is an additional cost), but LC had a blast!

You can purchase a bin of veggies to feed the animals. There are goats, sheep, llamas, turkeys, chickens, a cow and more! My personal favorite were the Zedonks- a cross between a zebra and a donkey. Such cool looking animals! My son's favorite was the guinea pig corral. Yep, dozens of guinea pigs and rabbits running around and looking for treats. A herd of guinea pigs is not something you see every day! He also liked the petting corral with the sheep and goats. They were a little anxious to eat. So, beware if you have a very timid little one. They walk right up to you and follow you around ready for their treats. They also have brushes in this area for you to groom the animals (which they love).

For an additional fee, you can also go on a pony ride, mini train ride or pan for gems or gold.  The pony ride is hand led down a little trail. (Parents are allowed to walk along if they want to). They have ponies of all sizes for kids of all sizes. For being a facility with animals, it is very clean. They have hand santizer and sinks to clean hands. The staff at Zoomars is very kid friendly and nice.

There is a little playground area and a corn box. What's a corn box? It's just like a sand box, but filled with dried corn kernels! LC had a blast in here. They provide buckets and shovels to dig and play.

They also feature birthday party packages with outdoor party locations that include access to refrigerators and bbqs!

Zoomars Petting Zoo



31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano

Admission: Adults $8, Children $7 (animal food $3, pony rides $5, train rides $3)
Parking: FREE
Hours: 9a-5p daily
Good For Ages: ALL
Notes: Gets crowded early on weekends due to birthday parties. Arrive before 11am if planning to attend on the weekend. Restrooms on site are port-a-potties, but there is a park next door with restrooms if your little one has a fear of these. They accept Visa, Mastercard and Cash. If you plan on taking advantage of all of their activities, check out their "Golden Ticket" special.

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

I'm not a fan of pork chops- at all. In fact, I've been known to cook them for the hubby and then cook a separate meal for myself. And then I tried these. 4 ingredients. So simple.... and SO YUMMY! Not only did I like them, but I've added the recipe to my faves!
Don't let the photo deter you. It was late and taken with my phone. I only had wafer thin boneless chops on hand, but I recommend a little thicker.

HONEY GARLIC PORK CHOPS
serves: 4-6
cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
1/4+1/8 cup honey (so, 3/8 cup total)
3 Tbsp soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 boneless pork loin chops

Directions
1 In a shallow dish, whisk together honey, soy sauce and garlic
2 coat both sides of the pork chops
3 place in baking dish and top with left over sauce
4 Bake at 375 for 30 minutes (longer if using thicker pork chops)

The sauce is so versatile that it can also be used for chicken. Whatever meat you choose can also be marinated in the sauce and then grilled (using left over sauce for basting).

Summer Fun: Jump 'n Jammin

What has climbing structurs, foam ball cannons, rocking climbing walls and dozens of happy kids? Jump 'n Jammin! I usually try to post about places close to the Inland Empire, but I figure it's the summer. Summer.... vacation... beach cities. You get the point. So, if you're headed to the OC (Mission Viejo to be exact), don't forget to check out Jump 'n Jammin.

There are two large multi level climbing structures- filled with slides, cargo nets, obstacle courses and more. One of them is designed around foam ball wars. It has cannons and sling shots to try to shoot your friends. (LC's favorite). There's also a rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncer and a special play area designated just for toddlers.

Every child and adult must be wearing clean socks. At the door, they take your shoes and place them in a numbered bin. Then, everyone in your group is given a wrist band that matches each other (as a security feature) and it also has your shoe bin number on it. As an additional security feature, you must be buzzed in and out at the front gate and each band is checked to make sure children are leaving with their guardians.

There is no outside food or drink allowed, but they do have a few vending machines with reasonably priced snacks. There are also restaurants located literally right outside of the facility. The facility is very clean and maintained well. The restrooms are also very clean (which is a good thing since you have to wear your socks in there!)

Jump 'n Jammin

27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo (inside Kaleidoscope Mall)

Price: $12 per child (1 free adult per child), Additional Adults $3, Toddlers (under 2) $5 or FREE with paid sibling
Parking: FREE
Hours: Su-Th 10a-6pm; Fr-Sa 10a-8p
Good for Ages: 2-10
Notes: Socks must be worn by everyone entering. Including adults. No exit and re-entry.  No outside food and drink. Visa/Mastercard and cash accepted.

Summer Fun: Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro Shops

Do you love the outdoors? Then you probably don't need an excuse to visist Bass Pro Shops, but just in case you do, here's a good one for you...

They have a "Family Summer Camp" event taking place every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, June 9th- July 15th, 1p-5p


FREE carousel rides, FREE shooting range for the kids (great way for them to try out a bow or bb gun before purchasing one), FREE shooting arcade, FREE casting targets, FREE crafts, FREE Workshops and of course... FREE Smores (Saturdays 6-7p).

Catch and Release Fishing Pond Saturday June 9th & 10th and Father's Day Weekend they will also have a catch and release fishing pond for the kids to enjoy with Dad (or Mom) from 1-5pm.

Crafts Tuesdays & Thursdays 2-4p and Saturdays & Sundays 1-4p. Each week will feature a different craft. Your kids will have a chance to decorate a seedling pot, paint a wiggle snake, creat their own catch-a-fish game, paint a bear track, stamp a leather wristband or paint a birdhouse. All for FREE!

Workshops Each workshop will be approximately 20 minutes in length and give kids the chance to learn about a variety of outdoor related topics including camping, wildlife exploration, fishing, archery and more! They'll also receive a FREE lanyard and FREE pin for every workshop they complete (while supplies last).

Bring the kids for an educational, fun and memory making time... Turn your husband lose like a kid in a candy shop... and then enjoy a delicous dinner at Islamorada Fish Company (I highly recommend the Alligator appetizer).

Bass Pro Shops
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Dates: June 9-July 15, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
Hours: Most events are 1p-5p
Cost: FREE
Notes: Please visit their website for more details and workshop schedule

Blueberry Banana Bread

I picked a pint of beautiful, delicious blueberries from Temecula Berry Co. last week (read about our experience at their farm HERE) and was looking for a way to use them. Well, this may be one of my favorite new recipes! So moist- a perfect combination of banana bread and blueberry muffins. Not to mention, my house smells divine!

BLUEBERRY BANANA BREAD
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1 tsp. vanilla
3 large bananas, overripe and mashed
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
4 Tbsp. brown sugar

*Buttermilk Substitute: Bring 1/2 cup milk to room temperature. Add 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes

Directions
1 In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add in vanilla, buttermilk and bananas
2 Mix dry ingredients together and mix into wet ingredients until just blended.
3 Stir in blueberries.
4 Divide the mixture into two greased and floured loaf pans. Sprinkle brown sugar down the center of each loaf
5 Bake at 325 degrees for 65-70 minutes.

Summer Fun: Movie Madness

Some of you may have read my post on the upcoming Kids Series at Krikorian Theatres. For those that don't live near a Krikorian Theatre, here are two other great options!

Harkins Theatres "Summer Movie Fun"
Visit Harkins Theatres for locations (Chino Hills and Moreno Valley) and schedules

- All 10 movies for only $5!
- You purchase one ticket good for all 10 movies (1 shown each week during the promotion)
- Your ticket is good for same theatre, same day of the week. (Ex: Thursday of each week during the promotion)
- Showings at 9:45 am every week day.
- Special $4.50 Kid's Concession Combo

Regal "Summer Movie Express"

Visit Regal Entertainment Group for locations (Corona, Eastvale, Ontario, San Jacinto and Temecula) and schedules

- Movies only $1

- Showings on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10am during the promotion

- Portion of proceeds will be donated to Will Rogers Institute

- This program seems to have a wider variety of movies showing. Check out the listings for your local theatre