Peach-Buttermilk Cake, Baked Chicken Strips, Blueberry-Oatmeal Pancakes and More—RECIPES INSIDE!

Plus, 10 things you didn’t know you could cook in an air fryer.

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The Weekly - Your weekly digest on all things parenting

THE RECIPES

Secret Ingredient Roundup! 6 Delicious Recipes Made with Buttermilk

If you’ve never cooked or baked with buttermilk, your mind is about to be blown. Buttermilk is a cultured dairy product and, even though the sort of sour smell can be a bit much for some people, it definitely deserves a place in your fridge. It’s tangy, tenderizing and quietly transformative, turning humble ingredients into golden pancakes, zippy salad dressing and impossibly moist cakes. Its acidity also works magic with baking soda for extra lift, and it can add creaminess and richness without the weight of heavy cream.

See for yourself. Try one of these recipes featuring this unsung hero ingredient.

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THE RESOURCE

More Than Burgers: 5 Smart and Creative Ways to Use Ground Beef

Ground beef is a mealtime superhero—it’s affordable, protein-packed and incredibly versatile. But if you’re stuck in a burger-taco-meatloaf loop, it’s time to think outside the box!

With help from our friends at Canada Beef, we’ve rounded up five new and exciting ways to use ground beef in your weeknight dinner repertoire:

  • Revamp the classics: Old standards with a fresh twist

  • Try new cooking methods: Ground beef used in new ways

  • Quick-cooking swaps: How ground beef can replace longer-cooking cuts of beef

  • Batch cook like a pro: Pre-cook and freeze for stress-free meals

  • The ground beef matchup: Pair with pulses, cheese and more

Tap the link below for the full story on these strategies.

THE POLL

How Do You Feel About Air Fryers?

In recent years, air fryers have shot up in popularity. What was once kind of a niche countertop appliance can now be found in roughly two-thirds of Canadian homes (that’s a lot of air fryers!). But did you know that you can cook a lot more in your air fryer than just chicken strips and fries?

Here are just some of the lesser-known things you can make (tap the button below for our full list!).

  • Ravioli

  • Grilled cheese

  • Cookies

  • Roasted garlic

  • S’mores (yes, really!)

TODAY’S POLL

How do you feel about air fryers?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results From Our Last Poll

What does your family do to support the environment?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 We do whatever we can within reason. (80%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ We talk about the environment and try to think of ways to support the earth every day. (9%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ We are super focused on the environment in everything we do. (5.5%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ We don’t do much but we’d like to learn. (3.6%)

From our readers:

“I work on the impact of climate change on security, so the environment and our choices as a family are front and centre in our family life. ”

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THE LIST

What You Need to Survive the First Week with a New Baby

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of baby gear? We’ve cut through the clutter to highlight the essential items you truly need to survive the first week with your newborn. Tap the button below to learn what to have on hand for a smoother start to parenthood.

THE QUESTION BOX

I Think My Child Might Have Asthma—What Do I Do?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects a significant number of kids worldwide. In Canada alone, more than 850,000 children under the age of 14 manage this issue, making it the most prevalent chronic childhood disease out there. But even though it’s incredibly common, it’s really scary when your kiddo starts to exhibit respiratory issues. So, because May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, we thought we’d give you a quick overview of asthma in kids, what can trigger it and when to seek help.

How Little Kids Are Diagnosed

Asthma can be tough to diagnose in little ones, since their symptoms often mimic other conditions. Instead of lung function tests (which don't work well for kids under six), doctors rely on symptom history. Watch for a persistent dry cough—especially at night or after activity—plus wheezing or shortness of breath. If symptoms disrupt sleep or daily life, talk to your doctor about testing.

Common Triggers and What to Do

Asthma symptoms can be set off by a variety of triggers. The most common? Viral infections like colds. Others include the following:

  • Dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold

  • Tobacco smoke and air pollution

  • Physical activity and cold air

  • Stress or big emotions

 Managing asthma means avoiding triggers where possible and having a personalized action plan. If your child shows signs of a severe attack—struggling to breathe, blue lips or an inability to speak clearly—call 911 right away.

The Good Stuff with Mary Berg: STUDIO AUDIENCE TICKET GIVEAWAY!

Feel the excitement of The Good Stuff with Mary Berg—live and in person! ParentsCanada will be part of the show this Thursday, May 1, and we’d love for you to join us.

We’re giving away two tickets to ONE lucky winner to be in the studio audience from 9:15 AM to 12:00 PM EST at 299 Queen Street West, Toronto.

Want to be there? Just reply to this newsletter with your name and email address in the body of the email for a chance to win. We’ll randomly select the winner on Wednesday, April 30 at 12:00 PM EST, so keep an eye on your inbox!