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Baked Ham n' Egg Hash-Browns

Contributed by: NAPSA

Braces-Friendly Recipes Can Keep Kids Smiling (NAPSA) - Most parents would agree that cooking for kids can be difficult, but when children have braces, the task can seem especially daunting. From sore teeth to picky eating habits, finding something that suits everyone in the family can become a real challenge.

"Comfort" is key when preparing holiday goodies, special treats and everyday meals.

"Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning when cooking for children with braces," says Pamela Waterman, author of "The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You and Your Orthodontist Will Love." "Whether you have new brackets, elastics, headgear or more, there are great foods you can eat-it just takes some thought."

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), more than 4 million children and 1 million adults have braces. "Avoiding hard, sticky, crunchy and chewy foods helps to keep braces intact and can make the treatment process flow smoothly," says Donald R. Joondeph, D.D.S., M.S., an orthodontist and president of the AAO. "Our goal is to create healthy, beautiful smiles. When patients take better care of their braces, they end up with better results."

One key to braces-friendly cooking is making comparable, "soft" substitutes. For example, Dr. Joondeph suggests serving ground rather than whole meats; preparing cooked vegetables instead of raw vegetables; and substituting favorites like tacos and pizza for similar softer fare, such as burritos or lasagna. "With a little awareness and creativity in the kitchen, eating can still be satisfying and safe," says Dr. Joondeph.

Dr. Joondeph and the AAO urge patients to steer clear of the following treats, or recipes with these ingredients: nuts, popcorn, tortilla chips, hard pretzels, ice, all hard candy, jelly beans, licorice, taffy, caramel and other chewy candies. "By following their orthodontist's guidance on dental hygiene and avoiding certain foods while wearing braces, patients will be on track to a lifetime of healthy teeth and a beautiful smile."

To help parents and patients, the AAO provides this braces-friendly recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen shredded hash-brown potatoes, uncooked
• 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (you choose, mild or sharp)
• 1 cup diced cooked ham or shredded deli ham
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Serving Size: Makes 6 Servings