Family night plans? Oh, let’s get real. I’m never going to be the mom that plans a themed-evening with the hubs and kids. My soul wants to, but my schedule, inability to plan and my let’s-just-wing-it attitude red flags that.

Thankfully the folks at Playhouse Disney have a pre-planned, easy-to-implement solution that includes healthy recipes, a craft project and a time to snuggle up with the kiddos. Even moms who possess that incredible, and envious, ability to coordinate fantastic fun nights will appreciate primetime transformed into family time with the “Handy Manny Big Race” première special Saturday night, March 20 (7:00-7:25 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. Manny and the tools hit the motor speedway as a pit crew for Wood Valley 500. NASCAR Champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and N’SYNC’s Lance Bass guest star.

Fans can design their own race car (and submit it online for a chance to see it on TV), download and Family Night Tips and cut-outs of racing cars and winner flags.

As if that didn’t burn rubber, there are also these kid-friendly, and healthy, “Handy Manny Big Race’” themed snacks you can create as a family.

“Handy Manny Big Race” Recipes
Courtesy of PlayhousDisney.com

MANNY’S Mini Racing Wheel Burgers

Let’s get going and fix it right! Manny’s Mini Racing Wheel Burgers will be the perfect start to

get Family Night going!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 pound lean ground turkey

Salt and pepper to taste

4 small dinner rolls or mini bagels, cut in half

2 slices fat-free cheddar cheese, cut into 2-inch circles

1 small pickle, sliced

Ketchup and mustard for garnish

Directions:

1. Form ground turkey into eight 1/4-inch thick patties. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook patties about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Arrange buns, cut side up, on a platter. Place a burger on top of each bun. Lay a slice of cheese and pickle in the center of each burger.
4. Add dots of mustard and/or ketchup around edge of burgers.

Makes 8 small burgers.

Traffic Light Gelatin

Together we can fix anything! Here’s an easy and delicious treat to keep Family Night speeding along!

Ingredients:

2 (0.6 ounce) packages sugar-free cherry gelatin

2 (0.6 ounce) packages sugar-free lemon gelatin

2 (0.6 ounce) packages sugar-free lime gelatin

6 cups boiling water, divided

Directions:

1. Spray three 8- or 9-inch square baking dishes with cooking oil spray. Line bottom and sides of baking dishes with plastic wrap, pressing so that it lays fl at.
2. Place each flavor of gelatin in a separate bowl. Add 2 1/2 cups of boiling water to each bowl and stir until gelatin has dissolved.
3. Pour each flavor of gelatin in a separate baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm. Cut into desired shapes before serving.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Manny’s Energy Snack

Let’s get the family energized for a fun night together! Grab the kids and have them help shake up this snack mix.

Ingredients:

3 cups air-popped pop corn

1/4 cup pecan halves, or your favorite nuts

1/4 cup dried strawberries

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dried blackberries

1 cup toasted oat cereal

1 cup whole wheat pretzels, sticks, or small twists

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.

Makes 8 servings.

Racing Stripe Veggies

A healthy and fun way for kids to eat their veggies!

Ingredients:

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices

2 yellow or crookneck squash, cut into 1/2 inch

slices

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 large carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices

1 bunch asparagus

Directions:

1. Trim all vegetable slices the same length (i.e., 3 or 4 inches long). Trim asparagus the same length.
2. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Insert a steamer basket, add all vegetables, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Planned your family-night snacks? Now, zoom over to Disney Playhouse, design a race car (don’t forget to submit it too) and check out their family night tips.

Phew, one less thing to plan. Now wasn’t that easy?

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2. Rally around family night with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!
3. Disney Goes Green. Repeat: Disney Goes Green!
4. Disney Junior Launch Day Schedule
5. 11 Green Tips for Kids from Sustainable Dave