Cooking with kids can be a fun and educational experience. It is a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits, kitchen safety, and measuring skills. Plus, it can be a great bonding activity for the whole family. In this article, we will share some of our favorite kid-friendly recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat.
Breakfast Recipes
1. Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Ingredients: - 1 ripe banana - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 egg - 1/2 cup milk - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp cinnamon - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 tbsp honey - 1 tbsp vegetable oil Instructions: 1. Mash the banana in a bowl. 2. Add the rolled oats, egg, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, honey, and vegetable oil to the bowl and mix well. 3. Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat. 4. Spoon the batter onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface. 5. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute or until golden brown. 6. Repeat with the remaining batter. 7. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit. Nutrition: - Calories: 197 - Protein: 5g - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 10g
2. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients: - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 1/4 cup granola - 1 tbsp honey Instructions: 1. Layer the Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola in a glass. 2. Drizzle honey over the top. 3. Serve immediately. Nutrition: - Calories: 264 - Protein: 17g - Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 42g - Fiber: 5g - Sugar: 22g
Lunch Recipes
1. Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients: - 1 whole wheat tortilla - 2 slices turkey breast - 1 slice cheddar cheese - 1 tbsp cream cheese - 1/4 cup baby spinach leaves Instructions: 1. Place the tortilla on a flat surface. 2. Spread cream cheese over the tortilla. 3. Layer the turkey breast, cheddar cheese, and baby spinach leaves over the cream cheese. 4. Roll the tortilla tightly. 5. Cut the roll into 1-inch slices. 6. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later. Nutrition: - Calories: 264 - Protein: 18g - Fat: 14g - Carbohydrates: 17g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 2g
2. Mini Pita Pizzas
Ingredients: - 4 mini whole wheat pitas - 1/4 cup pizza sauce - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (bell pepper, onion, mushroom) Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Place the pitas on a baking sheet. 3. Spread pizza sauce over each pita. 4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. 5. Add chopped vegetables on top of the cheese. 6. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 7. Serve immediately. Nutrition: - Calories: 156 - Protein: 9g - Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 2g
Dinner Recipes
1. Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 2 eggs, beaten - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - Cooking spray Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. In a shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. 3. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. 4. Place the flour in a third shallow dish. 5. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the panko mixture. 6. Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Spray the chicken strips with cooking spray. 8. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. 9. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Nutrition: - Calories: 253 - Protein: 31g - Fat: 8g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fiber: 1g - Sugar: 1g
2. Veggie Fried Rice
Ingredients: - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 1 tbsp vegetable oil - 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans) - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tbsp soy sauce - 1/4 tsp black pepper Instructions: 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until tender. 3. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok and add the beaten egg to the other side. 4. Scramble the egg until cooked through. 5. Add the cooked brown rice to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. 6. Drizzle soy sauce over the fried rice and sprinkle with black pepper. 7. Serve immediately. Nutrition: - Calories: 238 - Protein: 8g - Fat: 6g - Carbohydrates: 38g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 2g
Dessert Recipes
1. Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Ingredients: - 2 ripe avocados - 1/4 cup cocoa powder - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup almond milk - 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions: 1. Scoop the flesh out of the avocados and place it in a blender or food processor. 2. Add the cocoa powder, honey, almond milk, and vanilla extract to the blender. 3. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. 4. Pour the pudding into individual serving cups. 5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Nutrition: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 14g - Carbohydrates: 29g - Fiber: 7g - Sugar: 19g
2. Apple Nachos
Ingredients: - 2 apples, cored and sliced - 1/4 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped nuts - 1/4 cup shredded coconut Instructions: 1. Arrange the sliced apples on a plate. 2. Drizzle almond butter over the apples. 3. Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut over the apples. 4. Serve immediately. Nutrition: - Calories: 285 - Protein: 5g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 27g - Fiber: 6g - Sugar: 18g
Conclusion
These kid-friendly recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you're cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, there is something for everyone. Plus, these recipes are easy to make and packed with nutrition. So, get your kids in the kitchen and start cooking!