Snacks
9. Ants on a Log
Ingredients:
- Celery stalks
- Peanut butter or cream cheese
- Raisins
Instructions:
- Wash and cut celery stalks into 3-4 inch pieces.
- Spread peanut butter or cream cheese into the celery grooves.
- Let the kids place raisins on top to resemble ants.
10. Veggie Faces
Ingredients:
- Rice cakes
- Cream cheese or hummus
- Sliced veggies (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives)
Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese or hummus on each rice cake.
- Use the sliced veggies to create fun faces on the rice cakes.
Lunch
11. Quesadilla Bites
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Optional fillings: diced chicken, black beans, corn
Instructions:
- Place a tortilla on a skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle cheese and optional fillings on half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
12. Chicken Salad Boats
Ingredients:
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Diced celery
- Grapes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Romaine lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- Mix shredded chicken, mayonnaise or yogurt, celery, and grapes in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves to make “boats.”
Chow
13. Homemade Fish Sticks
Ingredients:
- White fish fillets (cod, tilapia)
- Flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut fish into strips.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Season flour with salt and pepper.
- Dip each fish strip into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Place on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
14. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Cooked rice
- Ground beef or turkey (or black beans for vegetarian)
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- Cook ground meat in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add diced tomatoes and cooked rice.
- Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture.
- Place in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Desserts
15. No-Bake Energy Balls
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Chocolate chips
- Optional add-ins: flax seeds, chia seeds, dried fruit
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
- Roll into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
16. Yogurt Popsicles
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh fruit (berries, mango, banana)
Instructions:
- Blend yogurt, honey, and fruit until smooth.
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
More Tips for Cooking with Kids
- Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: Younger kids can wash fruits and veggies, stir ingredients, and help with measuring. Older kids can handle more complex tasks like chopping (with supervision) and using the oven.
- Create a Safe Workspace: Clear countertops, secure sharp objects out of reach, and use non-slip mats.
- Use Kid-Friendly Tools: Invest in child-sized utensils and equipment, like small rolling pins, plastic knives, and easy-to-grip mixing spoons.
- Make it Fun: Play music, create a theme (e.g., Italian night), and let kids wear aprons or chef hats to enhance the experience.
- Teach Clean-Up: Involve kids in cleaning up after cooking to instill good habits and responsibility.
Cooking with kids is not just about making meals; it’s about spending quality time together, learning, and having fun. Enjoy these easy recipes and make lasting memories in the kitchen!
