Healthy Foods That Kids Can Cook
Can you remember your earliest experience in the kitchen? Were you allowed to help, or were you chased out the door? My own earliest memories are of sitting on a high stool watching my mother work. As I grew, I was given little jobs to do. I think the first thing I ever made all by myself was instant pudding, proudly served for dessert.
Welcoming children into the kitchen can be a wonderful experience. It's an opportunity to introduce your children to healthy food. You may find that when they have a hand in preparation, they are more likely to be open to trying new recipes. We are going to talk about the basics, give you a fun project, and, of course, some children-friendly recipes.
Proper hygiene is foremost. Make sure everyone washes their hands before beginning. Provide a step stool for younger children to reach the sink. Safety is also important, so assign age appropriate tasks. For instance, very young children can peel bananas, older children can be taught to use an egg beater, and when they are able, also a knife. About.com offers very helpful tips for all the things you need to do to keep your child safe and healthy when working in the kitchen.
Cooking can be a learning tool for math skills as ingredients are measured, reading comprehension when following recipes, and general teamwork.
Growing sprouts is a fun project. You will need raw, untreated seeds or beans, a sterilized jar with a lid, and water. Rinse the seeds, then pour in just enough water to cover, and let soak. Drain off the water after a few hours, screw on the lid, turn the jar on its side and leave it in a dark place. Rinse and drain the seeds frequently. When they sprout, put the jar in a sunny place so the sprouts can develop a bright green color. Eating them will be just as much fun as growing them. Children can add their crop to sandwiches, salads and as a garnish. Note: Absolute cleanliness is a must when growing sprouts.
Next we have children-friendly recipes for you and your children to enjoy.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins - 249 calories worth of fun cooking and eating. The pocket of jelly in the center is a nice surprise. This recipe has easy to follow instructions. Help will be needed with the hot oven and pan.
- Carrot and Raisin Salad - There's no cooking required for this delicious, crunchy salad that combines carrots with fruit and yogurt. Any fat free vanilla yogurt can be used in the recipe.
- Spinach Fritatta Cups - Popeye the sailor would be in heaven with these tasty, fun, muffin-size fritattas. Easy to assemble, but some help may be needed separating eggs. To make it simple, use egg whites from a carton.
Comments
Here are the three recipes that appeared in the newsletter
Homemade Granola BarsThis is an easy but tasty granola bar that can be crunchy or chewy. Whole grain and no added fat make it a healthy alternative. It's easy to assemble but help will be needed with the hot oven... continue reading
Banan-nana Dessert
A fun, frozen treat with just enough chocolate and peanuts to keep it interesting. Everyone will enjoy these healthy popsicles and they're nutritious too... continue reading
Parmesan Pop Corn
Fresh popped corn with parmesan cheese. Exact instructions for popping and seasoning make this easy for children to understand. Of course, caution when it's hot is needed... continue reading
Every Saturday we have what we call Fancy Supper night. It's the night that the kids (6 &7) get to pick the meal that they want to try making from scratch, we go to the grocery store and find all the ingredients we need while reading all the nutrition labels together(my son is a nutirtion label addict!) and we bring it home and my husband, the kids and I all make dinner together, and they get up to their elbows in whatever we're making! Lol. It's a blast! So far, the favorites are porcupine meatballs, perogies, canneloni, and at Christmas, all our baking was done by the 4 of us together.
I have to say, my daughter who just turned 6, makes THE BEST guacamole in the world, I seriously have not found anyone who does it better than she does. Who knew!
We have been taking pictures of the finished products each week and the kids have decided that they want to make a cook book of all the things we make so that they have the recipes for when they grow up. This is definitely one of the most enjoyable family time things in our home!
Good post!
makenasmom, I like your style!
I found a list of resources on About.com, for sprouting seeds
Well I Am 12 And Im Overweight I Weigh 11 Stone Something And I Want To Lose Weight I Have Been Going On My Wii Fit Regularly And I Have Only Lost 2 Pounds. Is This Good ?
Youngfat fighter,#
Yes 2 pounds is brilliant!
Its really hard when you are 12 to know what is the best food/way to keep fit. Anything that keeps you moving around is brilliant. If you are at the doctors ask for advice on a target weight they will give you a range to work within. Remember some of your friends will be growing at different rates and that will effect their metabolism and how fast they burn off cuddle points.
Being young is about having fun so don't get all hung up
Change the little things. Use this site to find slightly lower calorie alternatives to your favourites every little helps e.g.
diet soda or water instead of full sugar drinks- remember to drink lots of water
portion of small fries instead of large if you are still hungry grab some fruit
a chocolate coated wafer biscuit instead of a chocolate bar
Use the stairs, wii fit and stand up for other wii games instead of sitting down. Walk to your friends houses instead of getting a lift.
start reading the backs of packs fresh is best.
find an activity/sport that you like never mind the crowd. Our school played rugby for the boys and hockey for the girls. I hated Hockey instead I got some other hockey and rugby haters together and we played table tennis and basketball. I hate running with other people. I prefer to listen to my own music and go my own pace. Make up a playlist that will have you dancing around the house.
Whatever you do you are doing well 2 pounds is brilliant and have fun Laughter is the best exercise your tummy muscles can do! Good luck
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Good post, Claire, but then of course they always are. I am going to send this to Emily.
V