Recipe Corner
by Tiana Celesia, R.D.
Kids Stuff
Let's face it, whether you are a kid chronologically,
or just a kid at heart, sometimes it is fun to play with your food.
Certainly food that looks fun is more fun to eat as well. So when
it comes to kids and cooking, keep it simple (a few familiar ingredients),
keep it flexible (a little more or less of an ingredient won't ruin
the final product) and keep it creative (allow for fun colors, shapes
and textures.)
Fun with shapes -
Familiar foods can become more appetizing for kids when you create
new ways of presenting them. Turn simple toast into an extra special
treat using large cookie cutters. Put two slices together for a
sandwich. You can even cut deli meats or sliced cheese in the shape
to match. Use the leftover bread for crumbs, or better yet, take
your fun sandwiches to the park for a picnic and feed the ducks
the trimmings. Chop up the meat and cheese and use in an omelet
or casserole. Use large cookie cutters to shape pancakes as well.
Place the mold (spray with oil first) in a greased pan and pour
pancake mix into the mold or cookie cutter. Remove when ready to
flip. Garnish with raisins and nuts to make faces. To make eggs
more appealing, cut a circle or other shape out of a slice of bread
or toast, place on a greased frying pan and place a whole or scrambled
egg into the middle. Flip and cook thoroughly.
Peanut Butter Fun -
Peanut butter is a fun food in itself because it is so versatile.
Fill a celery stalk with peanut butter and place raisins in a line
on top for "Ants on a log." Make your own chocolate peanut
butter cookies by spreading peanut butter on graham crackers and
top with chocolate chips. Bake on a cookie sheet in a 325deg. F.
oven (or toaster oven) for 10 minutes or until chocolate is melted.
Place on serving plate and let cool.
Peanut butter balls are always a hit and so
easy to make. Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey and 3/4 cup
powdered milk, until well blended. Roll into bite-sized balls. Place
chopped nuts, oats, or coconut on wax paper and roll balls in coating.
Transfer to a serving plate.
Fun with dough -
Now that pizza and bread doughs are readily available in either
the refrigerator or freezer section of the supermarket, making our
own baked treats is even easier. Allow kids to make their own mini
pizzas in any shape they want! Provide an assortment of toppings
such as pizza sauce, pesto sauce, a variety of cheeses, and chopped
vegetables. This is even a good group or party activity where everyone
gets to eat the pizza that they created.
Using the same dough, make pretzels--again,
in any shape! Brush with butter or an egg-wash (egg mixed with water)
and top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds and salt.
Iced treats -
Make drinks more fun by making flavored ice cubes. Specially shaped
ice cube trays are also available. Pour lemonade, fruit juice or
fruit puree into the trays and freeze. To make your own puree, blend
4 nectarines or peaches into a blender with a tablespoon of lemon
juice. Blend until smooth.
Tiana Celesia is a Registered Dietician
who consults with various individuals and organizations.
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