Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

English muffins or pita bread

Tomato sauce

Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Split the English muffins in half and place them on a baking sheet.

Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on each half.

Sprinkle cheese generously and let the kids add their favorite toppings.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Tip: Allow kids to be creative with their toppings—this encourages them to try new things!

Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

A variety of fresh fruits (strawberries, grapes, bananas, melon, etc.)

Wooden skewers or plastic straws

Instructions:

Wash and prepare the fruits by cutting them into bite-sized pieces (adults should handle sharp knives).

Let the kids thread the fruits onto the skewers in their favorite patterns.

Serve with a yogurt dip or enjoy as is!

Tip: Use seasonal fruits to teach kids about the importance of eating fresh and local.

Homemade Trail Mix

Ingredients:

Nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)

Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)

Seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)

Chocolate chips or M&Ms

Pretzels or popcorn

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Let the kids mix everything together with their hands or spoons.

Store in airtight containers for a quick snack.

Tip: Customize the trail mix to include your kids' favorite ingredients, making it a fun, personalized snack.

Pancake Faces

Ingredients:

Pancake mix

Various toppings (sliced fruits, chocolate chips, whipped cream)

Instructions:

Prepare the pancake batter according to package instructions.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in the batter to form pancakes.

Once the pancakes are cooked on one side, flip and immediately let the kids decorate their pancake faces using toppings.

Serve warm with syrup or honey.

Tip: Encourage kids to be as creative as they want—there are no wrong faces!

Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:

Whole wheat tortillas

Hummus or cream cheese

Sliced vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.)

Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce)

Instructions:

Spread hummus or cream cheese on the tortilla.

Allow the kids to layer their choice of vegetables and greens on top.

Roll the tortilla tightly and slice it into pinwheels or halves.

Tip: Discuss the colors and textures of different vegetables while prepping to enhance learning.

Tips for Cooking with Kids

Safety First: Always supervise children, especially when using sharp knives or hot appliances.

Make It Fun: Use colorful ingredients and let kids name their creations to spark excitement.

Encourage Creativity: Allow children to experiment with flavors and presentation.

Teach Basics: Use the cooking session to teach them about measuring, mixing, and kitchen safety.

Be Patient: Kids may take longer to complete tasks, but it’s all part of the learning process.

Cooking together not only results in delicious food but also creates lasting memories and teaches kids valuable life skills. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy some quality time in the kitchen!