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children cooking

 

Here are some Cooking Skills (PDF) your children can learn when they cook with you.

Below are links to articles and websites that explain why we should cook with our children and how they learn by cooking.

Cooking With Preschoolers

Cooking with Children: Kids in the Kitchen

Kids Can Cook — and Learning Is the Secret Ingredient! (PDF)

Kids Learn While Cooking

How Cooking Helps Children Learn

Recipes

Burritos

Pasta

Crock Pot Recipes

Pizzas

Fondues

Potatoes

Fall Recipes

Sloppy Joes

Frozen Dinners

Smoothies

Gorp and Trail Mix

S'Mores

Irish Recipes Stir Fry

Kids Recipe Sites

Taco Salad
Macaroni and Cheese Tortillas
Meatloaf Vegetable Stew
Pancakes
   

Family Recipe of the Week

Meatloaf

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (turkey)
½ cup dry bread crumbs (cracker crumbs, uncooked oatmeal, or stuffing mix)
1 beaten egg
2/3 cup milk
½ cup chopped onion (green, red, or orange bell pepper or chopped celery)
1/2 cup tomato sauce (ketchup, barbecue sauce, spaghetti sauce, or salsa)
¼ teaspoon:  salt, black pepper, dry mustard, garlic powder or garlic salt  (Italian seasoning or dry onion soup mix)
½ cup shredded cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350o.
  2. Mix meat, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, ¼ cup ketchup, and seasonings   ingredients together in a bowl.
  3. Put ingredients into an 8x4 inch loaf pan.
  4.  Top with ¼ cup ketchup and shredded cheese.
  5. Bake for one hour.
Go to the Top Recipe Guide

More Family Recipes

Gorp and Trail Mix

GORP is an acronym for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. GORP and Trail mixes are fun and easy to make! Your children will enjoy making these snacks with you. Enjoy GORP while hiking, camping, walking, and watching television or a movie. GORP and trail mix are great snacks to take to school.
Combine cereal, peanuts, dried fruit, small pretzals, small crackers, and M&M's in a ziplock bag. For those who are allergic to chocolate and peanuts, substitute them for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Use raisins instead of chocolate.

GORP es un acrónimo de Pasas Buenas y Viejas y Maní. GORP y las revuelto de frutos secos son divertidos y fáciles de hacer! A sus hijos les gusta hacer estos refrigerios con usted. Disfrute de GORP durante una excursión, acampar, caminar y ver la televisión o una película. GORP y la mezcla de frutos secos son excelentes bocadillos para llevar a la escuela. Combine cereales, maní, frutas secas, pretzals pequeños, galletas pequeñas, y M & M en una bolsa de plástico. Para aquellos que son alérgicos al chocolate y maní, sustituirlas por las semillas de calabaza o semillas de girasol. Use las pasas de uva en lugar de chocolate.

Fruit-and-Nut Energy Bars

Rice Krispies Trail Mix Treats™

Gorp

Snowy Trail Mix

Gorp

Chex® Munchy Trail Mix

Gorp & Trail Mix Recipes

Trail Mix Bars

Good-Morning Gorp

Trail Mix For Kids

Oatmeal Gorp Cookies

Granola Trail Mix Recipe

Gorp Balls

Sweet & Salty Trail Mix Recipe

No Bake GORP Bars

Easy Snack Mix Recipes

Homemade Chocolate & Banana Protein Bars

Puppy Chow

   
   

Irish Recipes

March is a popular month for celebrating Irish culture.  On May 17th, many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  They wear shamrocks and green clothing, watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and eat traditional food from Ireland. 

Marzo es un mes popular para celebrar la cultura irlandesa. El 17 de mayo, muchas personas celebran el Día de San Patricio. Llevan tréboles y ropa verde, ven el desfile del Día de San Patricio, y comen los alimentos tradicionales de Irlanda.

 

Shamrock Toasties

Irish Beef Stew

Irish Soda Bread

Leprechaun Lime Drink Recipe

Pot o’ Gold Chex® Mix

Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Corned Beef Dinner

Irish Chicken and Dumplings

Rainbow Jello Recipe

Rainbow Cupcakes

Corned Beef, Potato and Cabbage Salad

Shamrock Milkshake

   
 

Pasta Recipes

Why eat pasta? Whole grain pasta is high in fiber.  It is a good source of complex carbohydrates, Vitamin B, iron, omega 3 and 6, and niacin.  Eating whole grain pasta with other healthy foods such as olive oil, fish, meat, beans, and tomatoes can be very beneficial.  Read Why Pasta Is Healthy: Scientists Explain in Plain Language   (PDF) to find out how pasta can benefit your health and the health of your family.  Read how eating whole grain pastais more beneficial to you than eating white pasta.

Children love traditional pasta recipes such as spaghetti and meatballs and egg noodles with ham and peas.  You can also introduce them to pasta salads, soups and casseroles.  Combine your recipes with vegetables, beans, and healthy white meat such as chicken, shrimp, and pork.  Your children will enjoy eating recipes they make with you.

¿Por qué debería comer pasta? Pasta de grano entero es alta en fibra. Es una buena fuente de carbohidratos complejos, vitamina B, hierro, omega 3 y 6, y niacina. Comiendo pasta de grano entero con otros alimentos saludables como el aceite de oliva, pescado, carne, frijoles y los tomates pueden ser muy beneficiosos. Lea por qué pasta es saludable: Los científicos explican en lenguaje sencillo (Ingles) (PDF) para averiguar cómo la pasta se puede beneficiar su salud y la salud de su familia. Lea cómo el consumo de pasta de grano entero (Ingles) es más beneficioso para usted que comer pasta blanca.

Los niños les encantan las recetas tradicionales de pasta, como espaguetis y albóndigas y fideos de huevo con jamón y guisantes. También se puede introducir a pastas ensaladas, sopas y guisos. Combina tus recetas con verduras, frijoles y carne sana blanca como el pollo, camarones y carne de cerdo. A sus hijos les gusta comer las recetas que hacen con usted.

Old-Fashioned Spaghetti & Meatballs

Chicken, Corn, and Green Onion Rotini

Beef and Spaghetti Pie

Shrimp-and-Pasta Salad

Spaghettini with Pesto Tomatoes and Grilled Eggplant

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Spaghetti with Szechuan Chicken and Peanut Sauce

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Baked Ziti

So-Simple Tuna-Pasta Casserole

Egg Noodles with Ham and Peas

Turkey Pasta Casserole With Asparagus and Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar Chicken Spirals

Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Ribbons

Turkey Meatball and Alphabet Soup

 
 

Frozen Dinners

Make your own frozen dinners ahead of time.  Enjoy them at the table or in front of the TV.

 

Freezer Meal Tips and Instructions

(Video Instructions)

Busy? Tired? Make your own TV dinners ahead of time

(Video Instruction) Tips on how to make Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and apple cherry cobbler.

Frozen Dinners: Make Your Own

Shopping, preparing, and freezing tips.

Freezing Foods: A Real Time-Saver

Tips for freezing and thawing food, recommended freezer times.

Freezing Home Prepared Foods

(PDF)  Preparing, packaging, freezer storage time, reheating instructions.

Freezer Meals

Beef and Taters TV Dinner

The Basics: Meatloaf

Meat Loaf Miniature

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie IX

Vegetable Chicken Casserole

Beef Pot Pie

Easy Fruit Cocktail Cobbler

Easy Cobbler Recipes

 

More Family Recipes

 

Basic Stir Fry

Ingredients

 

*1/2 cup chopped green onion

*1/2  cup celery

*1/2 cup chopped broccoli

*1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

*1/2 cup chopped carrots

*1/2 cup frozen peas

½ teaspoon  garlic, minced

½ teaspoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce or oyster sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil or peanut oil

1 pound cubed meat (chicken, turkey, pork,  or shrimp)

1/2  cup of chicken or beef broth

 

*Note:  May substitute 3 cups of frozen vegetables, your choice.

 

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in the skillet or wok.

  2. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions. 

  3. Stir-fry the meat until thoroughly cooked. 

  4. Add the broth and the soy sauce.   Mix with the meat.

  5. Add the vegetables.  Stir-fry until tender.

  6. Serve on brown rice, egg noodles, or Chou mien noodles.

 

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 chicken breast, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 red pepper, seeded and sliced
3 tablespoon frozen corn
3 tablespoon frozen peas
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a frying pan.

  2. Add the chicken and tarragon. Stir together and fry until the chicken is cooked.

  3. Add the red pepper, corn, and peas.

  4. Cook until the red pepper is soft.

  5. Serve with rice or pasta.

Serves 2-3

(Wardley, Bridget and More, Judy; 101 Fantastic Recipes for Babies, Toddlers & Children)

More Stir Fry Recipes

Stir Fry Surprise Speedy Beef Stir Fry

Broccoli and Beef Stir Fry

Korean Stir Fry Chicken

Gingered Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Vietnamese chicken noodle stir fry recipe

Thai Lime Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken Chow Mein

Thai Shrimp and Cabbage

Easy Indian Vegetable Stir Fry

Pork-and-Tofu Stir-Fry

Indian Shrimp Stir-Fry

Moo Shu Noodles

Moroccan Vegetable Stir-Fry with Chickpeas

Pad Thai

Chakalaka (South African Vegetable Stir-Fry)

Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry

Miso-Marinated Tofu and Eggplant Over Soba Noodles

Stir Fry Fajita chicken, Squash and Corn  
   

 

 
 

Taco Salad

Ingredients
1 head of lettuce, shredded
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 cup canned kidney beans
1 cup frozen peas
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes
1 cup low fat cheese, grated
1 cup crushed corn chips or tortilla chips
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1 pound ground beef (can use lean ground turkey, lean chopped ham or lean chopped chicken)
 
Instructions
  1. Mix the lettuce, tomatoes, kidney beans, peas, garlic, green onions, cilantro and chili powder in a large bowl.
  2. Add the cheese and chips. Mix together.
  3. Brown the ground beef (If you choose another type of meat, make sure that it is thoroughly cooked before adding it to the salad). Drain off the fat. Add the meat to the salad mix.
  4. In another bowl, mix together the sour cream and the salsa. Add the mixture to the salad and mix together.
  5. Serve.
 

More Taco Salad Recipes

 
Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad
Seafood Taco Salad
Turkey Taco Salad
Black Bean Taco Salad with Green Chile Dressing Recipe
Beef Taco Salad with Chunky Tomato Dressing
Vegan Noveau Mexican Taco Cilantro Pepita Salad (video instruction)
 
 

Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
1 pound of whole grain macaroni pasta
1 can chicken or beef broth (optional)
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 1/4 cup grated reduced fat cheese
1 tablespoon light whipped butter or extra virgin olive oil
1 bag of frozen vegetables
1 can tuna or 1 can chicken (or 1 cup chopped chicken)
 
Instructions
  1. Cover the macaroni with water. Optional: Use broth instead of water for added flavor.
  2. Boil the macaroni until it is tender.
  3. Add milk, cheese and butter or oil.
  4. Add vegetables and meat
  5. Mix together.
  6. Serve.
 

More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Kicked up Mac and Cheese (Very spicy)
Squash-a-Roni and Cheese
Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese
Curly Mac n' Cheese
Multigrain Mac and Cheese with Creamy Tomato-Basil Sauce
Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese
Cheesy Chicken & Veggie Mac
VegNews Vegan Macaroni & Cheese
How to Make Baked Penne with Vegetables (Video Step by Step Instructions)
Making the Sauce for Mac n' Cheese (Video Instructions 5min.com)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Baked Potato Bar

Ingredients
Baked Potatoes
Potato Topping Ideas: bacon bits, chopped ham, grated cheese, salsa, broccoli bits,cauliflower bits, peas, green beans, chili, chives, sour cream or plain yogurt, chopped green onions, chopped avocado, chopped black olives, chopped chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, chopped mushrooms, shredded carrots, and black beans.
Instructions
  1. Cut the baked potatoes in half lengthwise.

  2. Top with your favorite toppings.

  3. Serve.

 

More Potato Recipes

 
How to Plan and Host an Easy and Delicious Potato Bar Party
10 Ways to Eat a Potato (And Just a Potato) For Dinner
Simple Homemade Potato Wedges
EZ Kid's Potato Salad
Potato Soup
 
How to Make Baked Potatoes (Video Instruction)
Chipotle Sweet Potato Recipe (Video Instruction 5min.com)
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Ingredients
2 1/2-3 pounds pork roast
1 onion, sliced
1 cup of sliced carrots
1 cup cubed potatoes
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
1/2 cup water
Instructions
Place roast in slow cooker. Top with onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Pour sauce over it (approximately half of an 18 oz. bottle). Pour water into the bottom of the crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the pork with two forks. Serve on rolls or buns. Serve vegetables on the side.
 
Submitted by Rachel Hatch
 

More Crock Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes

 
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Cheesey Crock Pot Chicken
Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Three Bean Turkey Chili
Apple-Dijon Pork Roast Recipe
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 

Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Vegetable Stew

Ingredients
Water (enough to cover the vegetables)
3 cubes of chicken or broth bouillon
1 cup each of the following chopped vegetables: carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower (or can use frozen vegetables)
1 cup each: green beans, peas, lentils, kidney beans, corn (or you may use pre-soaked dried beans)
1 cup brown rice or macaronis
Spices to taste: salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, basil
1 can (14 ounces) chicken or beef broth
Instructions
  1. Boil the water.

  2. Add the broth and the bullion to the water.

  3. Add the vegetables.

  4. Add the rice or macaronis.

  5. Add the spices to taste.

  6. Boil until vegetables are tender.

  7. Serve.

 

More Stew and Soup Recipes

Homemade Vegetable Soup
Easy Irish Stew
Rainbow Stew
Tin Foil Stew
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients
1 cup of frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
2 cups of fruit juice (orange juice, apple juice)
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup milk
sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
Put the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
 

More Smoothie Recipes

Strawberry Pineapple Banana Smoothie
Carrot Smoothie
Apple Heaven Smoothie
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Mango, Banana, Raspberry, Spinach Smoothie
Adding Veggies to a Fruit Smoothie (Video Instruction)
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Healthy Meat Fondue

Ingredients
cubed chicken (raw)
cubed ham (raw)
cubed beef (raw)
shrimp (raw)
a can of chicken or beef broth
 
Instructions

Boil the broth in a pot on the stove (or in a fondue pot if you have one).

Put one cube of meat on a bamboo skewer or fondue fork.

Put the meat in the broth until the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Remove the meat from the skewer or bamboo fork and put it on a plate to cool.

Eat when cooled.

 

More Fondue Recipes

Kid's Favorite Fondue Recipes

Cheese Fondue

Chicken Stock Fondue

Chocolate Fondue

Chocolate Orange Fruit Fondue (Video)

 
 
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

S'Mores

Ingredients
2 Graham cracker squares
1 Marshmallow
1/2 Chocolate bar or 1 tsp. hot fudge
(1 serving)
Instructions
  1. Put 1 graham cracker square on a paper towel or microwaveable plate.

  2. Place the chocolate bar on the graham cracker.

  3. Place the marshmallow on top of the chocolate bar.

  4. Put the other graham cracker square on top of the marshmallow.

  5. Put the S'more in the microwave and microwave until the marshmallow puffs up. (10-15 seconds)

  6. Remove from the microwave and let cool before eating.

 
How to Make S'mores (video step-by-step instructions)
 
 
 

More Cookie Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Snowmen Cookies
Gingerbread Men Cookies
Gingerbread Men Cookies Video Instructions: Ingredients, dough, mixing colors, decoration, hair, icing, baking.
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Muffin Mini Pizzas

Ingredients
English muffins
Shredded cheese
Spices: onion flakes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, red pepper (optional)
Pizza sauce or tomato sauce
Toppings: mushrooms, olives, pineapple, pepperoni
 
Instructions
  1. Mix the spices in with the pizza sauce.

  2. Cut the English muffins in half and place on a greased baking sheet.

  3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly on each muffin half.

  4. Put toppings on each muffin half.

  5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

  6. Bake at 425 degrees for 5-10 minutes.

  7. Take out of the oven and cool on a rack before eating.

 

More Mini Pizza Recipes

 
 
 
 
 
Pepperoni and Cheese Stuffed French Toast (video instructions)
English Muffin Mini Pizzas!
Bagel Pizza
Pineapples and Peas Pizza Toast
Cheesy Mini Pizza Pockets
Recipe for Mini Pizza and Mini Veggie Pizza Variation (PDF)
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients
Cooked bacon
Scrambled or fried eggs
Refried beans
Shredded Cheese
Flour tortillas
Instructions
  1. Top each tortilla with bacon, eggs, and refried beans.

  2. Sprinkle shredded cheese on the top.

  3. Roll tortillas into a burrito and serve.

More Burrito Recipes

 

Chicken Salad Wrap

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast Burrito

Picante Chicken Rice Burrito

Roast Beef Burrito

Zesty Vegetarian Wrap

 
 
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Easy Sloppy Joes

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (may use celery instead)
3/4 cup ketchup (may use condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, or salsa instead)
salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions
  1. Cook the beef until it is brown. Drain the grease.

  2. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until they are tender.

  3. Add the tomato base (ketchup, tomato soup, tomato sauce or salsa)

  4. Cook together until the mixture is thick.

  5. Serve on buns or slices of bread.

  6. Serves 2

More Sloppy Joe Recipes

 
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
   

Toddler's Tortilla

Ingredients
 

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tbsp cooked, diced fresh vegetables, or frozen mixed vegetables
  1/2 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp. grated cheese
  1 medium potato, peeled and diced 2 large eggs, beaten
 
Instructions
  1. Steam the potatoes for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Heat the oil in a small pan. Add the onion, potato, and vegetables and fry for 6-8 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally.

  3. Sprinkle on the cheese and then add the eggs. When the underside is set, place the pan under a preheated grill until the top is golden brown and the eggs are cooked all the way through.

  4. Place the tortilla on a plate and slice into small servings.

(Wardley, Bridget and More, Judy; 101 Fantastic Recipes for Babies, Toddlers & Children)

Video: How to Make Tortilla de Patatas/Como Hacer Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish)

 

 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

More Fall Recipes

Acorn Doughnuts
Easy Caramel Apples
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Soup
 
Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Chocolate Banana Pancakes

Preparation: 20 minutes
Makes: 8-10 pancakes

Ingredients

  1 cup plain flour 3/4 cup milk
  1 teaspoon. baking powder 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  1 egg 1/4 banana
2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Place the flour and baking powder in a bowl, and add the egg, milk, and oil. Mix until almost smooth.

  2. Stir in the banana and chocolate chips.

  3. Heat a large frying pan or griddle, adding a little oil if needed. Drop spoonfuls of the batter in the frying pan/on to the griddle, allowing room for each pancake to spread. Cook on medium heat until bubbles appear and the undersides are golden brown. Turn and cook the other sides until golden.

  4. Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven until all the batter is cooked. Serve with sliced banana and maple syrup.

(Wardley, Bridget and More, Judy; 101 Fantastic Recipes for Babies, Toddlers & Children)
 

More Pancake Recipes

 
Banana Brown Sugar Pancakes
Cookie Cutter Pancakes
Fruit Pancakes
 

 

Go to the Top Recipe Guide
 

Kids Recipe Sites

 
Dinners Kids Can Help Cook
Kids Cooking Activities
 
 
 

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