Kids love to cook. No matter their age, there is some part of creating a meal that they can do. They can help plan and shop, they can find, organize and measure ingredients, they can prepare baking pans and turn on the oven. They can mix and whisk and pour. They can even crack the eggs with a little help. They shouldn’t be doing the actual cooking and cutting parts until they are older, and then, with supervision.
Here are four recipes guaranteed to please your grandkids’ palates. And they are also quite yummy. Allow the kids to be in on the planning and shopping and then give them important jobs along the way. Eat the product together and you’re living the good life with the grandkids.
Pudding-filled Cupcakes
For this tasty treat you’ll need a cake decoration bag or a foil or waxed paper substitute. Bake cupcakes and make some instant pudding. Insert several tablespoons of pudding into the cupcake before frosting. Choose combinations like chocolate cupcakes with vanilla pudding, spice cake with banana pudding or any combination you dream up together.
PB and J French Toast
Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and jam on the other. Put together into a sandwich and then proceed to dip in a milk, egg and vanilla batter. Fry on a griddle, turning once. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Be sure to cook each side a little longer than regular French toast. Top with syrup if desired.
Veggie Egg Cups
This breakfast dish is made in non-stick muffin tins. Choose a vegetable combination using onion, red pepper, zucchini, mushrooms or any other that sautés well. Kids can help with mixing four eggs, some grated cheese and a few tablespoons of milk. Add cooked veggies and pour into tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Easy Cheesy Quesadillas
Use corn or flour tortillas of your choice. Layer on shredded cooked chicken, grated cheese, tomato and a bit of onion if the grandkids like it. Top with another tortilla and cook on a griddle. When done, cut into wedges and serve with avocado chunks and either sour cream or yogurt as a dip. Yum.
For much more on cooking with the grandkids see: