Kids are notoriously picky eaters. Trying to get them to eat a meal can be a seemingly impossible feat. Stack the odds in your favor by serving your little ones one of these no-fail kid-friendly recipes from Hamptoncreek.
Pasta and Trees
Pasta is a crowd pleaser across all age groups. Broccoli is a vegetable with a bad reputation. What could be more appealing than little green trees in your pasta bowl? To make this dish, keep the flavors simple. Chop broccoli crowns into small pieces and blanch in boiling water. Scoop out the broccoli, then boil your pasta in the same water. Choose a short, fun pasta shape like farfalle, rotini, or rotelle. When the pasta is done, drain and return to the pot, add the broccoli, and stir in some butter and parmesan cheese.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Another pasta dish, spaghetti with meatballs, has been a crowd pleaser since time immemorial. Every family has a favorite combination of meatball and marinara sauce, so stick with what you like and chances are your kids will like it too. Some toddlers are a little picky and like to see ingredients separated, so you can serve them a little plate where the pasta, sauce, and meatballs are separate (and not touching each other, if that is important). That allows your child to have control over what they eat and how.
Baked Chicken Strips
There is something appealing to kids about the bite-sized pieces, the crunchy crusty texture, and the moist chicken inside. Chicken strips are safe, delicious comfort food that can be eaten with your fingers. A healthier take on deep fried chicken, breaded and baked chicken strips are healthier and easier to prepare. Simply prepare your chicken strips or nuggets as you would fried chicken, but instead of popping them into oil, pop them into a hot oven. In 20 minutes or less, depending on the size of your pieces, dinner is served.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a versatile meal base, essentially cheese sandwiched between flour tortillas. The four-cheese Mexican blend available at most grocery stores is a good cheese choice. Pop a tortilla into a dry pan, sprinkle on some cheese, and add a second tortilla. Wait until the bottom layer is browned and the cheese melted, then flip and toast the second side. You can keep them plain for picky eaters. Or you can add chicken, shredded beef, or almost any veggie. Red peppers, green onions, olives, and tomatoes are good choices. Again, quesadillas are finger food, making them very appealing to kids.
Tomato Basil Soup
In the colder months, tomato soup warms tummies like no other. It is salty and tangy and familiar, the perfect snack after an afternoon of ice skating or dinner at the end of a long winter day outside. Making this soup from scratch on the stovetop is easier than you may think, or look for a slow cooker recipe to save even more time. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich fried in parchment paper and top it with sauce and toppings of your choice. Lots of kids seem to enjoy Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham, pepperoni, and plain old cheese. Bake in a very hot oven for 10-15 minutes and dinner is served.
These are a few kid-friendly meal ideas. Try serving one up tonight and see if your picky eaters will sit down and eat with you.
