During this time of being restricted to our homes, we have more time to think. Perhaps we think about what we could be doing, or what we would like to be doing. And before you know it, you are thinking about what to eat again.
Yes, food and mealtimes have been a cause of concern for many. What will we eat? Do we have enough food? How do we fix what we have?
Kids cooking and eating patterns change with the seasons. During springtime they are more apt to want lighter and brighter foods.
Author Amy Houts, in her book Cooking Around the Calendar With Kids — Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun, offers a wide choice of foods that deliver springtime flavors. For May Day, Mother’s Day, Independence Day, and just about every occasion in-between, these recipes will get kids in the kitchen whipping up their creations.
When kids come home from school, where do they usually go first? To the kitchen, of course! They are starved. They want something – anything- that is ready to eat, right?
Kids need a jolt of nutrition at this time of day. It helps if moms and kitchens are ready for the burst of activity when they come home. Kids want to know “Where’s the food?”!
Here are 3 how-to’s that can set the stage for encouraging your children to snack smart without any lectures about healthy foods from you:
The book I’ve been showcasing, Cooking Around the Country With Kids by Amy Houts, is not only a cookbook, but a treasure trove of historical facts and food history. It is a recommended book for the homeschool curriculum.
Along with recipes, Houts has included food facts, historical notes, and fun activities. For example, “When was ice cream “invented”? What are hush puppies and how did they get their name? What are funnel cakes? Why doesn’t all corn “pop”?”
This is where cookbooks serve an important part in educating children. They can provide hands-on training in learning about the wide variety of healthy food choices.
It’s apple season and I want to share two delicious recipes with you from my new apple cookbook that are tailor-made for cooking with kids.
Sauteed apples are good to serve with ham, sausage, or pork. They are really easy to make and are good on their own as well. Any of these apples will work well: Rome, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Pippin Gold, Braeburn, Northern Spy, Gravenstein, Rhode Island Greening, York Imperial, and Cortland.
Sauteed Apples
2 teaspoons butter
2 firm, tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick
Pinch of cinnamon, if desired
Cooking Around the Country with KidsThis review of the book, Cooking Around the Country with Kids – USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities was written by Joan Leotta, journalist, in the Myrtle Beach Sun News
Do your children help in the kitchen? Young children are often excited about mixing and stirring. Older children perhaps not so much. But have you asked them and encouraged them?
Most children love to “help” in the kitchen. Their help may not always be appreciated but their enthusiasm should be encouraged. Being excited about working in the kitchen is a good trait for any child.
Here are three good ways to get kids to show up and contribute.
When choosing apples, look for those that are free from bruises, blemishes, and skin breaks. They should be firm with no soft spots or bruises, breaks in the skin, or insect damage.
Wash apples just before using them as their protective coating helps keep them from becoming shriveled and bruised. I generally peel apples for eating in hand, but in recipes where the apples will be cooked, I often leave them unpeeled. This sometimes turns into personal preference however. With a plentiful apple market this year, choosing and using apples is easy.
Packaged Foods Promise vs Reality (Photo credit: jdurchen)
Are eating from boxes and doing drive-thru’s ruling your family’s mealtime? Does adding an ingredient or two to a package mean you are “cooking“?
For more on this subject of “Is anybody cooking?” and “is this safe and healthy?” see this article:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/04/11/the-power-of-we
It’s time to reclaim our kitchens. Somebody needs to be in charge of mealtime.
What are your thoughts on this?
Lee Jackson
http://www.HealthyKidsEatingTips.com
