While so many families spend more time at home than normal,
many may be seeking ways to increase fun and activity, especially for children.
One way to increase engagement while teaching lifelong lessons is to head to
the kitchen for a learning exercise in creating nutritious snacks and treats.
Consider these creative ways you can get your kids involved
in the kitchen:
Look for simple recipes kids can help create. Logically,
the first step in the process is to focus on ingredients and instructions that
aren't overly complicated. For example, avoid snacks that call for cutting with
knives and instead try a recipe like these Frosted Watermelon Cutouts, which involves
kid-friendly cookie cutters.
Be flexible. Another way to involve children is to
let them help in the meal-planning routine. Because kids' desired tastes may
differ from your own, be open to outside-the-box ideas like breakfast for
dinner, nutritious snacks for lunch and fruit for dessert.
Take advantage of nutritious produce. Comprised of
92% water to support hydration, an option like watermelon is a source of vitamin
C and other important nutrients. At only 80 calories per 2-cup serving, one
watermelon provides up to three dozen servings that can be used in a variety of
nutritious family recipes, and 100% of the fruit is usable between the flesh,
juice and rind. For example, this recipe for Kids Watermelon Sandwich Cookies provides
a sweet treat the whole family can enjoy while calling for just a few
ingredients.
Visit watermelon.org
for more creative ways to use the whole watermelon, including recipes and kid-friendly
carvings.
Craft a Fun, Frozen Fruit
Using leftovers can make for a fun way to avoid food waste.
For example, if you have extra watermelon, simply cut into 1/2-1-inch wedges
and insert clean crafting sticks into the center of the rind. Put them in the
freezer for at least 1 hour to create sweet watermelon ice pops.
Kids Watermelon Sandwich Cookies
Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Servings: 6
? 12 blueberry
pancakes (3-inch round), cooled to room temperature
? 1/2 cup white frosting
? 6 seedless
watermelon slices (2/3-inch thick, 3-inch round), drained to remove excess
moisture
Evenly frost bottom of each pancake with white frosting.
Arrange six pancakes frosting side up on serving platter. Place one slice watermelon
on each frosted pancake.
Top each with remaining pancakes, frosting side down. Serve
immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
More recipes: Tasty recipes when it's hot outside
Frosted Watermelon Cutouts
Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
? 1 seedless
watermelon, cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices
? 1 serving vanilla
yogurt
? 1 serving
granola or similar cereal
Using cookie cutters, cut shapes out of watermelon slices.
Or, if preferred, use classic cut watermelon wedges.
Frost each slice with yogurt. Sprinkle with granola.
Source: Family Features