Category: For Kids

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Everyone loves this cozy butternut squash pasta! It’s covered in a creamy sauce blended with garlic, spices, and goat cheese.…

Everyone loves this cozy butternut squash pasta! It’s covered in a creamy sauce blended with garlic, spices, and goat cheese. It’s simple to whip up and one of our favorite easy fall dinner ideas!

Butternut squash pasta

Why we love this recipe

Say hello to our new favorite way to eat squash: butternut squash pasta! Squash in pasta? This recipe is kind of like mac and cheese, but with a bit of this bright orange fall vegetable thrown in.

Puree that orange squash into a creamy sauce with garlic, spices, and goat cheese. It’s savory with a sweet undertone, ideal for covering chewy rigatoni pasta. Everyone in our house absolutely loves it! Add a quick veggie like a fall salad, sauteed broccoli or Brussels sprouts to make it a meal.

Ingredient notes for butternut squash pasta

The ingredients in this easy butternut squash pasta are simple. The squash carries a lot of flavor and color for the sauce itself! Here’s what’s in it:

  • Butternut squash: The best here is an in season, ripe butternut squash. You can also substitute frozen, you just may need to add a bit more broth.
  • Olive oil and vegetable broth: These are used for sauteing and simmering the squash.
  • Garlic: Use only fresh garlic here; jarred garlic can taste acidic and bitter.
  • Chili powder and nutmeg: These spices add complexity.
  • Goat cheese (chevre): Fresh goat cheese adds a creamy body to the sauce: it’s the secret ingredient that adds big savory flavor!
Butternut squash

The best way to cut butternut squash

Butternut squash can be stressful and time consuming to cut, but is worth it in the end for this pasta recipe! Here are the basic steps we use (or watch How to Cut Butternut Squash):

  1. Cut off the neck and peel it: Using a large chef’s knife, cut off the neck of the butternut squash right where it meets the base. Cut off the top, then use a serrated peeler to peel off the skin.
  2. Remove the seeds: Slice the base in half, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
  3. Cut the neck into cubes: Cut a flat edge on the side of the neck, to use as a base. Cut the neck into roughly 1/4″ slices. Cut the slices into strips, then turn the strips and chop them crosswise to create cubes.
  4. Peel and cut the base into cubes: Peel the base. Slice off the end of the base and slice it into roughly 1/4″ slices. Then chop the slices crosswise to create cubes.

Tip: Use a squash peeler! It’s serrated, which makes it easier than a normal vegetable peeler. Here’s the serrated vegetable peeler we use.

Fresh vs frozen butternut squash

Want to shortcut the chopping for this butternut squash pasta? You can use frozen squash instead of fresh!

  • Frozen squash saves 10 minutes in prep time. It makes this recipe a breeze, cooking up in about 30 minutes.
  • You may need to add more broth to make the creamy sauce. The ability of the sauce to blend depends on the freshness of the squash and whether it’s fresh or frozen. So, add additional splashes of broth until the puree blends into a creamy sauce. Then add the goat cheese and blend again.
Butternut squash pasta

What to serve with butternut squash pasta

And that’s it: a creamy, healthy butternut squash pasta full of nutrients and a total crowd pleaser! Our son Larson is very into this one (he calls it “mac and cheese”). While we’re not the type of people to secretly hide vegetables, we enjoy that this gets him to eat his veggies.

To make it into a meal, here are a few easy side dishes that pair well with butternut squash pasta:

Squash Soup
Want more squash recipes ? This Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a stunner.

More butternut squash recipes

Alex and I are big squash fans! We used to skip it in favor of sweet potatoes because they were so much easier to prepare. But today, recipes like this butternut squash pasta often appear in our fall and winter repertoire. Here are a few more favorite butternut squash recipes:

Dietary notes

This butternut squash pasta recipe is vegetarian. For gluten-free, use gluten-free or legume pasta.

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Butternut squash pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8
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Description

Everyone will love this cozy butternut squash pasta! It’s covered in a creamy sauce blended with garlic, spices, and goat cheese. 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
  • 4 cups diced butternut squash (1 small) or frozen
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth, plus more for blending
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 ounces goat cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for the garnish
  • Finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, for the garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until it is al dente (start tasting a few minutes before the package recommends: you want it to be tender but still a little firm on the inside). When the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot.
  2. Peel and dice the butternut squash. Mince the garlic.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the butternut squash and saute 5 minutes. Add the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the broth, chili powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cover and bring it to a high simmer, bubbling constantly. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the squash is tender.
  4. Carefully transfer all the contents to a blender and blend until creamy, stopping and adding additional splashes broth as needed to come to a creamy texture (the exact amount will vary based on the freshness of the squash). Add the goat cheese and blend again until a creamy sauce forms.
  5. Stir the sauce into the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Last updated: August 2020

Frozen Yogurt Bites

Looking for healthy snacks? These frozen yogurt bites are a healthy treat and a sure hit with kids of all…

Looking for healthy snacks? These frozen yogurt bites are a healthy treat and a sure hit with kids of all ages—and adults too! They’re simple to whip up and take only 1 hour to freeze: the perfect frosty sweet!

Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Bites | Yogurt bites for babies

Why we love this recipe

Ready for the best snack to keep you cool all summer long? Frozen yogurt bites. It’s a simple idea for healthy snacks for kids—and adults! Because Alex and I are huge fans of these. Of course, the kids go crazy over these froyo snacks. And yes, I mean crazy.

Of course, we’re happy to indulge them with frozen yogurt bites because they’re made with organic yogurt and have no refined sugar. How could we say no? Keep reading for how to make them!

Tips for making frozen yogurt bites

These peanut butter frozen yogurt bites one of our top summer treats! They double as both healthy snacks for kids and healthy desserts for kids! Here are a few tips for making this simple snack:

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This way, the yogurt won’t freeze to the baking sheet.
  • Use a pastry bag for piping. The pastry bag makes it easy to make a swirl shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a spoon and flatten a dollop of yogurt into a bite shape.
  • Freeze for 1 hour. That’s all it takes! Then peel off the yogurt bites and transfer them to freezer bag.
Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Bites | Yogurt bites for babies

Flavor variations

This frozen yogurt bites recipe uses peanut butter to make a delicious flavor! But you can make lots of other flavors. Here are some ideas:

  • Strawberry: Use strawberry yogurt or swirl in strawberry jam to taste
  • Blueberry: Swirl in blueberry jam or homemade blueberry sauce
  • Peanut butter banana: Blend the peanut butter yogurt with a banana before freezing!

More healthy snacks

Here are some other healthy snack ideas that we love:

Dietary notes

This peanut butter frozen yogurt bites recipe is vegetarian, gluten free, refined sugar free, and naturally sweet.

Frequently asked questions

What are frozen yogurt bites?

Frozen yogurt bites are a healthy and refreshing snack made by freezing yogurt in small portions, often with added fruits, granola, or other toppings.

What kind of yogurt should I use for frozen yogurt bites?

You can use any type of yogurt you prefer, such as Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt. Choose a flavor and sweetness level that suits your taste.

What are some ideas for toppings for frozen yogurt bites?

You can get creative with toppings! Some popular options include fresh or frozen fruit (like berries, mango, or banana), granola, chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of honey or chocolate.

How long do frozen yogurt bites last in the freezer?

Frozen yogurt bites can typically last for up to 2-3 weeks in the freezer when stored in an airtight container.

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Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt Dots | A Couple Cooks

Frozen Yogurt Bites

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  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 24
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Description

Looking for healthy snacks? These frozen yogurt bites are a healthy treat and a sure hit with kids of all ages—even adults!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Load the mixture into a pastry bag (or place it in a plastic ziplock bag, then cut off the tip). Pipe small circles of the yogurt mixture onto the parchment paper. Lazy mama tip: you also can use a spoon to place the yogurt onto the parchment paper in thin circle shapes!
  3. Freeze for 1 hour, then peel off the yogurt bites and transfer them to freezer bag.
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Frozen
  • Cuisine: American

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is your new weeknight dinner hero! Here’s how to make healthy, tasty nuggets that adults…

This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is your new weeknight dinner hero! Here’s how to make healthy, tasty nuggets that adults and kids will love.

Chicken Nuggets

Alex and I are passionate about cooking all things from scratch, from French fries to pizza. So we could not wait to share this homemade chicken nuggets recipe with you! These nuggets are made with real chicken breast, baked instead of fried, with a perfectly seasoned crunchy exterior.

Why we love this recipe: I mean, how could we not? Homemade nuggets are a huge hit with our kids (no surprise), but adults absolutely inhale these too! They’re family friendly, great for topping a Caesar salad or power bowls, and if you add a homemade dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch they are absolutely next level.

“These chicken nuggets were incredibly tasty! I’m always wary of homemade chicken nuggets but these were 10/10! Adding these to our monthly dinner rotation.”

Ingredients for homemade chicken nuggets

These homemade chicken nuggets are much tastier than frozen or fast food and here’s why: they’re made with actual pieces of chicken breast (kind of more like chicken tenders). They’re baked not fried, but still crispy and irresistibly seasoned. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken breast: Buy organic chicken if at all possible. Look for boneless skinless chicken breasts, or cutlets if possible.
  • Panko: These light and airy Japanese breadcrumbs are what make the crispy golden crust. Look for gluten-free panko if desired.
  • Olive oil: A touch of healthy fat helps crisp up the nuggets without deep-frying.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder create a flavor explosion, while salt enhances every bite.
  • Eggs:  Here the eggs act act as a binder, holding the panko and seasonings onto the chicken.

How to make this chicken nuggets recipe

The key to crispy baked chicken nuggets is an oven safe baking rack, if you have one. This lifts the bottom surface of the nuggets off of the baking sheet, allowing it to get crispy instead of soggy while it bakes. Here are the basic steps for the recipe:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, mix the panko with the olive oil. Pour it in an even layer onto a rimmed baking sheet, place it in the oven, and toast for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Pour the toasted breadcrumbs into a bowl and cool for 1 minute.

Step 2: If using breasts, slice them in half horizontally, then cut into bite-sized nuggets and place them in a large bowl. Toss with kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder. In another bowl, whisk eggs with ½ tsp water. 

Step 3: Place an oven safe rack on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dredge each piece of chicken into the eggs, then toss with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the nuggets onto the baking sheet. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until the outside is golden and the internal temperature measures 165°F.

💡Why buy organic chicken? We recommend buying organic since it’s the high-quality meat that is raised sustainably without chemicals. Organic standards require that the chickens have access to the outdoors and cannot be given antibiotics or growth hormones (happy chickens!).

Chicken Nuggets on a tray with ketchup.

Sauces for homemade chicken nuggets

Once you’ve got your homemade chicken nuggets, of course you’ll want a dipping sauce! I’m personally not a huge fan of ketchup, though I know more of the world is. However, we do have a homemade ketchup that I think is pretty delicious. Here are a few sauces for serving with these chicken nuggets:

Honey mustard recipeHoney MustardKetchup substituteHomemade KetchupRanch DressingHomemade RanchCaesar Dressing in bowl with spoon.Caesar DressingYum Yum Sauce | What is Yum Yum SauceYum Yum SauceHealthy BBQ SauceBBQ SauceWhite BBQ sauceWhite BBQ Sauce

Diet swaps

When we started A Couple Cooks in 2010, we ate mostly vegan recipes and vegetarian recipes. We now embrace the Mediterranean diet, so we eat seafood and chicken occasionally.

If you’ve been around since the early days, this recipe might surprise you! But these days chicken is in the dinnertime repertoire. Want a plant-based solution? Try our breaded tofu from this tofu sandwich, or our friend Jessica has a great vegan chicken nuggets recipe. For gluten-free, look for gluten-free panko.

Other serving ideas

Chicken nuggets are great on their own as a meal for kids: we like adding carrot sticks and serving with ranch for dipping everything. (Why restaurants don’t do this, I’m not sure!) For the adults, we like adding chicken nuggets to salads and grain bowls. Here are some ideas:

Storing leftovers

Leftovers store up to 3 days refrigerated. To make the nuggets crispy again, reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through.

More chicken dinners

This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is a rock-star recipe in our house! Here are some of our other favorite family friendly chicken dinners:

Dietary notes

This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is dairy-free. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko. For vegan, try breaded tofu from our tofu sandwich as a substitute (it has a similar vibe).

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of panko?

Regular breadcrumbs will work, but they may not achieve the same level of crispiness. You can also try crushed crackers, tortilla chips, or even cornflakes for a different texture.

Do I need to use all the spices listed?

Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking! You can omit any spices you don’t have or prefer not to use.

How long do I need to cook the nuggets?

Cook time will depend on the size of your nuggets, but they typically take 10 to 15 minutes to bake at 425°F. Aim for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Chicken Nuggets

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4
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Description

This homemade chicken nuggets recipe is your new weeknight dinner hero! Here’s how to make healthy, tasty nuggets that adults and kids will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 cutlets (organic if possible)*
  • 1 ½ cups panko
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 eggs
  • Ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch, for serving**

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the panko with the olive oil. Pour it in an even layer onto a rimmed baking sheet, place it in the oven, and toast for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Pour the toasted breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl and allow to cool for 1 minute.
  3. If using breasts, slice them in half horizontally (if you bought cutlets, skip this step). Cut the cutlets into bite-sized nuggets and place them in a large bowl. Toss with the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder.
  4. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with ½ teaspoon water. 
  5. When the baking sheet is cool, wipe any remaining crumbs from the baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. If you have one, place an oven safe rack on the baking sheet.
  6. Dredge each piece of chicken into the eggs and tap off any excess liquid. Then place it into the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture and toss until fully coated. Place the chicken nuggets onto the prepared baking sheet. When all of the nuggets are breaded, sprinkle them with a few more pinches of kosher salt. 
  7. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the outside is golden and the internal temperature measures 165°F at the thickest point. Serve immediately. Leftovers store up to 3 days refrigerated; to make them crispy again, reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through.

Notes

*If you buy the chicken as breasts that are not already butterflied or cutlets, butterfly the chicken: Place your hand over the top of each chicken breast. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the breast horizontally, leaving the edge intact so it can open up like a book (or butterfly!). Unfold the breast like a book, then cut along the fold to separate the two halves.

**Sauce ideas include ketchup, honey mustard, homemade ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, special sauce, or yum yum sauce.

Other serving ideas: Add to a Caesar salad to make chicken Caesar. Use nuggets in bowl meals like power bowls, hummus bowls, rice bowls, or replace the salmon in this salmon crunch bowl with spicy mayo. Use leftovers in chicken tacos topped with lime crema.

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Butterbeer

This butterbeer recipe is an easy and delicious way to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Perfect for parties, Halloween,…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This butterbeer recipe is an easy and delicious way to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime.

Butterbeer recipe

Want to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Try this Butterbeer recipe! Our son has become obsessed with Hogwarts and this recipe is an easy way to recreate the series drink. It’s so tasty, bubbly with a butterscotch flavor and a frothy top! Many recipes are extremely sugary but our take is toned back so it lets all the flavors shine through (and you or the children you’re making it for won’t be bouncing off the walls). It’s perfect for parties, Halloween, and any occasion where you need a little magic!

What is butterbeer?

Butterbeer is a fictional drink in the Harry Potter series that’s beloved by wizards. It is first mentioned in the book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and has a level of alcohol doesn’t affect witches and wizards. The concept is based on an actual drink called buttered beer that originated in England in the 1500’s. That drink was made with beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter (similar to something like buttered rum).

Author J.K. Rowling reportedly told Bon Appetit magazine that the taste of butterbeer should be like a “less sickly butterscotch.” In April 2010 Universal Studios announced a non-alcoholic butterbeer drink sold at their Harry Potter World, which was tasted and approved by Rowling herself!

Butterbeer recipe

Ingredients in butterbeer

No one knows the exact ingredients in the official Universal Studios butterbeer recipe (except this guy). However, the flavor of butterbeer is reminiscent of cream soda. Most copycat recipes include cream soda, butterscotch syrup and cream or ice cream for a frothy topping.

This butterbeer recipe is unique because it’s got all those classic flavors but a little less sugar to let them all shine! It’s built like an Italian soda, with soda water, flavored syrup, and cream. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Butterscotch syrup, like Torani
  • Vanilla extract
  • Yellow and brown food coloring
  • Soda water
  • Heavy cream

Tips for making butterbeer

This butterbeer recipe is like an butterscotch-flavored Italian soda, a drink made of club soda and flavored syrup, often served with cream on top. The concept was invented by an Italian American couple who introduced Italian soda in San Francisco in 1925. It took off and has been popular ever since! Here are a few tips for making and serving butterbeer:

  • Whisk 2 tablespoons heavy cream until slightly thickened. Reserve this for the topping.
  • Mix a splash of soda water with 2 tablespoons butterscotch syrup in a small beer mug or glass. Add 3 drops yellow and 1 small drop brown food coloring to simulates the beer coloring (which is the main coloring agent in cream soda).
  • Add 1 cup soda water. Do this right before serving to preserve the bubbles.
  • Top with the cream to simulate the frothy top of a beer. Enjoy!
Butter beer recipe

Harry Potter themed mugs and glasses

The best way to serve butterbeer is in a small beer mug! We like these small glass beer mugs. You can also serve it in Harry Potter themed glasses. We like this set of Hogwarts crest glasses that have the crest of each of the houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Our son especially loves drinking anything out of these!

Of course if you’re serving butterbeer for a party, you can use disposable glasses or cups of your choice. Keep in mind the finished drink has about 1 ¼ cups volume with about 1-inch extra room needed for the foam.

Spiked variation

Want to make a spiked butterbeer? This butterbeer recipe works beautifully with rum. Add 1 oz añejo rum to each serving of butterbeer, which adds notes of vanilla and oak. We think it’s best with rum, but you could also try something like vanilla vodka if desired.

Butter beer

More fun homemade drinks

This butterbeer drink is a fun and easy homemade drink that kids and adults alike love! It’s fun for parties, as a Halloween drink, or anytime you need a fun cooking project with kids. Here are a few more homemade drinks to add to your arsenal:

This butterbeer recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Butterbeer

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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
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Description

This butterbeer recipe is an easy and delicious way to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (1 oz) flavored butterscotch syrup, like Torani
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 drops yellow food coloring 
  • 1 small drop brown food coloring
  • 1 cup (8 oz) soda water
  • 2 tablespoons (1 oz) heavy cream, whisked until slightly thick

Instructions

  1. In a mug or glass, stir together the butterscotch syrup, vanilla extract, food coloring and a splash of soda water. (Spiked variation: Add 1 oz añejo rum.)
  2. Top with the remaining soda water. Carefully pour cream across top and serve. 
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Butterbeer, butter beer, butterbeer recipe, butter beer recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Easy Desserts To Make With Kids

Some of life’s sweetest moments happen in the kitchen — especially when you’re making dessert. When working with kids, the key to having the most fun is keeping it simple. For preschoolers, start with no-bake recipes such as puddings, pies and dips that don’t require an oven or extra waiting time. With older kids, you […]

The post Easy Desserts To Make With Kids appeared first on Forkly.

Some of life’s sweetest moments happen in the kitchen — especially when you’re making dessert. When working with kids, the key to having the most fun is keeping it simple.

For preschoolers, start with no-bake recipes such as puddings, pies and dips that don’t require an oven or extra waiting time. With older kids, you can get into longer ingredient lists and more complicated tasks, such as crushing cookies in the food processor or whirling up a homemade whipped cream. To get you started, here are 12 favorite recipes that make it easy to create sweet treats and memories.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies

The original recipe for America’s favorite cookie came from the 1930s kitchen of Toll House Inn owner Ruth Wakefield. While making her usual Butter Drop Do cookies, Wakefield had the idea to add broken bits of a Nestle semisweet chocolate bar. She thought the chunks of chocolate would melt and create a solid chocolate cookie. Happily, she was wrong.

Wakefield’s tried-and-true recipe for the Toll House Crunch Cookie made it to the back of Nestle’s now-famous yellow package in 1939. Since then, the chocolate chip cookie has been replicated and modified in countless ways, including this super-easy version from the Food Network. With no special techniques or equipment required, it’s the perfect one for baking with kids.

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

2. Edible Cookie Dough

Let’s say you just can’t wait 12 to 16 minutes for those cookies to bake. Edible cookie dough lets you eat the batter right off the spoon without any worries about consuming raw dough.

This indulgent cookie dough recipe from Tasty skips the eggs and toasts the flour first, so it’s safe for kids to handle (play with) and eat. Even more fun — after making the base dough, you get to choose your add-ins. Follow the variations for chocolate chip, cookies and cream, peanut butter chocolate and triple chocolate chunk, or make up your own. You can easily divide the dough into four servings so everyone gets to enjoy their own yummy creation.

Nick Lundgren / Shutterstock

3. One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

There’s turning lemons into lemonade, and then there’s turning bananas into…ice cream. If you have a few sitting in the fruit bowl, they’re all you need to make dessert magic. This low-sugar, dairy-free frozen treat from Fav Family Recipes is just as smooth, creamy and scoop-able as the real deal.

Some people like to get fancy with their banana ice cream and swirl it up with a splash of vanilla extract or coconut milk. You can also go bananas with mix-ins such as berries, chopped cookies or Nutella. However, this one-ingredient recipe is true to its name. So long as you have bananas and a food processor, you’re good to go.

JRP Studio/Shutterstock

4. Microwave Mug Brownies

The original recipe for brownies was created in 1893 at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel. Commissioned by a socialite and philanthropist named Bertha Palma for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the world’s first brownie was decadently fudgy and topped with chopped walnuts and an apricot glaze.

Today, there are endless methods and recipes for making brownies. While box mixes are always an option, this super-quick microwave version from Weelicious lets you serve up a special little dessert from scratch in just minutes. Simply combine the ingredients in your favorite mug and microwave for 1-1/2 minutes if you like your brownie gooey or closer to 2-1/2 minutes for well-done.

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

5. Mini Apple Pies

Mini apple pies are the perfect handheld treat to make during apple-picking season or any time of year. This kid-friendly variation of the classic American dessert by Mom on Timeout makes use of a muffin tin, refrigerated pie crust and your choice of chopped apples — including the peels.

For the best apple pie flavor and texture, combine firm-tart and firm-sweet apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are kid favorites that are widely available at farmers markets and supermarkets. For an extra special touch, top your mini pies with a drizzle of caramel sauce, scoop of ice cream, dollop of whipped cream or all of the above.

Madele/Shutterstock

6. Unicorn Fudge

Fudge is a candy shop favorite that’s usually made by cooking sugar, butter, milk and salt with chocolate or other flavorings. Traditional fudge can be too fussy to make at home with kids. It requires a candy thermometer and lots of patience to get the texture just right.

Thankfully, this two-ingredient fudge recipe from Kara’s Party Ideas cuts to the chase by combining microwave-melted white chocolate chips with canned strawberry frosting. Don’t worry if your candy starts out as a sticky, gooey, incredibly fun mess. The final result will be a smooth, pretty-in-pink fudge that’s ready for a tea party. Be sure to pull out your full arsenal of sprinkles for the unicorn-inspired mix on top.

gvictoria/Shutterstock

7. Puppy Chow

Also filed under homemade candy is puppy chow. Sometimes called muddy buddies or monkey munch, this Midwestern treat starts with a base of crunchy rice or corn cereal. Show Me The Yummy’s classic puppy chow is lovingly coated with a mixture of melted butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

While there’s no need to mess with a great thing, you can change things up by adding different flavorings. This orange creamsicle puppy chow by I Am Baker incorporates orange zest for a surprising citrus twist. Even the littlest kids can handle the final step of shaking up the cereal with powdered sugar in a bag.

Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

8. Poke Cake

Moist, delicious poke cakes were popularized in the 1970s, and the love for them continues. They’re called poke cakes because you actually poke holes into the cake after baking and then fill those holes with a luscious pour-over of liquid filling (think pudding, hot fudge, caramel, sweetened condensed milk or pureed fruit).

Most poke cake recipes start with a boxed cake mix base, so they’re easy to whip up for family celebrations or on a whim. You can make this refreshing strawberry poke cake by L’il Luna with a 9 x 13-inch white cake and a box of strawberry gelatin. You can also make Betty Crocker’s poke cupcakes or change up your cake and filling combinations to suit your mood or what’s available on hand. Easy!

bonchan/Shutterstock

9. Blueberry Cobbler

What’s the difference between a cobbler and a pie? Both are made with fruit and a crust, but cobblers are a bit easier for beginning bakers to master. You can make Betty Crocker’s version of this warm and comforting classic with fresh blueberries when they’re in season (usually May to August), a mix of berries or a bag of frozen fruit.

One of the best things about making a cobbler with kids is that it doesn’t require perfection to taste amazing. Simply melt butter in a pan, pour in the biscuit batter and sprinkle all over with fruit. The biscuit dough rises toward the top of the dish as it bakes to create a cobbled dessert you can scoop up with a spoon.

Happy Hirtzel/Shutterstock

10. Homemade Vanilla Pudding

Pudding is one of those desserts kids often see come out of a plastic container. Imagine the wow factor when they get a behind-the-scenes peek of how fun it is to make their own.

You can indulge in this creamy and completely uncomplicated homemade pudding from Celebrating Sweets any time with a quick stove-top simmer of milk, eggs, vanilla and other simple ingredients you’re likely to have on hand. It does need to be chilled for a few hours, but a cherry and whipped cream on top will make this nostalgic dessert worthy of the wait.

New Africa/Shutterstock

11. Peanut Butter Dip

Dessert dips come together quickly with just a few ingredients, and they’re perfect for after dinner, after school or whenever you’re feeling snacky. You can whip up this basketball peanut butter dip from Julie’s Eats & Treats in one bowl by combining cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk and a little vanilla.

For the topping, kids get to sort and group Reese’s Pieces by color and arrange them in the shape of a basketball. Have your pretzels, apple slices and graham cracker dippers ready to go because this rainy day art project is instantly edible.

inewsfoto/Shutterstock

12. Fruit Pizza

Get kids thinking outside of the box with a sweet spin on their favorite food. It all starts with a sugar cookie crust (homemade or store-bought dough is A-OK) and cream cheese frosting.

After that, the toppings are up to you. Make a rainbow fruit pizza with this recipe from I Heart Naptime that calls for raspberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple and kiwi, or add toasted coconut, mango and banana for a taste of the tropics. There’s no getting this dessert wrong. Just let your creative junior chef choose the fruits and design — and compliment them on a job well done.

AlexeiLogvinovich/Shutterstock

Family Baking Fun

No matter your age, the kitchen can be a fascinating place to play and learn. There’s math in the measurements, science in how ingredients react with one another and a celebration of family and culture in the outcome. Regardless, kids get to build their confidence and expand their palette when, making it a worthwhile activity to do together, even if it initially seems daunting.

eggeegg/Shutterstock

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Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes Your Kids Will Love

60 delicious ideas even picky eaters will love!

The post Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes Your Kids Will Love appeared first on Forkly.

One of the hardest things about cooking for little people is trying to plan great meal options the kids in your life will actually love. Let’s face it, kids are picky eaters and having more than one picky eater can make meal planning an impossible task. Luckily, we’re here to help!

We’ve scoured the web for the best dinner recipes that we’re sure your kids will love (or hopefully they’ll at least love some of them!) From unique dishes like tater tot nachos to classic kid-friendly meals like mac and cheese, these meals are bound to satisfy the bellies at your table. If you’re looking for fun and easy dinner recipes your kids will love, consider these 18 awesome meal ideas below:

1. Pizza Casserole

Invented by a kid, this recipe is 100 percent kid-approved. Pepperoni and pasta combine to make a mouth-watering meal that will satisfy meal-eaters of every age! It’s essentially two fan favorite dinners to enjoy at the same time. Plus, it’s super easy to make and freeze ahead for hassle-free cooking.

This filling casserole recipe is loaded with ground beef, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and more ingredients that will flavor penne pasta like a pizza. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, 45 minutes to cook, and yields six servings. If you want to freeze he casserole, simply follow the steps and allow it to cool instead of baking.

Elena Shashkina / Shutterstock

2. Tater Tot Nachos

Talk about a crowd-pleaser! Even if your kids don’t love Mexican food, they’ll go nuts over a plate of tater tot nachos. So will the adults, for that matter! This kid-friendly take on a tasty dish that can be easily customized depending on your family’s taste preferences.

Buy a package of tater tots and follow the directions to prepare them. Cook up some ground beef in the meantime and flavor it with some taco seasoning. Once both are ready, combine them and top with extra ingredients. Shredded cheese, sour cream, chives — whatever you’d typically load your nachos with, enjoy with the tater tots!

AS Food studio / Shutterstock

3. Pizza Quesadillas

Most kids love pizza, and this is a fun new twist on the old standard that they can help make! Pizza quesadillas are simple to prepare and I guarantee that your kids will love them. Let the fun begin with this 10 minute recipe from Taste of Home.

It only takes three steps to make four servings, starting with heating the spaghetti sauce until warm. Prepare the tortillas with butter on one side and cheese, salami, and pepperoni on the other. Top with another tortilla before putting it on a griddle over medium heat. After two to three minutes, they’ll be ready to enjoy!

Elena Veselova / Shutterstock

4. Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Do your kids love ordering chicken tenders at restaurants? Then why not give it a try and make your very own at home. The tenders are soaked in buttermilk, which makes them juicy and moist. Needless to say, your kids love them! This recipe from Dinner Then Dessert yields 16 servings and takes just one hour to make.

You can add extra breadcrumbs to make the tenders crispier, depending on your taste preference. The recipe also walks you through oven-baked chicken tenders that are a healthier alternative to deep frying. Serve alongside some homemade french fries and your kids can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from home

Liudmyla Chuhunova / Shutterstock

5. BBQ Chicken Pizza

The next time you make grilled chicken, grill some extra to use for this delicious BBQ chicken pizza the next night! This pizza is simple and comes together in no time, and you won’t believe how delicious it is. The tangy sauce, the melted cheese, and the juicy chicken make for such a flavorful, yummy combination!

This recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction uses gouda cheese for a smokey flavor and cilantro for some freshness. If you want to skip the homemade dough, simply buy some dough from the grocery store and go from there. Piling the ingredients onto the pizza can be a fun way to get your kids hands-on in the kitchen.

Medolka / Shutterstock

6. Bacon Pierogi Bake

In this comforting casserole, pierogies are smothered in a creamy sauce and then topped with gooey cheese, crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes. This is a family favorite for sure! This recipe from Lets Dish Recipes yields six servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a low maintenance dinner that can be whipped up in a jiffy.

The recipe calls for one pack of frozen potato and cheddar pierogies placed in a baking dish. You’ll prepare the bacon on a skillet and add the other ingredients gradually. Once the mixture is complete, pour it over the pierogies and cook in the oven until cooked. Top with bacon, green onions and tomatoes and it’s ready to eat!

Pronina Marina / Shutterstock

7. Baked Macaroni And Cheese

My mom always made this Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe when I was growing up – we never had the boxed kind. Luckily, it’s super easy for anyone to give a go. This recipe from the Food Network takes less than an hour and yields up to eight servings.

After cooking the pasta and cheese sauce, you’ll place it in a baking dish followed by the breadcrumb and butter topping. It will be ready to eat once the dish bubbles around the edges after about 15 minutes in the oven. Toss up a salad or steam some broccoli and you have a full meal that is delicious and very comforting.

Sunny Forest / Shutterstock

8. Chicken Tacos

Tasty chicken tacos – an easy weeknight meal for busy parents. The ingredients are something you can always have on hand whenever you’re short on dinner ideas on busy weeknights. Taco shells (hard or soft), sour cream, cheese, shredded lettuce, and corn are just some of the many ingredients kids can decorate their tacos with.

If you don’t have time to actually cook chicken, have some pre-cooked chicken in the fridge. You can season it with your desired flavors and save tons of time. You can switch the recipe to beef or even fish if you start to get bored of the chicken.

Joshua Resnick / Shutterstock

9. Muffin Tin Cheeseburger Cups

These mini burgers are made in a muffin tin and because of that, you can whip up a large batch quickly! It’s made up of buns, ground turkey or beef, cheese, and some veggies for flavoring. Top with pickles and your favorite condiments to enjoy these mini burgers to the max!

This Forkly recipe is super easy to follow and takes no more than 20 minutes to cook. They would be great for any family dinner, potluck or birthday party and they certainly get the stamp of approval from the kiddos. It would be perfect to serve alongside French fries for a filling and addicting meal.

10. Quick & Easy Instant Pot Macaroni And Cheese

As a child, macaroni and cheese was always a favorite of mine. If you’re like most people and purchased or received an Instant Pot as a gift this year then you’ll be happy to know you can make your kiddo’s favorite meal, mac and cheese in it too! This Forkly recipe comes together in just 15 minutes – perfect for busy nights.

The ooey-gooey dish only requires a handful of ingredients: macaroni noodles, water or broth, salt, butter, garlic powder, milk or cream, and your choice of shredded cheese. Add presentation points with some parsley and your elevated mac and cheese is complete.

11. Easy Weeknight Leftover Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas are such an underrated meal! They’re simple, delicious, inexpensive, and are kid and adult-friendly. This Forkly recipe uses leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken to simplify the meal and pair it with our delicious 5-Ingredient Copycat Chipotle Burrito Sauce!

This dish yields four servings and takes minutes to prepare. You’ll need a frying pan or panini press to make the quesadillas. Choose your favorite type of cheese to shred and flavor your quesadillas with. You can serve this meal alongside sour cream or mashed avocado. They’re super easy to dip into your favorite sauce and will become a go-to dinner whenever you’re dealing with chicken leftovers.

12. Easy Upside-Down Pizza Casserole

This tasty Forkly recipe gives you all the comforting satisfaction that casseroles have to offer with a delicious spin of pizza flavors. To save time, prepare the pizza casserole the night before so it’s ready to place into the oven as soon as you’re home from work the next day.

The recipe yields six servings, takes 30 minutes to prepare, and up to 60 minutes of cooking time in the oven. Feel free to swap out the Italian sausage with turkey instead. This flavorful pizza is enhanced with diced pepper, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese and more melt-in-your-mouth ingredients that will everyone reaching for seconds!

13. Instant Pot Pizza

If you’re looking for yet another way to put your Instant Pot to use, look no further than this pizza recipe from Forkly. Pizza casseroles can be made in so many ways with a variety of flavors and ingredient choices. Say hello to a whole new way of making pasta. Making this dish in your Instant pot requires no additional clean up with multiple pot usage-you don’t even have to boil your pasta separately.

This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and yields six servings. It’s loaded with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, and lots more. Prepare this Instant Pot Pizza with any type of pasta and enjoy!

14. Left Over Spaghetti Nests

If you’re seeking to stretch one dinner into two then look no further, this is the recipe for you. These spaghetti nests are a great way to make leftovers new again. The muffin tin also offers convenience by binding the pasta together so you can eat them with your fingers, what child doesn’t love that!

This Forkly recipe yields 12 servings and takes no more than 20 minutes to whip up with leftover spaghetti. All you have to do is fill the muffin tins with pasta covered in sauce and top with some cheese. Once the spaghetti is slightly browned on the edges, you can let it cool a bit and garnish with basil.

15. Easy Weeknight Instant Pot Copycat Hamburger Helper

There is perhaps nothing quite as easy to whip up on a busy weeknight as Hamburger Helper. It’s quick and inexpensive to make and most kids won’t say no to noodles, cheese, and meat. But you can clean up the ingredients of this store bought dinner and make it far tastier by creating it from scratch in your Instant Pot.

This Forkly recipe yields up to eight servings. If you have leftovers, allow it to cool completely before storing it in the fridge in an airtight container. It should be good to eat for up to one week. Bon appetit!

16. Kid-Approved Vegan Mac And Cheese

If you follow a vegan lifestyle or have a lactose allergy no need to worry! Your children and yourself don’t need to miss out on a childhood favorite like mac and cheese, Forkly has got you covered. This Forkly recipe will satisfy your mac and cheese craving all the while providing you and your children with an excellent serving of vegetables.

After preparing this mac and cheese, you’ll be left with four to six servings. It should take no more than 10 minutes to prep and about 40 to 60 minutes for cooking. Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm and dig in!

17. Quick & Easy Instant Pot Deconstructed Lasagna

While I love to cook, I just don’t have the time that goes into a meal like homemade lasagna, even though I adore this dish. Enter, the Instant Pot. It takes a small fraction of the time and tastes exactly the same as traditional lasagna, making it a favorite in my books!

The easy Forkly recipe provides up to eight servings. If you’d like to lower the fat content, feel free to reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese used. You could also switch to a low-fat cottage cheese. Top with basil for some added flavor and presentation points and enjoy.

18. Tater Tots Casserole With Cheddar Cheese

This is a fun dish that is easy to assemble and makes for a hearty meal for a family. It is a very interesting way of serving tater tots (or fried potato rounds), which everyone loves. This recipe from AllRecipes takes only 10 minutes to prep, half an hour to cook in the oven and yields eight servings.

To make it nice and creamy, the recipe calls for one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. You’ll know the dish is ready once the tater tots appear golden and crispy. Feel free to remove the cheese from this dish — it works with or without it. Enjoy!

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

The post Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes Your Kids Will Love appeared first on Forkly.

Valentine’s Day Snacks for Kids: 30 Love Themed Food Ideas!

Your kids will go crazy for these Valentine’s Day themed treats!

The post Valentine’s Day Snacks for Kids: 30 Love Themed Food Ideas! appeared first on Forkly.

Valentine’s Day is a day to express your love for the special people in your life. Your kids are undoubtedly some of the most important people in your life – and they should know that! Take the opportunity this Valentine’s Day to add some extra love to their day and make some delicious treats to show you care.

We’re sharing some exciting recipes and ideas to help make this Valentine’s Day unique and special for your children. We have compiled 30 amazing ideas that your kids will surely enjoy!

1. Chocolate Covered Pretzels with Sprinkles

These Valentine’s Day Pretzel Treats are perfect for some special time in the kitchen with kids and even an affordable treat to make and take to school parties. They’re cute and delicious!

Use a variety of sprinkles to let your little ones get creative with the way they decorate these sweet and salty pretzels!

https://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/chocolate-covered-pretzels/#_a5y_p=3324606 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS

2. Heart Shaped Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispie squares are loved by children and adults alike. You can give an ordinary Rice Krispie square a makeover by using a heart-shaped cookie cutter making this snack perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Then to make this treat stand out dip the cereal treats in melted pink chocolate and a white chocolate drizzle. Your kids can help you make these and they’ll love eating them even more!

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-wedding-favors-rice-krispies-treat-hearts/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: INTIMATE WEDDINGS

3.Valentine’s Cookie Cups

Simple yet delicious and unique, these candy cups are perfect for busy parents or parents who aren’t exactly masters in the kitchen.

You can change the toppings of these to anything you like: cinnamon hearts and mini jelly beans would be good ideas as well.

https://www.eazypeazymealz.com/chocolate-covered-cherry-sugar-cookie-cups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: EAZY PEAZY MEALZ

4. Valentine’s Snack Mix

Mix it up a little with this tasty snack mix delicately placed in jars to make a festive treat both adults and children will love.

This treat combines Rice Chex cereal with chocolate chips, strawberry cream jello, and Valentine’s M&Ms but you can use whatever festive ingredients you like!

https://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/valentines-day-snack-mix PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PIP AND EBBY

5. Simple Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies

Looking for a simple yet delicious Valentine’s cookie recipe? Look no further. These delectable cookies are festive and fun and they taste absolutely fantastic.

Your kids will love to take these to school on Valentine’s week – and something tells me you might have to make an extra few for their friends!

https://www.hotbeautyhealth.com/food/valentines-day-heart-shaped-sugar-cookies-recipe/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HOT BEAUTY HEALTH

6. Cute Love Monster Cupcakes

How adorable are these little love monster treats? They’re perfect for kids of all ages – especially boys who don’t exactly like all of the lovey-dovey treats you might want to make.

They’re fun and delicious and these cupcakes will undoubtedly be the talk of the town!

http://thecakeblog.com/2014/01/diy-love-bug-cupcakes.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE CAKE BLOG

7. Love Bug Fruit Cups

You don’t have to bake a creative treat to impress your little ones! Instead, try creating these adorable love bug fruit cups. These also make an excellent treat that your kids can share with their friends at school.

You can have 12 love bugs made in just 20 minutes. All you’ll need is pineapple and strawberry fruit cups, pipe cleaners, pompoms, googly eyes, and pink foam shaped hearts. All of these materials can be found at your local craft store or dollar store.

 

https://thenymelrosefamily.com/love-bug-fruit-cups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE MELROSE FAMILY

8. Cute Love Ladybug Chocolate Covered Strawberries

These easy-to-make and utterly adorable love bugs are so simple to throw together that even amateur bakers can pull them off.

Simply dip the pointed part of the end in melted chocolate and decorate accordingly. Adding a toothpick with a message on the top makes these healthy treats even more fun!

https://princesspinkygirl.com/chocolate-covered-strawberry-ladybugs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PRINCESS PINKY GIRL

9. Valentine’s Day S’More Cookies

Everyone loves s’mores, right? Right. So who wouldn’t love this Valentine’s day version of the mouth-watering snack?

It’s easy to make and they’re just as delicious as the traditional version! Add some sprinkles into the mix or some pink icing to make them look a little more festive.

http://thecakeblog.com/2012/02/heart-smores.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE CAKE BLOG

10. Valentine’s Day Sprinkled Chocolate Donuts

These festive Valentine’s red, pink and white sprinkled donuts aren’t exactly a healthy treat but they’re definitely delicious.

Consider making smaller sized donuts to cut back on the calories. And, hey, it’s Valentine’s Day, right? Everyone’s allowed indulge a little!

https://www.lovefromtheoven.com/valentines-day-donuts/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LOVE FROM THE OVEN

11. Emoji Chocolate Bark

Emojis are simply a way of life now, a way to express how you feel without using any words at all! Create a chocolate bark that your kids will thoroughly appreciate and will enjoy handing out at school.

If your little ones aren’t crazy about white chocolate, switch it out for milk chocolate! For a healthier alternative, dry dark chocolate instead.

https://www.livinglocurto.com/emoji-chocolate-bark-2/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LIVING LOCURTO

12. Valentine’s Brownies

Brownies are a crowd favorite and will always be a success with your kids. This Valentine’s day, dress up your brownies for the day of love.

Use icing, sprinkles, toothpicks, and candy to create cupids arrow shooting through the brownie for a fun take on a traditional dessert.

https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/shot-house-valentines-brownies.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: IT’S ALWAYS AUTUMN

13. Heart Shaped Food

This idea is simple but definitely worth noting. A simple kitchen tool such as heart-shaped cookie cutters can quickly transform a boring snack into one that is perfect for Valentine’s Day!

This set comes with 6 different sizes of heart-shaped cookie cutters. Use these cookie cutters for any soft foods such as lunch meat, sandwiches, soft fruits, and the obvious, cookies!

Cookie Cutter Set ? Buy it: https://amzn.to/2ADSiVk

PHOTO BY: AMAZON

14. Valentine’s Day Fruit Kabobs

Many Valentine’s Day treats are loaded with refined sugars so if you’re looking to add more fruit servings to your child’s diet then create these exciting fruit kabobs. You will need bananas, strawberries, yogurt, a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, and lollipop sticks.

If you’re skilled enough you could cut the strawberries into heart shapes by hand but a cookie cutter may be much easier! Then cut up a banana into inch sized pieces. Arrange them on a lollipop stick and pair them with your child’s favorite yogurt!

https://simpleandseasonal.com/valentines-day-fruit-kabobs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SIMPLE AND SEASONAL

15. Valentine Oreos

These Valentine’s day Oreos are so easy to make and look adorable too! They would make great gifts for teachers, classmates or to simply give to your children on Valentine’s day.

From start to finish you can have a batch of these cookies ready in just 30 minutes. Additionally, you’ll only need 3 store-bought ingredients. These include Oreos, bright pink candy melts and Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles!

https://happybrownhouse.com/valentines-day-oreos/#_a5y_p=4849429 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: HAPPY BROWN HOUSE

16. Valentine’s Candy Melt Cupcake Toppers

If you don’t have a knack for baking don’t fret! These fool-proof candy melt cupcake toppers are so easy and are precious! To create these melt red candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. On a parchment lined baking sheet pipe your Valentine’s Day designs.  Lastly, add a dash of sprinkles and allow them to chill in the fridge.

When they’re ready you can add them to any store-bought dessert such as cupcakes! Enjoy these at home with your kids or send them to school for an exciting Valentine’s Day treat.

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/valentines-candy-melt-cupcake-toppers/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

17. Crushing Hearts Lovebug Bark

Combine two classic Valentine’s Day treats, chocolate and Conversation Hearts to create this incredibly easy treat! This lovebug bark is so cute and can be made in just 15 minutes!

First, you’ll need to combine crushed Conversation Hearts with melted white chocolate wafers. Then decorate pink chocolate wafers with a black food coloring pen and candy eyes to create the adorable lovebugs. Once the chocolate has hardened simply break up into pieces and enjoy!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/crushing-hearts-lovebug-bark/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

18. Valentine Robot Snacks

You don’t have to bake a snack to be creative! This Valentine’s day try creating these fun Valentine’s robot snacks. Your kids will love them and they would be a great treat to share with friends or classmates. They’re so fun to make you could have your kids help you too!

To create these robots you’ll need a few store-bought ingredients. The head can be made from pudding cups, applesauce cups or even jello cups. Further, use any juice box for the body and additional candy for the arms and feet. Lastly, bring your robot to life by decorating the face using a sharpie marker and googly eyes!

https://www.craftymorning.com/valentine-robot-snacks-kids-make/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CRAFTY MORNING

19. 3-Ingredient Brownie Pops

Cake pops are all the rage as of late so there is no question that a brownie pop would be just as popular! these decadent chocolatey pops are made with 3 simple ingredients.

These ingredients include a box of brownies, pink colored chocolate wafers and Valentine’s day themed sprinkles. Additionally, you’ll also need lollipop sticks which you can find at your local hobby store or bulk food store.

https://www.peanutblossom.com/blog/brownie-pops/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: PEANUT BLOSSOM

20. Heart Eye Emoji Fruit Salad

Give your kids heart eyes (literally) on Valentine’s day! This heart eye emoji fruit salad is so fun and will definitely encourage your kids to eat more fruit!

Pineapple and mango slices will work great for the base of the emojis. Then using watermelon and strawberries cut out the heart eyes with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. These come together quickly and will be fun to create too!

https://whatmomslove.com/food/heart-eye-emoji-fruit-salad/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=285379862_7704830_209669 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WHAT MOMS LOVE

21. Valentine M&M Butterfly Treats

This is another great example of how you can create an exciting Valentine’s Day treat without having to bake anything! Your kids will love these butterfly treats and you could even create them for their classmates too!

This snack is easy to put together you could encourage your children to help you prepare them. You’ll need a few store-bought supplies such as pipe cleaners, markers, Valentine’s M&Ms, sandwich bags, googly eyes, and glue.

https://www.craftymorning.com/mm-butterfly-treats/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CRAFTY MORNING

22. Red Velvet Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is an addictive and delicious treat! The fun thing about it is there are so many different variations and recipes out there that there is one for every holiday! This red velvet puppy chow is perfect for Valentine’s Day and your kids will love it!

This sugary chow is made from Rice Chex cereal, white chocolate melts, red velvet cake mix, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Once the cereal is prepared and has cooled mix it with colorful candies. It is important to note that because they contain cream cheese they must be refrigerated if you don’t plan on eating them the same day.

https://www.yourcupofcake.com/2013/01/red-velvet-puppy-chow.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: YOUR CUP OF CAKE

23. Easy Cupid’s Arrow Pretzels

Head to your nearest bulk food store and pick up pretzel sticks and heart-shaped gummies to create these adorable Cupid’s arrow pretzels! This sweet snack is very simple and requires next to no time to create too.

To create the feathered end you’ll simply need to cut out a v-shape in the top of the heart. Further, consider picking up a few different kinds of heart-shaped gummies such as sour gummies or non-sugar coated gummies to create variety.

https://onelittleproject.com/valentine-treats-easy-cupids-arrow-pretzels/ PHOTO AND RECIPE HERE: ONE LITTLE PROJECT

24. Conversation Hearts Pretzel Bites

You could munch on a handful of Conversation Hearts but combine them with chocolate and pretzels and you’ll be in for a real treat! You’ll need 3 simple ingredients for this snack. This includes pretzel snaps, Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses, and Valentine’s Conversation Hearts.

In addition to the ingredients, you’ll only need your microwave to help make this snack. They come together quickly and would be a great last-minute treat!

https://www.twosisterscrafting.com/candy-heart-pretzel-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: TWO SISTERS CRAFTING

25. Valentine’s Tic Tac Toe

Kids love candy that is for sure, but they also love playing games too! This Valentine’s Day treat combines the best of both worlds and turns a fun little game into an edible treat.

These Tic Tac Toe treats are so easy to make and would make an excellent snack to share at school too! All you’ll need is graham crackers, heart candies, and white chocolate wafers.

https://www.theinspirationedit.com/valentines-tic-tac-toe-treat/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE INSPIRATION EDIT

26. Healthy Banana Pops

Present your kids with a delicious frozen treat! These healthy banana pops are so easy to make and are delightful too! To create these banana pops you will need wooden skewers, bananas, vanilla Greek yogurt, and Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles.

Add the banana to the wooden skewer and then dip them into Greek yogurt.  Then finish this treat by decorating with sprinkles and set them in the freezer to harden.

http://makingthingsisawesome.com/frozen-banana-pops/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MAKING THINGS AWESOME

27. Sweetheart Cheerio Balls

Move over Rice Krispies, Cheerios are here to steal the spotlight! these sweetheart Cheerio balls are delicious and so easy to make too! Keep in mind this recipe does contain peanut butter so ensure you only enjoy them at home if your children attend a Nut-free school!

You will need peanut butter or almond butter (your choice), mini marshmallows, Cheerios, butter, white chocolate chips and Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles. Melt the butter, nut butter and marshmallows together and smother the cereal in the ooey-gooey delicious mixture. Make sure you rub your hands in oil so you can form the balls effortlessly! Lastly, decorate these treats with melted white chocolate and sprinkles.

https://gymcraftlaundry.com/simply-sweet-valentines-day-peanut-butter-cheerio-balls/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GYM CRAFT LAUNDRY

28. M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cookie Bars

These Valentine’s cookie bars would make for a great school treat or to enjoy at home with your children. Cookie dough is infused with red, pink, and white colored M&M’s that provides this treat with colors that are perfect for Valentine’s Day.

These require about 15 minutes to prepare and then the rest of the time is spent baking in the oven. You’ll know they’re done once they’ve turned a lovely golden brown color.

https://www.number-2-pencil.com/mms-valentines-day-cookie-bars-2/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: NUMBER 2 PENCIL

29. White Chocolate Valentine’s Popcorn

Popcorn is the perfect snack for every movie night. However, on Valentine’s Day try making this exciting white chocolate popcorn for a fun treat that you can enjoy with the whole family.

All you’ll need is white chocolate, popped popcorn, salt, and sprinkles. Drizzle the melted chocolate on the popcorn then add salt and sprinkles and allow to cool. This treat will need at least 10 minutes to cool so make sure you make this ahead if you plan on digging in for movie night!

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/valentines-popcorn-white-chocolate-popcorn/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GIMME SOME OVEN

30. Silicone Heart Shape Mold For Homemade Chocolates

Why not try making your own homemade chocolates for Valentine’s Day? With a silicone mold, you can make delectable chocolates effortlessly! Considering this is an easy idea your kids can help you prepare them too and they’ll surely have fun with it!

Head to your local bulk food store and pick up pink, white, and red colored chocolate wafers as well as Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles. Fill the molds with the sprinkles then add the melted chocolate after. Once the chocolate has hardened you’ll be left with a beautiful little chocolate that your kids will be proud of!

? Buy it: https://amzn.to/2CeDaxB

PHOTOS BY: AMAZON

 

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The post Valentine’s Day Snacks for Kids: 30 Love Themed Food Ideas! appeared first on Forkly.

30 Fun Christmas Food Ideas for Kids School Parties!

Your kids will love sharing these Christmas treats at school!

The post 30 Fun Christmas Food Ideas for Kids School Parties! appeared first on Forkly.

With Christmas coming, your children may be invited to bring food for their class Holiday party. You could be asked to bring something specific, or the teacher could leave it up for you to decide. Chances are you’ll only find out about it the night before! We have compiled 30 great Christmas party snack recipes that your kids will be proud to bring to their class. The best part is they all can be made very quickly, so they’re great for those rushed school nights.

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1. Homemade Christmas Cheese Crackers

These crackers are made with cheese and whole wheat flour and are packed with a ton of flavor. They taste just like goldfish crackers, but you know exactly what’s inside these. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to make these even more festive.

This Christmas, skip the prepackaged grocery store treats and try making your child’s favorite snacks at home. You may even find they prefer it to the store bought version!

https://wintermonroe.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/baked-cheddar-crackers/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: WINTER MONROE

2. Christmas Pretzel Treats

These one bite snacks have a great sweet/salty combination. Use red and green M&M or Smarties to decorate these bites. They take less than 10 minutes to make.

If you want to make this peanut free, definitely opt for Smarties, or top with a Hershey kiss! Kids will love grabbing a handful of these Christmas treats!

https://www.cookingclassy.com/pretzel-mm-hugs-christmas-style/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: COOKING CLASSY

3. Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter

The vegetable platter can be boring to take to a party, so add some imagination with this great Christmas tree shape. Use broccoli as the leaves and cauliflower as the snow. Trick the kids into eating their greens with this cute party snack.

You can also serve this platter with some dip in a festive Christmas dip bowl for added flavor and Christmas themed fun!

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/christmas-tree-vegetable-platter/652abef8-2f37-4200-8dc6-c38a4350ba96?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=09_2015_standard&crlt.pid=camp.osrdgiefbm88 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BETTY CROCKER

4. Reindeer Sandwiches

Turn a boring sandwich into a cute reindeer with the use of miniature pretzels. Use condiments, raisins, or chocolate to make the eyes. The red nose can be made from dried cranberries, jam, or a red chocolate.

Keep the sandwiches peanut butter free if you’re taking them to a school party. You can sub in jam, soya spread or cream cheese in the place of peanut butter.

http://aspottedpony.com/fun-for-kids/reindeer-sandwiches-kid-friendly-holiday-lunch/4758/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: A SPOTTED PONY

5. Strawberry Santa Claus

These super cute Santa’s are made from strawberries and whip cream. If these treats are being sent to school and won’t be refrigerated, your best option is to use a fake whipped product. That way you know the whipped cream won’t go bad before they eat it.

Another option for the strawberry filling is greek yogurt if you want a healthier twist on this Christmas themed snack. If sugar is an option, try using some cake icing as well as it doesn’t go bad as quickly as cream cheese.

http://www.laurafuentes.com/strawberry-santas-cheesecake-stuffed/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LAURA FUENTES

6. Snowman Juice Boxes

If your child’s teacher has assigned what treat each child should bring, you might be stuck with drinks. It can be hard to think of something creative to do with juice boxes, but we love these snowmen. It’s such a simple idea but they look adorable.

https://thechicsite.com/2013/11/30/juice-box-snowmen/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE CHIC SITE

7. Watermelon Christmas Trees

Christmas time is filled with piles of sweet treats for adults and children alike. Provide your child with a fun and festive snack to bring to their Christmas party at school that doesn’t add to the pile of unhealthy options.

Simply cutting a watermelon into the shape of a Christmas tree is not only a really wonderful way to theme a fruit, but it also provides a handy little stump for the kids to hold onto while they eat. Creative and functional!

https://www.eatingvibrantly.com/watermelon-christmas-trees/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: EATING VIBRANTLY

8. Santa Hat Cupcakes

Whether you are using fondant to create a detailed Santa hat or regular frosting for a more crafty look, this cupcake will be a hit at any Christmas school party.

Have your student line the base of the hat with marshmallows while you add a tower of icing for the hat. You can also add some round white sprinkles for a little snow!

http://www.frugalmomeh.com/2014/12/santa-hat-cupcakes.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FRUGAL MOM EH

9. Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cookie Cups

How adorable are these cookie cups? They may take a little more time than the average cookie for a school party, but they’ll keep your little ones very busy after school which is always a good thing.

Let your kids pick out the design and sprinkles for the mugs so they can make them their own. Their classmates will love munching on these mini cups of cocoa!

https://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/hot-cocoa-marshmallow-cookie-cups/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: KITCHEN FUN WITH MY 3 SONS

10. Santa Clause Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Squares are an easy holiday dessert to send to school with your little students, and you can easily make them festive and fun! Use a little food coloring to create red and black blocks of Rice Krispie Squares, and then use white icing for the belt!

You can expand on this design with black jelly beans for Santa’s boots and a little more white icing if you want Santa’s jacket to be lined with some white fur!

http://www.twosisterscrafting.com/santa-claus-rice-krispie-treats/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: TWO SISTERS CRAFTING

11. Candy Cane Hearts

These no-mess candy cane hearts are simple and quick to make and are a great treat to send to school with your little one in individual baggies for their classmates to bring home for the holidays.

You can also create these hearts to be attached to Christmas cards for a personal touch for your friends and family.

http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-candy-cane-hearts/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ONE LITTLE PROJECT

12. Christmas Tree Brownies

Christmas Tree Brownies are so simple, but somehow we haven’t thought of this before! Instead of cutting your brownies into squares, cut them into triangles and let your kids decorate their own Christmas tree!

If you are visiting your child’s classroom over the holidays, you can also see if the teacher wants to make this treat into a fun Christmas party activity. Kids will stay focused on creating a masterpiece if they know they can eat it after.

http://onelittleproject.com/christmas-tree-brownies/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ONE LITTLE PROJECT

13. Easy Snowman Cupcakes

This is a great recipe for families on the run who need to send a treat to school for Christmas but don’t have time to make individual Cocoa cookies! These cupcakes are easy yet still, Christmas themed and visually pleasing.

Simply ice a chocolate cupcake with white icing, dip in crystal sprinkles and finish with chocolate chips for the face with one butterscotch chip for the nose.

http://onelittleproject.com/easy-snowman-cupcakes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: ONE LITTLE PROJECT

14. Candy Cane Reindeer Craft

Are you simply not the baking type? Does everything come out burned and your whole kitchen is a mess before you have something ready for your child’s Christmas party at school?

Skip the stress and have your kids work on creating some fun reindeer using pipe cleaners, googly eyes and pom poms from the dollar store. It’s simple, inexpensive and super fun!

https://www.mommymoment.ca/2015/12/candy-cane-reindeer-craft.html#_a5y_p=4727035 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MOMMY MOMENT

15. Christmas Marshmallow Pops

This is one of those treats that looks way more impressive than it actually is. The best part is, it is kid friendly to make because the messier the chocolate drizzles, the better it looks!

Add three large marshmallows to a candy stick, dip in melted chocolate and finish with colored white chocolate drizzled on top. They will be ready in no time and will definitely be a hit at school.

http://www.twosisterscrafting.com/christmas-marshmallow-pops/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: TWO SISTERS CRAFTING

16. Easy Christmas Peppermint Patties

Cookies are always a hit with children. Instead of a classic cookie such as chocolate chip, make these peppermint patties that your kids can share at school.

They’re festive in color and in flavor too! Further, these cookies are also very easy to make and only require 6 simple ingredients. Don’t be surprised when your child comes home with no leftovers!

https://www.momontimeout.com/easy-christmas-peppermint-patties/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MOM ON TIMEOUT

17. Christmas Tree Oreo Pops

If you’re really pinched for time and can’t make cookies from scratch then you need to make these Christmas tree Oreo pops! They’re like a cookie and a cake pop all in one!

All you’ll need are double stuffed Oreos, lollipop sticks, white and green chocolate wafers, and sprinkles. Melt the white and green chocolate and decorate the Oreos however you like!

https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/christmas-tree-oreo-pops.html PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: IT’S ALWAYS AUTUMN

18. Christmas Lights Chocolate Bark

Chocolate bark is delicious and it requires minimal effort to make too! To create this festive Christmas lights chocolate bark you’ll need white and green colored chocolate wafers, peanut M&Ms, and green Mike and Ikes. However, if you need to keep the school treats nut free you could use plain chocolate M&M’s in place of the peanut M&M’s.

To make the bark, first, you’ll want to melt the white chocolate and spread onto a cookie sheet. While it cools in the fridge you can prepare the Mike & Ikes as well as melt the green chocolate. You’ll have this ready to go in no time and the kids at school will love it!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/christmas-lights-chocolate-bark/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

19. Christmas Light Cupcakes

This is another great idea that shows how you can transform an ordinary treat into a festive one. This cupcake recipe is simple and uses all store-bought ingredients.

You’ll need chocolate cake mix, a box of instant pudding, buttercream frosting, store-bought black frosting, and M&M’s. This recipe will provide a link to make a homemade buttercream frosting but if you’re short on time you could use store-bought too! Considering they’re easy to make you could encourage your kids to help decorate them.

https://bakedbree.com/christmas-light-cupcakes PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: BAKED BREE

20. Grinch Cookies

Put on a Christmas movie and make these Grinch cookies with your kids so they can share them at school! These crinkle cookies are delicious and charming too!

The crinkle cookies are made from vanilla cake mix, green food coloring, and a couple other ingredients. You’ll make the little Grinch heart out of a simple royal icing recipe! The best part is these cookies will come together in under 20 minutes.

https://www.simplisticallyliving.com/crinkly-cranky-grinch-cookies/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: SIMPLISTICALLY LIVING

21. Rolo Pretzel Reindeer

These little bite-sized treats are so simple and are made out of easily accessible store-bought ingredients. You will need pretzels, Rolo’s, candy eyes and round red candies.

Scatter pretzels on a baking sheet with a Rolo on top. Then, carefully cut more pretzels in half to form the antlers. These will need to bake in the oven for just a couple of minutes until the Rolo has softened. Lastly, take them out of the oven and add the candy eyes and red nose and cool completely! The kids at school will love nibbling on their little reindeers.

https://www.iheartnaptime.net/rolo-pretzel-reindeer/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: I HEART NAPTIME

22. Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies

I love sugar cookies over the holidays, and the kids at school will love them too! Sugar cookies are plain and simple and create a blank canvas.

Here you’ll be decorating them with adorable melted snowmen. Bake the cookies and allow them to cool before icing them. Then to decorate you’ll need a marshmallow, a tube of black icing and round candies of your choice. Your kids will love helping you and will be proud of the snack they made!

http://myfrugaladventures.com/2013/12/melting-snowman-sugar-cookies/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY FRUGAL ADVENTURES

23. Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Oranges

There is bound to be loads of sugary cookies and treats at their school parties! Lighten up the spread and send your child to school with a healthier option that is still delicious!

These chocolate dipped mandarin oranges are so easy to make. To create these combine coconut oil with dark chocolate and melt together. Dip the oranges halfway in the chocolate. Keep in mind you may need to do two coats of chocolate. On your last coat sprinkle shredded coconut on the chocolate and cool in the fridge.

https://www.myfussyeater.com/chocolate-coconut-dipped-satsumas/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: MY FUSSY EATER

24. Elf Hats

Elf hats are a simple treat that the children will want to gobble up by the handful! The red and green colors are perfect for the holidays.

To create these little hats you’ll need Bugles corn chips, red and green chocolate wafers, and Christmas colored M&M’s. This is a 3 step snack that will take you no time at all. Simply melt the chocolate in separate bowls and dip the Bugles about an inch into the chocolate. Place an M&M inside the hole of each Bugle and then place on parchment paper and allow them to cool!

https://www.designdazzle.com/edible-elf-hats/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DESIGN DAZZLE

25. Snowmen String Cheese

You don’t have to be a professional baker to be able to whip up an exciting treat for school parties! This simple idea dresses up a store-bought food item into one that is festive for the holidays!

These string cheese snowman are adorable and fun! All you’ll need is string cheese, sharpie markers, ribbon, and black cardstock paper.

https://www.nobiggie.net/string-cheese-snowmen/ PHOTOS AND IDEA HERE: NO BIGGIE

26. Chocolate Pretzel Christmas Tree Brownies

This another easy idea if you don’t love baking! These chocolate pretzel Christmas trees require minimal effort and can be made in a hurry!

Firstly, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pretzel sticks sporadically across the sheet. To create the trees you’ll need to melt green colored chocolate wafers. Fill a piping bag and drizzle the chocolate in the shape of a tree then add sprinkles for decoration! Once they have hardened you can add them to store-bought one-bite brownies!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/simple-easy-chocolate-pretzel-christmas-tree-brownies/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

27. Marshmallow Snowmen On A Stick

If you left the preparation for the school snack to the night before then whip up this treat in a hurry! This idea is so easy you won’t need a recipe.

What you’ll need to create these are skewers, large marshmallows, chocolate, and orange colored chocolate wafers. Adhere 3 marshmallows to each skewer then melt the chocolate in separate bowls. Use a food-safe paintbrush to decorate the snowmen faces and arms with the melted chocolate!

28. Hot Chocolate On A Stick

There are definitely going to be loads of snacks to eat at the school party so why not send your kids off with these awesome hot chocolates on a stick!

You’ll only need a few ingredients as well as a silicone mold that will help you to create the shape. Instead of sprinkles you could garnish the hot chocolate cubes with crushed candy canes! Send your child off to school with these sticks and milk and have their teacher heat up the milk. Then each child needs merely to stir the stick into the cup of warm milk. They’ll have a lovely cup of hot cocoa in no time!

http://blog.darice.com/party/diy-hot-chocolate-on-a-stick/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LIVE CRAFT LOVE

29. Snowman On A Stick

Instead of marshmallows, you can create snowmen on a stick using powdered donuts! The best part is these will take only a few minutes to put together.

To create the snowmen, slide 3 mini powdered donuts onto a wooden skewer. Use an orange Mike & Ike for the nose and green Mike & Ike’s cut in half for the buttons. The scarves are made from cut up Fruit Roll-Ups and the eyes and mouth can be made by poking holes using the pointed end of a skewer!

https://dukesandduchesses.com/snowmen-for-school-on-a-stick/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: DUKE AND DUCHESSES

30. Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies

Aren’t these meringue Christmas tree cookies just precious? You’ll be happy to know they’re quite easy to make too!

These cookies only require 5 simple ingredients. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the middle. This recipe will provide tips and tricks to ensure that you can achieve the perfect consistency. The children will love these!

https://crumbscorkscrews.com/christmas-tree-meringue/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CRUMBS AND CORCK SCREWS

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Thanksgiving Fun For Kids: Top 5 Thanksgiving Food Crafts

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday where family is key and no one has to worry about buying gifts. This might be confusing for some children who do not yet understand the spirit of the season. Christmas is a very exciting time with presents and toys, so Thanksgiving might be dull to them. Let’s make it […]

The post Thanksgiving Fun For Kids: Top 5 Thanksgiving Food Crafts appeared first on Forkly.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday where family is key and no one has to worry about buying gifts. This might be confusing for some children who do not yet understand the spirit of the season. Christmas is a very exciting time with presents and toys, so Thanksgiving might be dull to them. Let’s make it more exciting with some fun crafts! By keeping with the family togetherness of Thanksgiving, we collected our top five food crafts for kids. These crafts are easy for little hands and allow for parents to teach the history of Thanksgiving while making something fun. We love the idea of mixing food, teaching, and fun! Your kids will love spending time with you to make these cute treats. Continue reading "Thanksgiving Fun For Kids: Top 5 Thanksgiving Food Crafts"

Health Foods Your Kids Should Be Eating

Healthy eating when you’re on a tight schedule can be really tough for families. Between running out the door and making sure your child’s shoes are on the right feet, it can be often seem easiest to simply grab a burger at the drive through nearby. However, once you read through all the health benefits […]

The post Health Foods Your Kids Should Be Eating appeared first on Forkly.

Healthy eating when you’re on a tight schedule can be really tough for families. Between running out the door and making sure your child’s shoes are on the right feet, it can be often seem easiest to simply grab a burger at the drive through nearby. However, once you read through all the health benefits of healthy foods to serve your child, you’ll understand why it’s so important to carve out any spare time you can to make a meal for your little mini-me. Kids are growing so fast and their bodies are in need of proper nutrients to help their bodies grow up to it’s full potential. Don’t worry though, we’ve added some great ways to incorporate these foods into your everyday life easily, and in a delicious way!

1. Spinach & Kale

One of the easiest ways to incorporate some superfood greens into your child’s meal, is with the assistance of pasta! Cook up a creamy (but healthy) Alfredo sauce, then simply sauté the greens with garlic and then mix into the pasta before serving. You can even blend the greens into the sauce with a food processor or blender to eliminate any issues with texture.

Spinach and Kale are extremely similar in nutritional value for children. They both contain vitamin A, fibre and antioxidants just to name a few. Vitamin A improves and protects your little one’s eyes and skin against infection, while fibre can lower cholesterol and blood sugar. As a result, this fibre content can reduce a child’s risk of heart disease and type two diabetes. Antioxidants is a word that is thrown around a lot in the health world, and for good reason! It can assist in preventing a variety of types of cancer for your child throughout their lifetime.

2. Berries

Serving up some berries for a snack is an easy sell when kids love bite-sized bubbles of sweetness! Serve on their own or on top of some delicious vanilla Greek yogurt! Adding them to pancakes and muffins is an easy way to get the nutrients in the stomachs of your kids without them even realizing it.

Berries are made up of mainly of water, but still manage to contain incredible health benefits. By eating berries a few times a week, children receive the famous and (possibly) cancer preventing antioxidants, as well as a reduced risk of blood clots. One amazing benefit of berries is that they can even lower blood pressure. With so many positive benefits in such a sweet and flavorful treat, why wouldn’t you want to serve these up as a snack each day?

3. Eggs

There are a variety of ways to make eggs appealing to children, but recreating the famous Egg McMuffin has to be the winner. Toast a multigrain english muffin, top with an egg, a slice of ham, cheese and tomato to achieve the ultimate breakfast sammy.

Eggs are packed with iron, selenium and Vitamin D. Iron prevents anemia, while selenium boosts your immune system. Vitamin D in the meantime, helps build strong bones so your child can run and jump all day long. These nutrients are so important to a child’s diet and eggs are the perfect way to incorporate those benefits into your morning routine.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is a really easy snack to serve up anytime you have a hungry child. You can sprinkle some chia seeds on top with cacao nibs and berries, or simply serve on it’s own. Adding it to smoothies or replacing ice cream with frozen yogurt are also easy ways to incorporate it into your child’s diet without much of a fuss.

Yogurt, as you’ve probably heard, is packed with probiotics and (good) bacteria. Probiotics promote healthy gut flora while aiding in digestion, and also offers the added benefit of potentially preventing colon cancer. Yogurt is a wonderful food to serve your kids to ensure that there are enough good bacterias and probiotics in your child’s digestive system.

5. Salmon

Mmmm, who doesn’t love a good salmon dinner? This meal option is made perfect with a popular kid-approved ingredient to use on your salmon while it cooks – maple syrup. Maple syrup adds the perfect sweet twist to an otherwise savoury dish, which usually wins over the average child. Serve with mixed cooked veggies and a squeeze of lemon for a super healthy supper.

Salmon has a lot of incredible health benefits including Omega-3 fats, iron, calcium and phosphorus. Omega-3 fats are fantastic for your child’s health as they help with cognitive functions. Iron prevents anemia, while calcium actually helps your heart and nerves to function properly. Finally, phosphorus may seem like a random nutrient to include, but it actually is quite important. It helps maintain dental health, contributes to cognitive function and improves digestion. Salmon is truly a superfood.

6. Oatmeal

Skip the expensive cereal for weekday mornings and replace it with a more cost effective alternative – oatmeal. Add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, apples and raisins for the perfect fall breakfast (and don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup!).

With your child kicking off the day with oatmeal, you can be confident that (thanks to fibre!) their body will be growing a stronger immune system and have a lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Oatmeal is also extremely filling so it will help your little one stay full until snack time or lunch.

7. Whole Wheat Bread

Pick up some lean turkey slices at the deli, add havarti cheese, tomato, lettuce and mustard and you have yourself the perfect lunch time sandwich! The kids will be huge fans and will be getting piles of nutrients all in one sitting.

Whole wheat bread is rich in fibre and zinc. Fibre helps with not only your digestion, but also with nutrient absorption so your child can make the most of the healthy food you feed them. Zinc is often underrated, but it helps build up your child’s immune system so they have a lower chance of catching that nasty flu getting passed around at school.

8.  Brown Rice

I was never a fan of rice until I made butter chicken…and then, I became rice’s number one fan! Swap white rice for brown, and serve up it up with flavorful dishes such as butter chicken, tikka masala or a medley of roasted veggies with garlic sauce.

Did you know that brown rice reduces your child’s chances of getting diabetes, while white rice increases it? I think that’s reason enough to switch to brown rice, but if you need more motivation, it is also exploding with antioxidants, assisting in cancer prevention. It also is rich in fibre and has a slow release of sugar so your child has good digestion and lasting energy. If you have a family member who is already diabetic, brown rice is a great option, simply because of that slow release of sugar.

9. Whole Grain Waffles

Needing a Saturday morning breakfast that isn’t filled with refined carbs and sugar? Whole wheat waffles are a great option and can be topped with nutrient loaded berries with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Whole grain waffles offer many of the same benefits as whole wheat bread including fibre for digestion and zinc for building up your little one’s immune systems.

10. Beans

Beans, beans they’re magical fruit…the more you eat the more you BENEFIT! Serve them in soups, in the form of hummus or in a rice box or buddha bowl sided with with veggies.

Filled to the brim with fibre, these beans encourage the proper growth and development of your children while balancing blood sugar levels. In addition to all this, they actually have antioxidants as well to assist in preventing many forms of cancer.

11. Walnuts

Walnuts are a great snack all on their own, but you know what is even better? Baking them! You can add them to banana bread, cookies and squares, so even when your kids are eating dessert, they are still getting some important nutrients.

Walnuts actually contain the same family of fats as avocados. As such, they help reduce inflammation which leads to a lot of diseases and illnesses, and assist in maintaining a healthy heart. Vitamins B1 and B6 are also contained inside these little walnuts, offering brain tissue development and nerve health.

12. Green Smoothie

The green smoothie is where you take all the knowledge you’ve learned from the previous foods and blend them altogether to make an amazing superfood smoothie! Throw in kale, avocado, yogurt, oatmeal, bananas and berries to make an amazing smoothie that will help your little one come up with amazing ideas at school today.

A smoothie like this will contain fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and so much more that will help with your child’s cognitive function, as well as digestion and energy levels.

13. Lean Beef

Skip the ground beef burgers and dig into a thick piece of steak. Ground beef is often very high in unhealthy fats, while steaks can be a lot more lean and as a result, are much more beneficial. Serve up with roasted veggies and garlic mashed sweet potato for a delicious, gourmet supper.

Lean beef contains zinc, phosphorus and iron, all of which you want in your child’s diet! Iron prevents anemia, while zinc and phosphorus encourage proper growth and cognitive function. Who knew steak would be so worth the financial investment?

14. Black Bean Burgers

Black bean burgers are a very healthy alternative to the regular beef burger and can be made quite easily. Top with your regular burger toppings and a whole wheat bun. If you want to get crazy, add caramelized onions and goat cheese on top.

We’ve already discussed the benefits of all beans, black beans are certainly no exception. Encouraging physical and cognitive growth, black beans are also an antioxidant food. With nutrients like these, skipping the McDonald’s burger is a really good call.

15. Broccoli

Broccoli. The kids either like it or absolutely hate it. So how do you serve this up in a way they can enjoy? Try a homemade mac and cheese from scratch, then add cooked broccoli on top. It’s like a cheat day meal that’s actually fairly healthy!

Broccoli contains Vitamins A, C and potassium. Vitamin A helps your child’s eyes develop and remain strong so they can see the chalkboard at school. Vitamin C improves your little one’s immune system while potassium helps to make their heart and muscles big and strong!

16. Avocado

How do you like to enjoy your avocado? Personally, I love to make a good homemade guacamole with avocado, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper. It’s very easy and super quick to make!

Did you know that avocado can actually help your body to heal quickly, even with external wounds? They are truly an incredible fruit. Vitamin E needs credit for this healing quality in avocados, which also has the potential to help balance hormones (for those teens in your home). Avocados are filled with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which can help prevent infections and other ailments. It’s our favorite “healthy fat”.

17. Dark Chocolate

Needing a treat for dessert for the little ones? Serve up some melted dark chocolate and have kids use skewers to dip fruit. It’s such an easy dessert that contains many health benefits your kiddies won’t even notice.

Dark chocolate improves cardiovascular health, helps maintain blood vessel health and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

18. Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato fries are an easy way to get your family to eat sweet potato. Slice into fry sized strips, lightly coat with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes.

Sweet potatoes contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium and fibre. Vitamin A helps your organs function well and stay strong, while Vitamin C builds up that immune system needed for elementary school. Potassium can provide relief from anxiety, stress and kidney disorders. When your kids have some stressful tests coming up, a plate of sweet potato fries will help them along. The fibre of course, improves digestion so there’s less upset stomachs after supper and more happy healthy kids!

19. Tomatoes

Make a delicious spring salad at supper tonight with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber and goat cheese with balsamic dressing for a healthy side dish.

Tomatoes contain calcium and Vitamin K which both contribute to strengthening those growing bones on your little ones, while Vitamin C improves immune systems and is needed for tissue repair and growth.

20. Kiwi Fruit

Needing an idea on how to serve up kiwi? Slice a kiwi in half and serve with a spoon. Kids can scoop the sweet fruit right out of it’s skin which makes for a fast and easy snack.

Did you know kiwi fruit is also known as a Chinese gooseberry? This gooseberry contains folate which can actually lower your child’s chances of depression while also maintaining a healthy heart. Vitamin A is also present, promoting improved neurological functioning.

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