Preparing for Childrens Cooking

Posted on 03/07/2011 by KristenM

cooking with kidsYour child has definitely shown an interest in cooking and wants to continue to learn. You let him help out whenever he can. But what are some other ways to keep your child interested? The best way to let your child know you’re glad he’s turning into a chef is by purchasing a set of tools for him. A chef’s tools are everything to him, especially his set of knives. Obviously you shouldn’t be buying him a knife set, but you can purchase other tools he will need when cooking.

The most important item is the apron. What kind of chef doesn’t have a special apron?! In terms of tools, you can buy paring knives (when they’re old enough), a spatula, a whisk safety scissors, vegetable peeler, a small cutting board, and measuring cups. Keep these items separate from your cooking tools so that he can feel these are his items and not yours. As your child begins to grow, his tool set can expand too. If you’re lucky, one day your young chef will turn into an adult chef and can begin preparing all of your meals!

It’s important to give your child the knowledge and tools necessary to be independent and learn to cook. Check back next week for cooking ideas for kids and ways to get them involved.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Posted on 02/28/2011 by KristenM

cooking recipes for kidsThe last few blog posts were fairly serious so I think we’re long overdue for cooking ideas for kids. Today it’s all about  muffins! Muffins are a great snack or a nice little addition to your child’s breakfast in the morning. We all know that kids love chocolate chips, but we’re going to throw some bananas in there too! (Make it a bit more healthy for the little ones.)

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt, and vanilla. Then mix in your dry ingredients to this bowl until moistened. Fold in the chocolate chips and the banana. Fill muffin cups about two-thirds (either in greased pan or in paper liners) and bake in the oven on 350 degrees for about 22-25 minutes. Cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

This recipe is not only easy to make, it’s tasty for kids and adults. Kids will have no problem making this recipe with you. Check back next week for more great cooking ideas for kids!

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Campbell Soup Aids in the Fight Against Child Obesity

Posted on 02/21/2011 by KristenM

childrens cookingThe famous soup company is dedicated to stopping child obesity, and not just by providing healthy chicken noodle soup. The company will spend $10 million over the next ten years at its headquarters in Camden, New Jersey. The investment will focus on three items: providing healthy and affordable food, expanding the availability of physical activity and education, and increasing health education. Their goal is to reduce child obesity by 50% for the 23,000 children in the area.

Campbell Soup is just one of several companies and organizations that will be participating in this effort. The obesity rates for children in the area are very high. About 40% of kids ages 3-19 are overweight. The president and CEO of Campbell stated, ”Obesity is a national crisis, but it is even more acute in Camden. We absolutely believe this important effort can nourish the lives of thousands of Camden children, both physically and emotionally, and help prepare them for a productive future.”

They want to begin in Camden, but eventually spread out to other cities to stop this crisis that is sweeping our nation. If you’re in need of some healthy recipes for your kids, check out several of our blog posts and recipes provided on our main website. Together, we can end this epidemic!

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Working Moms Not Happy with New Child Obesity Study

Posted on 02/14/2011 by KristenM

child obesityA new study shows a direct link between working moms and child obesity. The study revealed that the more time you spend at the office, the more weight your child will gain. Working moms are not pleased at all with this new data, but don’t get upset just yet. The study has flaws. The study does not take into account the socio-economic background of the families. Are these mothers working because they want to or because they need to.

Without sufficient background information, it’s hard to draw such stark conclusions. It’s easy to see why this correlation has been made though. A mother who is too busy to cook will rely more on fast food. Just because you have a busy schedule, doesn’t mean you have to settle for bad food. There are a lot of ways to combat this issue. One easy solution is to make meals in advance that you can easily freeze, such as soups and stews.

You can find healthy meals in your super market’s deli selection like fresh sandwiches, wraps, and prepared meals. Don’t forget that parents need to set an example. Only keep healthy snacks and foods in the pantry. Busy moms don’t have to let their child become another child obesity statistic.

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Children’s Cooking: Veggie Pizza

Posted on 02/07/2011 by KristenM

cooking ideas for kidsLooking for a way to get your kids to eat all their vegetables? Try making this very easy veggie pizza recipe. I haven’t met a child yet who doesn’t love pizza. This recipe is great for kids, but adults will love it too. It also makes a great appetizer at parties. Have it for lunch or serve it for dinner. This easy cooking recipe for kids is great any time of the day. Add this one to your cooking recipes for kids.

Ingredients:

1 pre-made pizza crust
1 (8 ounce) package of softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/3 cup cucumber slices
1 plum tomato, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup shredded carrot

Directions:

Bake the pizza crust for about 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, dill, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread the mixture over the crust and top with the vegetables. You can eat it immediately or cover and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours before serving.

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Cooking With Children and Video Games

Posted on 01/24/2011 by KristenM

cooking with childrenWith exercise video games on the rise, is it any surprise that cooking games are almost as popular? One of the highest rated cooking games is Cooking Mama, which is available on the Wii and the Nintendo DS. There are actually quite a few games in the series. When playing the game on the DS, the player must use the stylus to cut, chop, pan fry, grate and mash ingredients and make meals. For more of a challenge, one can combine recipes to create more advanced meals.

While the idea of handing your children another video game might be off-putting for some parents, this is actually a great way to get your kids interested in cooking. After playing the game, tell your kids how much fun that would be to do in real life. Go through the recipes in the game with them and let them see how enjoyable cooking can be. It’s the perfect way to get uninterested children into a new activity. Explain to them the differences about actually cooking food and teach them about safety in the kitchen.

Consider cooking with children in video games first and then bring them back into the kitchen to learn more great lessons. It’s a wonderful way for the two of you to participate in the activities you each like and have them crossover.

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Major Lifestyle Changes for the New Year

Posted on 01/17/2011 by KristenM

children's cookingThe month of January seems to be flying by and people across the country are trying their best to keep their New Year’s resolutions, at least for the remainder of the month. Many people make resolutions to better improve themselves, but what about parents? Did any of your resolutions include your children? With child obesity continually on the rise, maybe some of them need to include improving the health of children. Here are changes you can make in your life that will  impact the lives of your children:

  • Be an example. Many parents of overweight children are overweight themselves. Show your kids that you are health-conscious. Even if you aren’t overweight, still set health goals for yourself to show them you are still concerned about your diet.
  • Get them involved in cooking. Browse the rest of our site and blog for cooking recipes for kids. Teach them how to prepare healthy meals for themselves. Also get them involved in family exercise time.
  • Be understanding, but stick to your goals. Resistance will most likely occur, but don’t give in. Don’t use food as a reward or punishment. Show your kids that you firmly stand behind your decision to eat better.
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FDA Gains More Authority

Posted on 01/10/2011 by KristenM

children's cookingWe here at Playing Kitchen are always talking about cooking ideas for kids and new recipes to try, but since we’re all about food, I think this new FDA law is worth mentioning. Last week President Obama signed a new bill that will spend $1.4 billion ensuring the safety of our food. The FDA will have the power to increase inspections at facilities and recall food that has been contaminated. The bill was passed in response to all the outbreaks suffered last year. Remember all those eggs recalled in August and the peanut butter scare?

President Obama said that his own daughter eats peanut butter at least three times a week and he doesn’t want to worry if she’s going to get sick from eating her lunch. Every year, about 1 in 6 people get sick from food-borne illnesses. The goal of this new bill is to significantly decrease these numbers. Training will be provided to facilities so that they can easily comply with new requirements. Before cooking for kids or yourself, be aware of the products you are buying. You can check the FDA’s website for updates and notices about any food recalls. We’re all hoping this bill will help improve the quality of the foods we eat.

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Children’s Cooking: Vegetable Lasagna

Posted on 01/03/2011 by KristenM

cooking for kidsWith child obesity seeing no real end in sight, it’s important to learn about healthy cooking recipes for kids. If you’re raising your child as a vegetarian, or just want a healthier alternative, here’s a delicious recipe for vegetable lasagna.

You’ll need:

  • 1 lb. zucchini
  • 1 lb. squash
  • ¼ tsp. Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 2 c. tomato pasta sauce
  • 16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 c. seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 c. mozzarella, part-skim
  • 3 c. spinach
  • 1 c. fresh basil
  • nonstick cooking spray

Heat the oven to 425 degrees and coat two small baking pans with nonstick spray. Cut zucchini and squash lengthwise into strips about 1/4 inches thick. Spread them on the pans in a single layer and season with Italian dressing. Bake for 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking. When done, reduce the oven to 375 degrees.

In a large skillet, heat the pasta sauce over medium heat and then mix in the spinach. Then in a food processor blend the cottage cheese, basil, egg yolks, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the bread crumbs on the bottom of a baking dish. Then layer about half of the zucchini and squash. Next, spread the cottage cheese mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle with more bread crumbs and layer the remaining vegetables. Then sprinkle the rest of the breadcrumbs over the top. Pour the sauce evenly on the top and sprinkle both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for about 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and brown.

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Tasty Christmas Leftovers

Posted on 12/27/2010 by KristenM

cooking ideas for kidsLeftover recipes aren’t just for Thanksgiving. With all those yummy leftovers from Christmas, you and your children can cook up a storm together. Here are some cooking recipes for kids.

Tomato Wrap Sandwich

Using either chicken, ham, turkey, or whatever leftover meat you have, you can create a delicious wrap. You’ll need:

  • 1/3 cup honey Dijon salad dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast (or whichever meat you have)
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices Muenster or Swiss cheese

Combine the salad dressing and mayo in a bowl and then stir in the meat, green pepper, and tomatoes. Line the tortillas with lettuce and cheese. Add in the mixture and roll up tightly.

Turkey Casserole

You’ll need:

  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups chopped leftover turkey
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 eggs – well beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup grated cheese

Simply mix all the ingredients together and place in a casserole dish. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour on 350 degrees.

Candy Canes

I’m sure you probably have a lot of candy canes floating around, so make good use of them. Use them as stirrers for hot drinks, crush them into vanilla frosting for desserts, sprinkle crushed candy canes onto sundaes, or dip them into a chocolate coating.

These cooking ideas for kids are a great way to put those leftovers to good use!

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