If there’s one thing that can tear your youngsters away from their tablets, smartphones or video games, cooking might just be it. Children love working some culinary magic in the kitchen. It gives them a chance to get their hands dirty and, best of all, they can eat the results! Also, you get the chance to spend some quality time with your tots this way, and you can rest assured you’re providing them with some valuable life skills.
There are certain classics that almost all children like to cook, including pizzas, chocolate brownies, and fairy cakes. However, if you’re looking for recipes that are fun and easy to prepare but healthier, reach for your slow cooker. You can use these handy devices to cook nutritious dishes that your youngsters will enjoy creating and eating.
Children and sandwiches go hand in hand. These snacks are perfect for packed lunches and parties. An excellent version to try with your brood is slow-cooked pork. To serve six, you’ll need the following:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 chopped garlic clove
- 1 pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup of cider vinegar
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 6 six sandwich rolls
- Your own choice of salad ingredients.
To make, place the pork in your slow cooker and rub with the brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Then add the vinegar plus 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours until the meat is tender. Once removed from the cooker, shred the meat and mix in the barbeque sauce. Serve on the rolls along with a salad. Your children will love the sweet, comforting taste.
For a hearty family meal, few things beat a stew and this beef version is bound to wet your kids’ appetites. For six servings, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs of beef stew meat cut into one-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup of plain flour
- Salt and pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 chopped garlic clove
- 1.5 cups of beef stock
- 3 diced potatoes
- 4 sliced carrots
- 1 chopped celery stalk.
To prepare, coat the meat in seasoned flour and place in your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. The dish works a treat with creamy mash potatoes.
Whichever dishes you decide to create, leave plenty of time and make sure your kids aren’t wearing their best clothes. Children are remarkably adept at decorating themselves with even the most unexpected ingredients! Last but by no means least, remember to have fun. This is as much about the process as the results.
“Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.
I love love LOVE cooking with the kids. And they love it too. 🙂