It is never too late to teach your children how to prepare their own meals. In fact, cooking is one of the most essential skills you would want your child to be competent in before leaving the nest. Furthermore, learning how to cook healthy yet delicious meals at home can save them from burning a hole in their pocket. On top of that, getting the kids involved in the kitchen is a great and fun way to create memories.
So take some time off your schedule and teach some basic cooking skills to your children. You can start with some simple recipes. This way their cooking experience will be less complicated and more enjoyable.
On top of that, exposing your kids to cooking at an early age might potentially make them fall in love with the process and most probably make a career out of it.
With that being said, we have two amazing kids friendly meals that you can work on with your children. Along the prepping and cooking process, do mentor them on why it’s always best to cook meals at home. Without a doubt, it would definitely benefit them in the near future.
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER TREATS
| INGREDIENTS | |
|---|---|
| ⅓ cup | Chunky or smooth peanut butter |
| ¼ cup | Honey |
| ½ tsp | Vanilla extract |
| ⅓ cup | Milk powder |
| ⅓ cup | Oats (preferably quick-cooking oats) |
| 2 tbsp | Graham cracker crumbs |
| 1 tbsp | Vegetable shortening or unsalted butter |
| 1 cup | Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping, optional) |
METHOD
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate chips together and give it a good mix.
- Next, Shape into small balls. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until firm.
- While waiting for the peanut butter balls to firm up, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave for 60 seconds along with the vegetable shortening or unsalted butter. (whichever you prefer).
- Remove the balls from the freezer and use a toothpick or fork to dip them into the chocolate.
- Place them onto a parchment paper and allow it to set completely. Refrigerate if needed.
- Enjoy!
CHEESE AND HAM MUFFINS
| INGREDIENTS | |
|---|---|
| 3 Eggs | |
| 3 | Ham slices, diced |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| ¾ cup | Milk |
| 50 g | Unsalted butter |
| 1 tsp | Cayenne pepper (optional) |
| ½ tsp | Salt |
| 2 tbsp | Parsley (chopped) |
| 2 cup | Self-raising flour |
| 1 cup | Cheddar cheese, grated (you can swap for mozzarella for a chewy texture) |
METHOD
- Preheat the oven to 190°C for about 10 minutes.
- While waiting, place a frying pan over medium to high heat. Add the olive oil, then fry the ham for 1-2 minutes or until crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, butter, cayenne pepper, salt and parsley together and set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cheese well. Once done, slowly stir in the wet batter until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture evenly in a non-stick muffin pan.&
- Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until well-risen and golden brown.
- Use a toothpick and insert it into the centre of your cake, right to the base. It if comes out clean, then remove the muffin tray from the oven. If you pull it back and it has wet batter on it then the muffin needs to be in the oven for a little longer.
- Once the muffin has baked, serve it warm or set it aside to cool down before serving.
Sources: Taste of Home, Kidspot
