Archive | Toddler Recipes

Easy Breakfast Recipes For Children

Without a doubt, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast can benefit a toddler in a lot of ways. It can boost a toddler’s immune system, improve his mood and increase attention span. Plus, making breakfast a part of a toddler’s daily routine paves the way for healthy eating habits and a fit body. Check out these popular easy breakfast recipes for children that are sure to entice your toddler to open his mouth and fill his tummy.

Rainbow Pancakes

What You Will Need:

•    Pancake mix
•    Food coloring or pureed fruits and vegetables (try blackberry, mango, raspberry or carrots) to make different colors
•    Non-stick cooking spray
•    Maple or chocolate syrup
•    Whipped cream topping (optional)

Procedure:

•    Prepare pancake batter by following the instructions on the box.
•    Separate the pancake batter into small bowls (depending on how many your toddler wants to eat).
•    Mix food coloring or pureed fruits and vegetables to make colored batter.
•    Preheat pan on medium-low heat.
•    Spritz cooking spray on the frying pan to keep the pancakes from sticking.
•    Pour the bowl of colored pancake batter into the pan and cook until ready to flip.
•    Cook on the other side for another minute and place on the plate.
•    Continue cooking the rest of the colored batter and stack them.

Sunrise Parfait

What You Will Need:

•    ½ cup cereal or granola
•    1 cup mixed berries (sliced)
•    1 cup sugar-free vanilla yogurt

Procedure:

•    Layer the sliced mixed berries, yogurt and cereal in a cup or bowl.
•    Serve right away and enjoy.

Breakfast Burrito

What You Will Need:

•    2 eggs
•    Red, yellow or green peppers (minced)
•    Bacon or sausage
•    Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
•    Whole-grain tortilla
•    Salt
•    Pepper

Procedure:

•    In a pan, cook the bacon or sausage over medium heat.
•    Place the cooked bacon or sausage in a paper towel to drain the excess fat and set aside.
•    Crack the eggs and add the minced peppers. Use a whisk to beat the eggs over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
•    Lay tortilla on a plate and spoon equal amounts of the scrambled egg and shredded cheese and place the bacon on top.
•    Fold or roll the tortilla from the bottom.

Breakfast Mini Pizzas

What You Will Need:

•    1 large egg (beaten)
•    2 tablespoons prepared marinara sauce
•    2 tablespoons grated Italian cheese blend
•    2 slices pepperoni
•    1 whole-wheat English muffin (divided and toasted)

Procedure:

•    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
•    Spray non-stick cooking spray to a small skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
•    Add egg and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes.
•    Spread marinara sauce on English muffin halves. Top with scrambled egg, cheese and pepperoni.
•    Place muffins in the oven for 3 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Framed Eggs

What You Will Need:
•    Egg
•    Wheat bread
•    Butter or margarine
•    Cookie cutters

Procedure:

•    Cut a shape in the middle of the bread using a cookie cutter.
•    Melt butter or margarine over low heat and spread both sides of the bread with the mixture.
•    Place bread in pan and fill the hole with a beaten egg.
•    Turn bread and egg over and cook for 3 minutes.

Bagel Gone Bananas

What You Will Need:

•    1 whole-wheat bagel (toasted and cut into half)
•    2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut, cashew or almond)
•    1 small, sliced banana
•    1 teaspoon honey
•    Pinch of salt

Procedure:

•    Mix nut butter, honey and salt in a small bowl.
•    Divide the mixture among bagel halves and top with banana slices.

Kraz (Spinach and Cheese Egg dish)

What You Will Need:

•    10 oz. chopped spinach
•    6 eggs
•    2 pints cottage cheese
•    1/2 lb. Cheddar cheese (grated)
•    1 cup melted butter
•    5 tablespoons flour

Procedure:

•    Cook and drain spinach according to package instructions.
•    Combine butter and flour.
•    In a separate bowl, mix eggs and add cottage cheese, melted butter, cheddar cheese and cooked spinach.
•    Place in baking dish and cook at 350 degrees for an hour.

Preparing breakfast for your toddler is as easy as pie. All it needs is a little creativity. With these healthy and easy breakfast recipes for children, you can give your toddler a boost in the morning sans the fuss.

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Five Yummy Vegetable Recipes For Children

Everyone knows vegetables are a key part of a healthy, balanced diet. But sadly, most toddlers beg to disagree. Solve your feeding problem with these yummy vegetable recipes for children.

Veggie Packed Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups macaroni pasta or small shell pasta
  • 1 jar (24 0z.) spaghetti sauce
  • ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup low-fat cream cheese
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil

Procedure:

1.)    Boil pasta according to instructions.

2.)    Add pasta to a large bowl and mix in shredded cheddar cheese and olive oil.

3.)    Blanch frozen mixed vegetables.

4.)    Using a blender or food processor, add cream cheese, sauce and vegetables. Blend well until the mixture is thick.

5.)    Mix sauce with pasta and serve.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 4 pieces of zucchini
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • Your toddler’s choice of vegetable (bell peppers, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms are good choices)
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Bread crumbs (for toppings)

Procedure:

1.)    Boil zucchinis for 1 ½ minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.

2.)    Once cooled, slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to take out the flesh.

3.)    Pre-heat a pan and put 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the sliced zucchini flesh and your choice of vegetable.

4.)    Ask your toddler to stuff the zucchini shells with the sautéed vegetables and top with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.

5.)    Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Mini Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 500 g lean ground beef, minced
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup sliced spinach
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 cup of mushrooms
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1.)    Combine applesauce, egg, carrots, spinach, onions, mushroom, salt and pepper in a bowl.

2.)    In a separate bowl, mix bread crumbs and minced ground beef. Fold egg into beef mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

3.)    Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Mold beef mixture in 1-inch balls.

4.)    Place meatballs on a foil-lined baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

5.)    Place small plastic forks on top of the meatballs. You may also serve a dip to make it tastier.

Pizza Potato

Ingredients:

  • 3 potatoes
  • ½ cup marina sauce
  • 1 broccoli
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup small basil leaves

Procedure:

1.)    Place potatoes in a baking sheet and add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of oil. Microwave for 3 minutes.

2.)    As your potatoes are cooking, steam broccoli and carrots until tender then puree them on a blender and add marina sauce until smooth.

3.)    Slice potatoes in half and plump with a fork, pressing the insides of the potato to the sides forming a mini bowl.

4.)    Fill the potatoes with the mixture, sprinkle cheese on top and microwave for 3 minutes or until cheese melts.

Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup minced carrots
  • ½ cup chopped rib celery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cans of chicken broth
  • 1 box frozen chopped broccoli (drained and thawed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 jar double cheddar sauce

Procedure:

1.)    Add oil in pot over medium heat.

2.)    Add veggies and cook for 3 minutes.

3.)    Put chicken broth and bring to a boil to high heat. Reduce to medium heat and boil for 10 minutes.

4.)    Place mixture in a blender and puree.

5.)    Return mashed mixture to the pot.

6.)    Add cheese and broccoli. Cook for 10 minutes and serve.

These vegetable recipes for children will make feeding vegetables easier for parents. Try them out and do not be surprised if your toddler asks for more.

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Popular Party Foods For Kids

Children love parties. The games, prizes and balloons excite them. Of course, party foods keep them going as well. To make sure toddlers enjoy eating their food, try these classic party foods for kids. These will make their tummies happy and will keep that big grin plastered on their faces for hours.

Spaghetti

Pasta is one all-time favorite of kids and even adults. Spaghetti is one great party food that you can do really cheaply. Regular spaghetti will do, but if you want to put an exciting twist to this meal, opt for pastas that come in fun shapes like penne or bunny and alphabet shapes.

Kid Pleasing Spaghetti

You will need:

  • 8 ounces spaghetti (cooked and drained)
  • 2 ½ cups spaghetti sauce
  • 1 ½ pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp. Butter
  • 1 ½ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp. Flour

Procedure:

  • In medium heat, cook beef and onion in a pan. Drain. Add spaghetti sauce. Boil for 10 minutes and mix the pasta. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a pot. Mix salt and flour. Add milk and let it simmer.
  • Stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Mix until it melts.
  • Place spaghetti in a baking dish. Top with spaghetti mixture and cheese. Bake under 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Pizza

Toddlers go crazy over pizzas. To make it more fun, why not let each child build their own mini pizzas.

You will need:

  • English muffins
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • Sausage
  • Pepperoni
  • Few slices of mushroom, bell pepper and onion

Procedure:

  • Pre-cook spaghetti sauce, sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, mushroom and onion.
  • Let toddlers lather spaghetti sauce onto the English muffins. Have them pick out the toppings they want. After which, sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
  • Use toaster ovens instead of a kitchen oven to cook the mini pizzas. Heat the pizzas for 10 minutes under 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sandwiches

Since it is a party and children prefer different types of sandwiches, it is best to make simple sandwiches they can eat like a regular meal. Use cookie cutters to cut loaf breads into shapes. Burger buns are also perfect. Add some oven baked potato chips or fries and a few slices of carrots, lettuce and peas to complete the meal.

Sloppy Joe Sandwiches

You will need:

  • 1 ½ cup leftover spaghetti sauce with meat
  • 1 green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
  • 4 burger buns (halved)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp. mustard
  • 2 tbsp. Dried basil leaves

Procedure:

  • Heat spaghetti sauce, mustard, ketchup, green bell pepper and basil leaves into a saucepan under medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes and bring to a boil.
  • Ladle mixture onto the buns. Serve hot.

Kids Trail Mix

Finger foods are another favorite of toddlers. Make it a healthy food by adding fruits and nuts. Just put it in a large Ziploc bag and shake to mix. Pour them in a cheery looking bowl and serve.

You will need:

  • 4 cups whole-wheat cereal
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup dried fruit bits (cherries, cranberries, blueberries)
  • ½ cup assorted nuts (peanut, walnut, almond or cashew nuts)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

You will need:

  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. Baking soda
  • 1 tbsp. Vanilla extract
  • 16 tbsp. Butter (softened)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs (beaten)

Procedure:

  • Mix baking soda, flour and salt together in a bowl. Combine eggs, butter, vanilla, sugar and cocoa in a separate bowl.
  • Stir flour mixture into butter mixture until combined. Add chocolate chips and mix.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place palm-sized dough into greased baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.

Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae

Children love ice cream, so you will thrill them all when you announce they get to decorate their own ice cream sundae. Give each child an ice cream cone or a glass and let them pick out everything they want.

You will need:

  • 3 gallons ice cream (in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla flavors)
  • 1 cup assorted fresh fruits (chopped)
  • 1 cup colored and chocolate sprinkles
  • Hershey’s chocolate or strawberry cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate chips

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Healthy Meal Ideas For Picky Eaters

Planning meals for picky eaters is stressful. But, it is doable if you know how to hide vegetables in his meals and revamp his favorites. Try these healthy recipes intended for picky eaters to ensure your toddler gets all the nourishment he needs.

For Breakfast

Oatmeal

You will need…

  • 2 cups instant or regular oats
  • 3 1/2 cups low fat milk
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 medium banana (chopped)
  • ¼ cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 5 pieces of strawberries

Procedure:

1.) In a saucepan, place milk and salt. Bring to a boil under medium heat.

2.) Add oats. Continuously stir for 5 minutes until milk is immersed.

3.) Place oatmeal in a medium size bowl. Garnish it with sliced bananas, strawberries and walnuts. Serve immediately.

French Toast

Another classic favorite of children, French toast only takes about 2 to 3 minutes to make. Just use old bread (experiment with raisin, French or loaf bread) and dip it into the saucepan under low heat with milk, cinnamon, brown sugar and eggs. Dip into chocolate or pancake syrup to make it more tasty for your toddler. To add color, slice some apples, oranges, mangoes or any of his preferred fruit.

For Lunch

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

You will need…

  • 200 grams broccoli (sliced into florets)
  • 400 grams penne pasta
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 garlic clove

Procedure:

1.) Cook pasta according to pack instructions. In a small pan, add 2 cups water and bring to boil. Add broccoli. Cook for 4 minutes.

2.) Drain broccoli and mash using a fork. Grate garlic and zest the lemon and mix into the broccoli.

3.) Drain pasta and return it to the saucepan. Stir the broccoli pesto and add olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese.

Chicken Chowder

You will need…

  • 1/3 cup chicken breast (diced)
  • ¼ cup potatoes (cubed)
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons cheese (grated)
  • ¼ cup milk

Procedure:

Combine chicken, cooked potatoes, butter and milk into a pot. Boil for 10 minutes. Mix in cheese. Add carrots, peas and corn to garnish.

For Snacks

Mixed Berries Granola Yogurt Parfait

You will need…

  • 1 cup granola
  • 2 cups fat-free vanilla yogurt
  • ½ cup mixed berries
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Procedure:

1.) Microwave cook mixed berries and sugar using a microwave-safe container for 30 to 50 seconds or until berries become soft and juicy.

2.) Spoon ¼ cup of vanilla yogurt in a glass. Drizzle with granola, soft berries and honey for a sweeter taste.

Mixed Fresh Fruits Skewers With Sweet Cream

You will need…

  • ¾ cups of your toddler’s favorite fruits (at least 3 to 4 types of fruits)
  • ¼ cup condensed milk
  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • 15-20 skewers

Procedure:

1.) Shape fruits into small sizes using cookie cutters.

2.) Mix yogurt and condensed milk.

3.) Thread 1 piece of each fruit on each of the skewers. Serve with dip.

For Dinner

Baked Cod

You will need…

  • 1 pound cod fillets
  • ½ cup cornflakes (crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

Procedure:

1.) Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkle olive oil over a baking sheet.

2.) Brush mustard over cod fillets.

3.) Mix melted butter and crushed cornflakes together and drizzle over cod fillets.

4.) Place on baking sheet.

5.) Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until fish turns golden brown.

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Making Homemade Food For Toddlers

If your child belongs to the group of picky eaters, feeding him can be truly stressful. To make sure your toddler gets the right nutrition he needs, why not prepare homemade meals for him instead? Creating your very own food concoction is pretty simple even if you are not an expert cook. By doing so, you ensure he gets a lot of nutritional benefits. Plus, it might even encourage him to eat more.

Food for toddlers consist of anything tiny, colorful, sweet and tasty. With a little creativity, you can actually incorporate all of these in every food you make. To make home cooking easier for you, here are some tips as well as popular meals to help you create foods your toddler will surely love.

Know His Favorite Food

Making homemade food for your toddler will be less confusing once you figure out his food preferences. The next time he eats, keep an eye out on which food he likes to gobble the most. In this way, you are able to maximize cooking his favored food. For example, if he likes chicken, you can make a chicken sandwich, grilled chicken lollipops, vegetable salad with chicken strips and so on.

Have Variety

Just because you know he likes chicken does not mean you only have to feed him meals with chicken. Even if he prefers it over other foods, you can still encourage him to try out different foods. How? Have variety. The more you introduce new foods, the better. But, just keep in mind to serve new foods in small proportions so as not to overwhelm him. Being consistent in letting him try out various food choices will train him to eat different food selections. From breakfast to dinner, always offer a wide variety of tastes. Remember to stick to colorful and tasty meals. Avoid giving him bland food.

Here is a good example of homemade meals your toddler might like:

For Breakfast

  • Whole Wheat Pancakes. Use wheat flour instead of ready to cook pancakes. Wheat flour is a natural ingredient that is rich in carbohydrates which is perfect for keeping your toddler active. To make it more interesting, why not add his favorite fruit into it. Just slice a mango, peach, blueberry or banana into tiny pieces and mix them together with the flour.
  • Fresh Salad. The secret to making your toddler eat his vegetables is to cut it into tiny portions wherein he can easily use his hands to grab them. Instead of the usual cereal, slice colorful veggies and fruits (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, corn and some apples, lemon or orange) and mix all of them together in a bowl. Add a tasty salad dressing. The cheery color will appeal to him and intrigue him to try out the salad.

For Lunch

  • Mac and Cheese. Create your very own macaroni and cheese by adding pumpkin to the ingredients. One of the most nutritional foods, pumpkins are good sources of vitamins and minerals, potassium, carotene and vitamins C and E. It has a sweet taste and its color is beautifully concealed with the cheese sauce.

For Snacks

  • Cheese, Crackers or Oven Baked Potatoes. Dairy products are good for strengthening his bones. Steer clear of chips and ice cream during snack time. Instead, go for cheese and crackers. You can slice them up into tiny servings or add his favorite filling to the crackers for a yummier taste. Oven baked potatoes are healthier than French fries as well.

For Dinner

  • Chicken or Fish Sticks. If your toddler will not touch his food because he dislikes using utensils, opt for finger foods like fish or chicken sticks. Slice them into thin strips or stick a popsicle stick into the chicken or fish. He will truly enjoy these tiny treats.
  • Vegetable Soups. Soups are a toddler’s best friend. Most likely, your little one is willing to try out different types of soup. Each week, serve him a different soup. Mushroom, corn and broccoli soup are the most popular. Just add small strips of chicken or meat into the soup so your toddler will not find it too plain and boring.

Stay Away From Grainy Foods

When making homemade food for your child, minimize grains. Grains are too solid for his tiny stomach and this may cause indigestion. Plus, they have high sugar content that can also be found in sweets and sodas making it a useless and unhealthy homemade food.

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