Easy, Healthy, Grandkid Friendly Recipes

When my four grandkids come for a sleepover, I keep the food I serve simple. The kids range from two to twelve in age. Two of them are fussy eaters. Happily, the other two eat practically anything. When your grandchildren come to visit, pass on taking them out for not-so-healthy fast food. Instead, incorporate apples into your menu. Make some nourishing ground turkey and apple meatballs, or honey peanut butter apple sandwiches. Both recipes are a breeze, too.

Up the fun, and serve these healthier recipes on the (gasp) good china. Come on, what the heck are you saving those best dishes for anyway!

Grandchildren Deserve the Fun of China

Although my grandkids are royalty in my eyes, they are not getting caviar or bleu cheese truffle spread to put on their cinnamon bagels. I do however; treat them to pancakes and pizza on my best china -- complete with generations-old silver forks and knives. The kids are also thrilled when I let them have their juice in my petite fancy wine glasses.

Not-So-French Crystal

They get all giggly over drinking orange juice from what they believe is my French crystal. My sister gave me the crystal as a gift. She does not have grandchildren yet, so I am confident she would not understand the kids using the real crystal for a treat. She will someday.

In reality, the French crystal remains safely tucked away in a cabinet. I think my 12-year-old grandson is on to me about that, though. Darn, I cannot get away with anything with him anymore. When the grandchildren come, use your good tableware -- it is a blast for them.

Ground Turkey Apple Meatballs

What You Will Need - Makes about 16

1 lb ground turkey

4 apples peeled, cored, coarsely chopped

1 egg (lightly beaten)

2 tablespoons Italian breadcrumbs

Pinch of fresh ground pepper

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using your (clean) hands mix all the ingredients in a bowl until blended well. Roll the ground turkey between your palms to form small meatballs. Place the meatballs in an ungreased baking dish. Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Test doneness by cutting open a meatball to make sure it has cooked through.

Note: Turkey apple meatballs are super on their own. I like to use dipping sauce, such as honey mustard to change it up. Serve the meatballs with healthier sweet potato fries. Toss angel hair pasta with fat-free turkey gravy, and top with the meatballs. The possibilities are endless.

Peanut Butter Apple Honey Sandwiches

What You Will Need

1/2 cup peanut butter (preferably reduced fat)

3 tablespoons honey

Apples (peeled and sliced)

Whole wheat or multi-grain raisin bread

Directions

Place 1/2 cup of peanut butter in a measuring cup. Stir the honey into the peanut butter. Lightly toast the desired slices of raisin bread. Spread the peanut butter and honey mixture on the bread. Top that with sliced apples. Serve these delightful sandwiches with hot cocoa. Your grandkids will think you are the coolest person on the planet. Have fun!