Kid-Friendly Recipes that You and Your Children Can Make Together

Spending time with our children can be tricky in this busy society in which we live, but it can be done. One of the ways in which children and parents can have some family time together is by preparing a recipe or a meal together. Not only do you get to talk with your children about their day or issues that concern them, but also you are able to fix and have a delicious masterpiece to enjoy together. Here are some kid-friendly recipes that this author and her children often make together:

Magical Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a wonderful comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of year, and usually, even the pickiest eater in the family will likely consume them. Preparing mashed potatoes also provides a task for even the youngest members of the family (this author's three-year-old has his own safe cutter knife that he uses to help with chopping the potatoes).

For this recipe, you will need a 10 lb. bag of potatoes, a large pot, enough water to cover the potatoes, approximately 2 teaspoons of sea salt, 1-2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 tablespoon of milk. You and your children can peel and chop up the potatoes together and place them into the large pot. Rinse the peeled potatoes once, and then, add enough water in the pot to cover the potatoes. Place the pot of potatoes onto the stove and turn the heat onto high. Once the potatoes and the water are boiling, allow them to continue to boil for approximately 15-20 minutes. Check the softness of the potatoes by spearing a piece onto a fork and test the consistency. Once the potatoes have reached the desired tenderness, remove them from heat and drain off the water (this potato water can be placed into a jar to save for use on your garden).

Have one of your children take a fork or a large spoon and mash the potatoes. If each of your children wishes to help in this endeavor, allow them to take turns doing so. Once the potatoes are mashed, have your children add the butter, milk, and sea salt. Allow each child to help whip the potatoes in order to achieve the creamy texture. Have your children get out the plates and forks, and sit down and enjoy some tasty mashed potatoes with your children.

Quick Quesadillas

Quesadillas are another delightful dish that a family can enjoy making and eating together and make a great quick dinner when you are trying to rush to get to that soccer game or other extracurricular activity. All members of the family can assist in preparing these scrumptious delights.

For this recipe, you will need 1 package of 10 flour or wheat tortillas (you can use either fajita size or larger depending on your preference), 1 medium package of Mexican cheese (you can use either the shredded type, or you can get a block of cheese and shred it yourself), 1-2 tablespoons of butter, a medium skillet, and a jar of mild salsa. If you select the block of Mexican cheese, have your children take turns helping to shred it with a shredder or cut it into small slices.

While your children are preparing the cheese, you can heat the skillet over medium heat and place a tablespoon of butter into the skillet once it is heated. Have your children put some of the cheese into each tortilla, and then, you place the cheese-filled tortillas (usually, two of these will fit into the skillet at one time) into the skillet. Cook for two minutes on one side, and then, flip it over with a spatula and cook for another two minutes. The quesadillas are ready when the cheese is melted. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet, have your children place them onto plates, and serve them with mild salsa. You might also want to have your children help you prepare a nice garden salad to accompany the quesadillas.

Tasty Trail Mix

Trail mix is a fantastic snack to have on hand for on-the-go snacking, sleepovers, hiking trips, or any other activities for which you need a quick, nutritious treat. You and your children will enjoy making this recipe as well as eating it. The best part about this trail mix is it does require any cooking and can be made in a matter of minutes.

For this recipe, you will need 1 cup of Cheerios, 1 cup of pretzels (whatever shape that you like), 1 cup of Goldfish crackers (any variety), 1 cup of almonds (preferably raw), 1 cup of organic chocolate chips, 1 cup of raw or roasted pumpkin seeds, 1 large bowl, and a box of sandwich size Ziploc bags in which to keep the prepared trail mix. Have each of your children be in charge of adding at least one of the ingredients into the bowl.

Once all of the ingredients are in the bowl, have each child assist in stirring and mixing everything together. After the ingredients are combined to everyone's satisfaction, have your children help you scoop the trail mix into the Ziploc bags. Seal each bag, and be sure you and your children enjoy some of your tasty creation as well.

May you and your children cherish all of the moments that you have together as a family. Enjoy the yummy food, but most of all, be thankful for the time that you spend with those you love.