Each apple is one serving. For each serving, core one apple. Let your child fill the inside of the apple with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon and raisins.Put the apples in a flat dish such as a (non-metal) pie pan. Sprinkle apples with apple juice and microwave. Microwave time will vary, but start with 5 minutes. The apples are done when they are soft to the touch.
Brownie Hideaway
Prepare a traditional box brownie mix as instructed on the box. Before pouring the batter into the pan, add a bag of mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. When the brownies cool, allow your child to ice them with chocolate cake frosting.
Mini Pizzas
This one is great for a group of kids as long as you do your prep work ahead of time. Chop any vegetables your kids like, such as broccoli, carrots, onions, etc and place on separate plates. Assemble your other pizza toppings such as pepperoni, shredded cheese, and pizza sauce. The base of your individual pizzas will be the flaky type of canned biscuit.You should be able to make 2 to 3 pizzas with each biscuit because you will separate the layers for the crust. Let the kids top their pizzas with whatever ingredients they want then pop them in the oven. Watch them closely as they will only take 5 to 7 minutes to cook.
Once you and your kids have become comfortable working together in the kitchen it is time to expand your horizons. Probably one of the most rewarding aspects of cooking with your kids is the fact that they are much more inclined to eat something that they have helped to prepare. You should take full advantage of this fact and open up their palates to foods and cuisines that they would not otherwise consider. One of the easiest ways to expand your child’s diet is to have a national pride night once a month. Each month pick a country that you are going to investigate. Plan your menu around this country. When you first start, you may want to start with something that is familiar, such as Mexican or Italian. As you and your child become more adept at working together, choosing recipes and trying new things, get more adventuresome. By preparing several dishes, you are guaranteed to find something that everyone can eat, and depending on your child’s age, they can learn valuable research skills by helping to plan the menu.