Cooking with Kids—Three Minnesota Moms Share Fun (and Easy) Recipes for Little Helpers!
Three busy Minnesota moms share quick, kid-friendly recipes—that turn kitchen time into a fun family adventure. 🌐 #News #StPaulMN #Minnesota #Food
ST. PAUL, MN — Getting kids involved in the kitchen can spark creativity and build lifelong skills, and three moms from Minnesota—Sharon from Brooklyn Park, Melody from St. Paul, and Amburo from Minneapolis—are sharing their go-to recipes that make cooking with little ones both fun and simple.
These dishes are designed to be approachable for young helpers, requiring minimal prep and easy steps that kids can tackle with a bit of guidance. From sweet treats to savory bites, here’s how these moms whip up family-friendly meals with their children by their side.
Sharon’s Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Sharon, a busy mom from Brooklyn Park, loves this no-bake recipe for its simplicity and kid-approved flavors. It’s a quick snack that little hands can assemble, and it doubles as a healthy treat for after-school munching.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
- Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Spread a small dollop of peanut butter on half of the banana slices.
- Top each peanut butter-covered slice with another banana slice to make a “sandwich.”
- Roll the edges of each sandwich in graham cracker crumbs until coated.
- Place the bites on a plate and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.
Melody’s Mini Veggie Pizzas
Melody from St. Paul turns pizza night into a hands-on activity with these mini veggie pizzas. Using pre-made dough, her kids get to customize their own creations, making it a fun way to sneak in some vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
- Place the dough circles on the baking sheet and let kids spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add bell peppers and olives as desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
Amburo’s Cheesy Corn Muffins
Amburo from Minneapolis brings a savory twist with these cheesy corn muffins, a recipe her kids love mixing and scooping. The result is a warm, fluffy snack that pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup or chili.
Ingredients:
- 1 box corn muffin mix (8.5 oz, like Jiffy)
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn muffin mix, milk, and egg until just blended.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and corn with a spatula.
- Let kids scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown; cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Cooking with Kids
These moms agree that patience is key when cooking with little ones. Sharon suggests assigning small tasks like spreading or rolling to keep kids engaged. Melody recommends pre-measuring ingredients to streamline the process, while Amburo advises keeping a damp cloth handy for quick cleanups. Together, their recipes prove that cooking with kids can be a stress-free, enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with Kids
Q: What age is best to start cooking with kids?
A: Kids as young as 2 can help with simple tasks like stirring, while 5- to 7-year-olds can handle more steps with supervision.
Q: How do I keep my kitchen safe for little helpers?
A: Use plastic knives for cutting, keep hot surfaces out of reach, and supervise closely near the oven or stove.
Q: Can these recipes be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, swap graham crackers for a gluten-free version in Sharon’s recipe, use gluten-free pizza dough for Melody’s, and check the corn muffin mix label for Amburo’s.
Q: What’s the easiest way to clean up after cooking with kids?
A: Lay down parchment paper or a tablecloth beforehand, and have kids wipe spills with a damp cloth as they go.
Q: How can I get picky eaters excited about these recipes?
A: Let them choose toppings or ingredients—they’re more likely to try something they helped create.
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RELATED TOPICS: Food | Kids and Family | Lifestyle | Minnesota
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