RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Whether there's a birthday coming up or you're looking for ways to occupy your kids and their friends when winter weather keeps them cooped up, a party full of easy recipes for kids is a great idea. They'll not only keep busy for a few hours, they'll also experience the pleasure of prepping their own food. And it's an opportunity to share some thoughts about healthy eating and where food comes from (besides the supermarket). For expert tips, we turned to Jessi Walter of Cupcake Kids!; her popular parties and cooking events for kids are designed to teach the fundamentals of cooking in a safe, hands-on, and creative environment. And we've pulled some of our favorite kid-friendly recipes from the Rodale Recipe Finder to help you plan a menu.
4 Secrets for a Fantastic Cooking Party:
# 1: Make a list and get your ingredients, party supplies, and kitchen tools well in advance. This will allow you (and the kids) to have a stress-free party. Don't forget party favors—Walter provides aprons and recipe cards for each child. Also, make a day-of-party timeline: Map out what you want to cook during the party (make sure it will fit into the time allotted for the event), and figure out what you can prepare ahead of time. And be sure your cooking space is clear of clutter.
# 2: Encourage kids to take a "no thank-you bite." Every so often, Walter gets a few really picky eaters at her parties. She always tries to get a "no thank-you bite" out of those who say they don't like something before they've tried it. "Half of the time, they end up really liking it and have many more bites," she says. And if they don't, that's okay, too.
Read on for more of Walter's cooking party know-how, and some tasty, healthy, easy recipes .
# 3: Pizza is a great way to introduce new and healthy ingredients to your kids. Kids love pizza, parties, and individual portions, so combine all three! Get creative. Encourage the kids to make triangle- and other-shaped pizzas. Think of unique and colorful toppings for the kids to try. Walter loves using fresh basil with the children. Make a whole wheat crust to let kids see, feel, and taste the difference between whole wheat and white flour for themselves.
# 4: Check out these kid-approved menu ideas: Make fruit skewers with a delicious yogurt dip. "Kids can use plastic knives to cut bananas and strawberries themselves and string them onto a skewer—one that isn't sharp, of course," Walter suggests, and then they can mix up a healthy and delicious yogurt dip. Fruit parfaits are also great. Bite-size quesadillas are fun—precut the tortillas with cookie cutters in fun shapes, and have the kids mix up their own quesadilla fillings in small bowls. And, of course, kids love to decorate (and eat) cupcakes. For the simplest plan, consider making them in advance and setting up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles.
5 Ideas for Recipes Kids Can Make:
#1: Bite-Size Bean and Cheese Quesadillas. Kids will love putting these together. Arrange the ingredients on a work surface, and have the children fill up the tortillas assembly-line style. For other fun quesadilla fillings, consider making Chicken, Mango, and Cheese Quesadillas.
#2: Whole Wheat Pizza Margherita. Have kids top individual pizzas with tomato, basil, and mozzarella, or get them eating more green stuff by topping pies with broccoli, tomatoes, and provolone.
#3: Chicken Nuggets. Here's one for you to whip up for the kids in advance; they can lend a hand by stirring up their own individual dipping sauces.
#4: Yogurt-Honey Dressing. Here's a great dip for fruit skewers (or dressing for fruit parfaits)—it's sweet and healthy. Cut up some of the more difficult fruit, such as the pineapple, in advance or buy it precut. But let the kids do some work, too (with plastic utensils).
#5: Oatmeal-Granola Marshmallow Treats. Kids will love making this variation on an old standby. For more sweet treats, make frozen yogurt sandwiches or every kid's delight, chocolate cupcakes.