Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Chef Cat Cora’s Top Tips for Getting Kids to Pack Their Own Lunch

Whether it’s multiplication or Medieval history, back-to-school is the time of year when your kids pick up a bunch of new skills and knowledge. But that’s not all that your children can brush up on. This time of year is a great time for the smallest family members, no matter their age, to learn about how to contribute in the kitchen. Here are some tried-and-true ways for getting kids involved in preparing and packing their lunches.

Start Early

Think your kids are too young to start rolling up their sleeves and packing their own lunches?  Actually, little ones can get involved in formulating a menu even when they’re pretty small, says Cat Cora, first female Iron Chef, restaurateur, author, and mom of six boys.

“Preschool and kindergarten is when I started to get my kids to ‘help’ me and getting their thoughts (funny ones too) about what they thought sounded good for lunches,” Cora says. “I remember for preschool the teachers would heat things up if you had a soup or other things for the kids. So I would send little containers of leftover gnocchi and things like that from dinner the night before. When they started preschool I thought it was pretty awesome to get those little gourmet lunches. Our oldest said, ‘Mom no more fancy food, just PB&J please! It’s embarrassing.’”

Cora recommends giving children a voice in their lunch and mealtimes as soon as you can carry on a conversation. Get ready for some (pretty funny and cute) opinions!

Shutterstock

Get Them Invested

Getting your kids into the routine of selecting their food can start even as you’re buying your supplies, according to Cora. “Take your kids grocery shopping with you and let them pick out healthy snacks,” she says. “Then add your choices for a healthy lunch. This makes them more invested and more excited about eating their lunch. It is fun to make it a ritual to go lunch box shopping to get their opinion.”

Keep It Simple

The key to not going nuts after soliciting a number of opinions (and of course making sure that your fridge is stocked with food you want to eat, too) is making some smart decisions that will keep everybody happy.

“Yes, your kids can help create ideas for a fun lunch and more importantly, one they will eat,” Cora says. “Do this together and have it be unanimous, not a short order from each child. For example, if everyone agrees on chicken, [make] burritos for lunch or a fresh-made sandwich. This makes it much easier on mom, especially when you’re making lunches for a lot of kids, like me!”

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare


Meal prep is not just for CrossFit aficionados—as kids get older, they can start getting in on the habit.

“This goes along with the once a week shopping trip,” Cora says. “This is easier with older kids if you throw in a stop for a smoothie or froyo. I think cutting carrots and celery sticks up for the week to go with almond butter and hummus is great bonding time with kids. Or recently, we had sushi-making with our sons that included cutting up cucumber sticks and fruit to roll to make a cooked salmon roll. It’s easier than you think and fun!”

Store snack jars with healthy snacks and put small storage bags in a drawer in kids’ reach so they can help pack those with you the night before (which can help save you time and stress in the morning), Cora says. “Also, make sure you designate a school snack space and let the kids know that you have plenty of fruit and healthy after-school snacks so that when you go to grab them in the morning for school you don’t find one left in the box (I found this out the hard way),” she says.

Related Video: How Chefs Are Helping to Make School Lunches Better



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Do Double Duty with Lunches Both You and Your Kids Will Enjoy

These Instant Pot Recipes Are Perfect for Your Kids’ Lunch Boxes

Instant Pot mac and cheese

Between tying shoes, brushing teeth, and zipping backpacks, mornings can be a whirlwind to get everyone on the bus in time. Within all the chaos, packing a well-balanced lunch is essential as it boosts brain power for growing minds. Packing lunch has never been easier with everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance: the Instant Pot! Coming to the rescue with easy meals ideas, the Instant Pot is perfect for making food in batches to last throughout the week. From shredded chicken to simple “baked” potatoes, this miracle machine isn’t just for dinner. Explore more ideas to work your Instant Pot into every meal of the day, including your child’s packed school lunch.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Rachel Cooks

This approachable protein is a match made in lunchbox heaven, fork-tender in 15 minutes or less. Shredded chicken is delicious on its own and goes so well with other lunchbox-friendly favorites like hummus or a simple green salad. Shredded chicken is also incredibly versatile—fold into a cheese quesadilla or serve with rice for a protein-packed lunch to fuel your kids throughout the day. Get the recipe.

Instant Pot ‘Baked’ Potatoes

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Looking for an easy, vegetarian-friendly lunch that will surprise and delight? Tightly wrap a ‘baked’ potato, fresh from the Instant Pot, in a couple layers of aluminum foil to keep warm until lunchtime. Include toppings on the side like a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for assembly at the cafeteria table. If the potato is a hit, go for more adventurous toppings such as Instant Pot Turkey Chili or opt for a sweet potato instead. Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Platings and Pairings

What kid can resist macaroni and cheese for lunch? This Instant Pot version comes together in minutes, with a simply cooked macaroni noodle and whatever shredded cheese you’ve got on hand. If you’re feeling industrious, serve with a side of lightly steamed broccoli to get in those greens (also cooked in your trusty Instant Pot!). Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs

Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs

Detoxinista

If your kid will go for it, hard-boiled eggs really are such a great way to get a decent amount of protein into one packed lunch. A whole dozen eggs can steam in minutes inside of the Instant Pot, setting you up for success when it comes time to pack lunches. Wrap peeled eggs in a slightly dampened paper towel and serve with salt and pepper packets on the side. Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A Saucy Kitchen

If your child’s lunchbox comes with a heat-safe thermos, soup is totally the way to go! Chicken and wild rice soup is a great way to include good, energy-boosting carbs in a young eater’s lunch. Depending on your child’s preferences, swap the rice for quinoa or veggies for wilted kale for another take on this classic soup. Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice

Damn Delicious

Red beans and rice traditionally take hours for the full flavor profile to develop, but the Instant Pot makes this classic dish even easier by cutting down the cook time. The best part about this meal is how adaptable it is; skip the spices to appeal to young palates or substitute andouille with veggie sausage for a vegan take. Get the recipe.



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The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake, Plus 7 Other Recipes to Cook with Your Kids

Cooking is one of the best ways to bond with your kids and communicate some valuable skills. Here are eight places to get started.

1. Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake

Chowhound

This is a straightforward recipe that’s great for introducing kids to cooking. Just measure out all of the ingredients, and then have your young chef-in-training do all the mixing. Get our Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake recipe.

2. Strawberry Fruit Leather

Chowhound

You can make your own fruit leather with the little ones, and you don’t need a food dehydrator. Just purée strawberries with a little sugar, pour the mixture onto a nonstick baking mat, and bake. Get our Strawberry Fruit Leather recipe.

3. Texas Queso Dip

Chowhound

There are many versions of this dip—ours is easy enough to make with the kids to make yet packed with flavor. When you start to melt the cheese it may look a little funny, but have your little helper keep stirring and you’ll have a creamy, smooth dip in no time. Get our Texas Queso Dip recipe.

4. Grilled Jam and Cheese Sandwich

Chowhound

This sweet approach to grilled cheese features fruity jam and melty cream cheese, for a hot breakfast sandwich. Let the little ones assemble, then watch you grill. Get our Grilled Jam and Cheese Sandwich recipe.

5. Ladybugs on a Raft

Chowhound

Peanut-butter-stuffed celery topped with raisins (a.k.a. ants on a log) is a classic after-school snack, but why not get adventurous with the kids and try a new nut butter like cashew or almond and switch the ants (raisins) for ladybugs (sweetened dried cranberries)? Get our Ladybugs on a Raft recipe.

6. Oatzravaganza Cookies

Chowhound

There’s a lot of ingredients here, but trust us—these flavors and textures were all meant for each other. Keep the kids busy measuring and mixing on a rainy afternoon. Get our Oatzravaganza Cookies recipe.

7. Basic Granola

Chowhound

The only thing kids love more than granola is helping you make granola: measuring, mixing, stirring, and, of course, sampling the results. Get our Basic Granola recipe.

8. Basic Seven-Layer Bars

Chowhound

A.k.a. magic bars, these are the ideal gateway dessert recipe for kids. They only take one pan and require no mixing of ingredients. Just melt butter in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, sprinkle it with crushed graham crackers, and layer on the coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts. Sweetened condensed milk binds it all together while it bakes. Get our Basic Seven-Layer Bars recipe.

Related video: How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork



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Healthy Meals Your Kids Will Actually Eat

I’m the mother of a toddler. “What am I gonna make her for dinner?” plays on a constant loop in my brain. Yesterday, she squealed with delight at the sight of a sliced banana . . . today she threw a sliced banana on the floor and cried.

A few months ago, all was well in the world as my daughter dined on the sacred sustenance that is Annie’s organic mac and cheese. It was our go-to. Our staple. And then this.

Now she (sorta) eats grilled ham and cheese every day for lunch (because I haven’t yet come across any articles saying that she shouldn’t). The ham was my attempt at sneaking in some non-dairy protein. Well, she’s smarter than she looks. She inhales the grilled cheese in minutes and I return to an abandoned little pile of plucked-off ham.

She hasn’t yet developed the most diverse palate. If there’s no cheese, it’s “b*tch, please.” I’m running out of ideas and I physically cannot make another grilled cheese sandwich (my daughter is starting to resemble one), so I’ve reached out to ten mommy-of-toddler friends for recommendations. I told myself that even if each person just shares one meal, that’s ten new meals in the mix! After polling my toddler mommy tribe, I’ve compiled our list of healthy meals that kids will actually eat.

Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies

Tinned Tomatoes

It’s in a cup! What non-water drink has your kid turned down recently? Let them drink their meal. Just throw Greek yogurt and ice in a blender and then go crazy with apples, banana, avocado, pineapple, and your choice of kale or spinach to round it out. It tastes delicious and you have the peace of mind that your child consumed vegetables today.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Happy Healthy Mama

When I’m pressed for time (when is a toddler mama not pressed for time?), I microwave the sweet potato (six minutes vs. an hour in the oven!) or just bake a few at a time and keep them on hand in the fridge. Make a huge batch when your child is napping and freeze these bad boys for later. These pancakes are a godsend. Packed with protein and easy for kids to pick-up. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and tantrum-free. Get the recipe.

And if your kid’s not a fan of sweet potato, make these:

Banana Pancakes

Two ingredients. That’s it. So easy and so good. My 18-month old inhales an entire batch. When your bananas are getting too ripe, make banana pancakes. Get the recipe.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Shu Mai Dumplings

Things I Love At Trader Joe’s

Protein and vegetables wrapped up in a mini dumpling that’s easy to hold. And they can be dipped. Check and CHECK in a toddler’s mind!

Concealed Chicken

My daughter refuses all meat . . . if she sees it. I’ve learned to pull apart a rotisserie chicken and weave it through cheesy rotini or elbow pasta. Hidden protein! Kids just think they are eating pasta. If they don’t see it, they can’t reject it. Pro tip: This also works with mashed potatoes.

Broccoli Tots

Gimme Delicious

You can try out these tots on your tot even if they typically refuse broccoli. Why? The broccoli taste isn’t overpowering. They’re also easy for tiny hands to maneuver and you can dip them. Are you picking up on this theme?​ Get the recipe.

Ravioli

Chowhound

Butternut squash ravioli . . . beef ravioli . . . spinach and cheese ravioli . . . any entree with ravioli in the title! They’re delicious, they surround proteins and vegetables, and (I sound like a broken record) they’re easy to pick up. Here’s a simple recipe your kids can help out with.

If you’re short on time, try KidFresh Easy Cheesy Ravioli (all natural with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives).

Carrot Applesauce

Chowhound

For a richer flavor, you can even roast the carrots and applesauce. It tastes just like applesauce and I have yet to meet a child who refuses applesauce. If your kid curses carrots, just hide them in some applesauce.

Trader Joe’s Mini Turkey Meatballs

Serve with (read: hide them in) homemade sauce.

Perfect for tiny hands! It gets messy, but I’ll take a mess over an empty stomach.

Pro tip: Freeze leftover sauce into ice cube trays, then just pop them out and reheat in the microwave the next time you serve meatballs.

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

Erin Washington

A friend of mine swears by this recipe for her two and four year-olds. It’s not too spicy for tiny tastebuds and it’s topped with toddler gold (cheese). 

INGREDIENTS

3-4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts (not frozen)

15 oz can of diced tomatoes (not drained)

1 jar of salsa

15 oz can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)

15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)

Small bag of frozen corn (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Spray crockpot with coconut oil or nonstick spray of choice.

2. Place 3-4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of crockpot.

3. Pour one 15 oz can of diced tomatoes on top of chicken (do not drain).

4. Top with 1 jar of salsa, 1 can of pinto beans, and 1 can of black beans.

5. Last, pour in 1 small bag of frozen corn.

6. Cook for 4-5 hours on high and then shred chicken with a fork.

7. Serve over brown rice or quinoa and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

These recipes are toddler-tested and accepted. But when it comes to feeding these tiny humans, it’s really all about keeping them engaged and entertained. Make it fun!

Erin Washington

Use an empty egg container or ice cube tray to portion out each element of your child’s meal, unless your child is under two. If they are under two, your fun tray will inevitably end up under their high chair before any actual food has been consumed.

Happy feeding.

Related Video: A Veggie-Filled Kid Lunch



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Roasted-Tomato and Caper Spread

Roasted-Tomato and Caper SpreadGet Recipe!


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10 Kids’ Lunches Better Than PB&J

Sandwiches may never go out of style, but sometime your children get sick of PB&J. Get your kids excited about lunch all over again with these ten high-flavor, low-stress options.

BAKED CRACKER-CRUSTED CHICKEN FINGERS
No kid can resist a good chicken finger. This Chowhound recipe (pictured above) delivers flavor and is healthy to boot, using whole-wheat crackers for the crust and baking instead of deep-frying. Photo: Chris Rochelle

MINI TURKEY BURGERS

Who says burgers are just for barbecues? Martha Stewart riffs on the classic burger with ground turkey and cheddar, and makes them the perfect mini size for little ones’ lunch boxes. Photo: essexgirlcookshealthy.com

PIZZA BUNS!

Imagine if a cinnamon roll and a pizza had a baby, and you’ll get pizza buns. Rebecca from Simple As That makes them like cinnamon rolls, but with pizza ingredients. They’re super portable, perfect for a lunch box! Photo: Simple As That

THE ELVIS BURRITO

This Bon Appétit recipe pairs peanut butter with bacon, honey, and banana in a whole-wheat tortilla (just think of bacon as the new jelly). Photo: Kimberley Hasselbrink for Bon Appétit

THE GREEK PB&J?

Chef Cat Cora wows her kids by spreading hummus and black-olive mayo on pita bread, then adding a few veggies like cucumber, lettuce, and tomato and serving it sandwich style. Photo: Chris Rochelle

SESAME NOODLE SALAD

Lauren from the blog Lauren’s Latest packs a ton of veggies into this noodle salad, and makes even the pickiest eater want to scarf it down thanks to a tasty dressing flavored with sesame oil. Photo: Lauren’s Latest

MINI SHEPHERD’S PIE

Who says sheperd’s pie is only for dinner? Tracy from The Lucky Lunchbox uses jumbo muffin cups to make a mini version for lunches. Bonus: They can be frozen and reheated individually! Photo: The Lucky Lunchbox

SAY YES TO NOT’CHOS!

Blogger Keeley McGuire likes to pack up leftover taco meat with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and tomatoes, turning lunch into a kids’ make-your-own affair. Mild salsa and guacamole would be other good additions to the nacho bar. Photo: Keeley McGuire Blog

CORN AND ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

For a veggie-centric kid lunch beyond the basic sandwich, make easy fritters by mixing whole-wheat pancake batter with corn and shredded zucchini. Pack with Greek yogurt for dipping. Photo: Kimberley Hasselbrink for Bon Appétit

KID-FRIENDLY FRIED RICE

Chowhound

With the addition of bacon, in place of pork, Chinese food gets a kid-approved makeover. Get our Kid-Friendly Fried Rice recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Kid-Friendly Snacks



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How to Grocery Shop with Kids Without Losing Your Mind

There was a great television ad for soup a while back that I think pretty much every parent could relate to.

The ad showed a mother walking down the aisle of the supermarket, pushing a cart with a toddler, and another little one racing around near the cart. The voice coming over the supermarket loudspeaker warned about an impending storm, with road closings, and school cancellations.

Continue reading "How to Grocery Shop with Kids Without Losing Your Mind" »



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