(NC)-Our lifestyles are never so rushed as they are in early autumn when the children return to school. Parents are pressed to keep the household routines orderly as they juggle their day-job, tend to unexpected curve balls, and seize any opportunity to bond with their kids.
Quality time is when you talk, listen, or learn together in an atmosphere of fun-so why not connect with children in the kitchen? An evening meal is always on one's list, so consider turning the mundane task into something special for you both. Ask your child to be the chef's helper.
Children love to cook. They enjoy assembling, measuring, mixing, chopping and getting their fingers in the food. Assisting you with such a grown up activity builds confidence and pride-and the real bonus: because they made it, they will be more inclined to eat it. As long as the concoction has healthy ingredients, it really doesn't matter if it turns out perfectly.
Teach them nutrition
Cooking together is also the perfect time to teach children about healthy eating. Talk to them about the whole grains, veggies, and the lean proteins you use in your family recipes. And let them use the ingredients they like - many of those are good for them too.
Did you know, for example, that a 1L bottle of family favourite Heinz Ketchup is made from 24 Canadian-grown tomatoes? Chili sauce, too, is made from nutritious tomatoes-and its sweet tomato chutney taste (for soups, stews, casseroles and dips) is a perfect way to add kid-approved flavour to many fall recipes.
Here are some creative ideas for the chef's little helper in your home:
Mini Hamburgers: Lean ground beef gives kids the energy they need, so make ultra small homemade burgers. Create golf-ball-size patties; place them on a muffin tray; poke a hole in the center and fill it with a squirt of thick ketchup; sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese; then bake and serve individual sized portions. Let kids dress the burgers with vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, and onions.
Sloppy Joes: Getting sloppy is always fun-and it's a menu choice that can be healthy too. Mix lean ground beef with a cup of Heinz Chili Sauce, plus your favourite chopped veggies and spices, and serve over whole wheat bread. Make sure you have lots of napkins on hand.
Homemade Chicken Fingers: Cut strips of white chicken breasts, then let your kids help you dip them in egg, plus whole wheat bread crumbs. Once cooked, ketchup dip is both tasty and fun.
Grilled Cheese: Make grilled cheese using whole wheat bread and cheddar cheese. Then let kids draw smiley faces with ketchup. Put a smiley face on an open-face grilled sandwich, inside a toasted sandwich, or right on the dinner plate for dipping.
- News Canada