Easy Cooking for Kids

Grape-Fontina Skewers

18582-585_cheesegrapes.jpg
Photo by Paulette Phlipot

Grapes and rosemary are a classic Italian duo (con l'uva al rosmarino). Here, they're threaded on rosemary skewers with marinated Fontina for a perfect party bite. It's the perfect way to get your kid to try a new sort of cheese—after all, who can resist a kebab?

Get the recipe here.

Broccoli and Kale Frittata

18720-585_frittata.jpg

This is a great way to use seasonal produce. Other vegetables may be subbed for kale and broccoli, depending on what's fresh. Make it on Sunday night, then store in the fridge and take it to go for breakfast all week or even sandwich it on bread.

Get the recipe here.

Tostadas With Avocado

18650-585tostadaswavocado.jpg

If you want to know what kids like to eat, ask a student to come up with a recipe. That’s how Judith Marquez, a third grader from New Mexico, created this vegetable-topped snack. “I like this recipe because it is simple and easy to make. I mostly like the avocados and the crunchy tostadas,” she said.

Get the recipe here.

Watermelon Slushie

18590-585_watermelon.jpg
Photo by Paulette Phlipot

When it's hot outside (or, let's be honest, most anytime), we all crave something refreshing … and you, the mom, hope it's not too sweet. This icy cooler is like popping a straw in a watermelon and drinking it, only slightly easier.

Get the recipe here.

Minted Fruit Salad

200400083-001
Photo by Getty Images

This recipe comes from the kids of Tulsa's Global Gardens Rosa Parks Summer Program. After Caitlynn Kirsch and Emma Rehn demonstrated and served the fruit salad, Mason, another gardener said, “You know what would make this salad even better? Nothing!”

Get the recipe here.

Honeydew Salad

18588-585honeydew.jpg
Photo by Paulette Phlipot

Cookbook author Cheryl Sternman Rule says, “The combination of cucumber, honeydew and green grapes, my springboard for this recipe, has enthralled me since I first ate that dish many years ago.”

Get the recipe here.

Banana 'Ice Cream'

18605-585_bananaicecream.jpg

Just put peeled, frozen bananas in a food processor with the "S" blade for one minute, then top with raisins, berries, chopped nuts or enjoy as is. Smooth, cool and creamy like ice cream, but with none of the added sugar!

From Dr. Doug Graham

Coconut Chocolate Kisses

18606-585dateballs.jpg

These quick "kisses" are a healthier spin on the traditional treat. Pairing fruit with cocoa is a great way to get your kids to down those important nutrients. Plus, they're fun to make—kids love to use their hands and get a little messy.

Get the recipe here.

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

200179052-001
Photo by Getty Images

Kids love to be a part of the preparation process, especially with something as fun as these cupcakes hidden in ice cream cones. Watch the way batter puffs up inside the cones when they bake.

Get the recipe here.

Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes

18639-585_blueberrypancake.jpg

These pancakes are a staple for Chicago chef Melissa Graham, a Chicago chef whose Purple Asparagus programs encourage good, healthy family meals. She often brings along her son Thor, 6, as a helper. “Whenever I make this recipe, my son is right at my side, given his love of both blueberries and pancakes."

Get the recipe here.