Cool Food for Cool Kids

Fun Food Ideas

Showcase your talents and get involved in cooking and learning to make healthy food choices at an early age.  Ask your parents if you can help make a healthy menu plan for the week and with the shopping.  Here are some fun food ideas that you can make and the whole family and friends will love.

1. If you are like most Kids - you prefer your vegetables raw in most cases, which is perfect since fresh raw fruits and veggies are full of valuable nutrients.  Cut up a colourful array of vegetables along with a homemade dip, or cut up some fresh fruit and serve with a yogurt dip.
   
   
2. Veggie dog sail boats – Assemble cooked veggie dog in bun, stick a skewer in the center for the mast, thread a triangular shaped cheese slice (try soy or rice cheese slices) that has been cut from corner to corner onto the skewer for a sail and top the mast with a cherry tomato.  These are great for kid’s birthday parties.
   
   
3. Sushi sandwiches – spread/layer sandwich ingredients on a slice of fresh crust- less bread, roll up and slice into pinwheels.  These are easy to eat, easy to pack, and look great!
   
   
4. Sandwich shapes – Assemble sandwich as usual and then cut into shapes with large cookie cutters.
   
   
5. Pancakes – With your parents help, experiment with whole grain flours or a combination of flours.  Serve with berries and real maple syrup.  Make a batch and freeze them – then pop them in the toaster for a quick snack or breakfast.
   
   
6. Pizza – Let each family member make his or her own.  Get all the toppings ready: pita bread, sauce, peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, grated cheese, veggie pepperoni, and then let the fun begin.  Let everyone personalize their pizza with a funny face or shape made from veggies.  Put under the broiler until cheese is golden and bubbly and enjoy!
   
   
7. Smoothies – for kids on the run.  Toss the following ingredients into the blender: some soft tofu for protein or a scoop of protein powder, milk (soy or organic cow’s), pineapple juice, and few berries, ½ banana, and a tablespoon of flax seed oil to boost the immune system.  Great for breakfast.  Make a batch the night before to save time in the morning.
   
   
8. Muffins – using whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruit.  Muffins make great snacks or a quick breakfast along with a glass of milk.  Avoid sugar, and use maple syrup, honey, or molasses instead. 
   
   
9. Jello – Mix 1 tbsp agar-agar (with your parent’s help you can find this natural gelling agent made from red saltwater algae in a health store) with 3 ½ cups fruit juice and simmer for 15 minutes.  Pour into mold with fresh fruit/berries and refrigerate.
   
   
10. Nut butters – as long as you are not allergic, these are great sources of protein, good carbs and fats.  Try almond butter, cashew butter, and sunflower seed butter for a change.  Nut butters contain the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for brain development, a healthy immune system and healthy skin. Try combining them with some dried fruit, seeds and cereal. Add a little natural sweetener, blend, roll into tiny balls, and then refrigerate. You can also add chocolate chips for a special treat (but then omit the added sugar). Experiment with other favourite combo’s to create your own nutty ball.
    
    
11. Quesadillas – Everyone loves these!  With your parents or older siblings help, cut baked chicken or cooked firm tofu into thin strips, stir fry with a variety of coloured peppers and a large onion cut into strips.  Assemble chicken or tofu on soft tortillas, sprinkle with grated cheese, roll up and bake in 350o oven for 10 minutes.  Serve with sour cream and salsa. 
    
    
12. Ice Cream – Peel a number of very ripe bananas.  Break into one-inch pieces and freeze in a zip lock bag.  Just before serving, run through a juicer or blender with a small amount of liquid (water or juice).  Serve immediately.  Add carob or cocoa powder or berries to your blender for different flavours - or top with fruit.
    
    
13. Soda Pop – Use fresh fruit juice diluted ½ and ½ with mineral water.  Herb tea – some favourites for kids are those with rose hips, lemon grass, or hibiscus and, when cold, mix with mineral water or fruit juice.
    
    
14. Candy –  Snicker Snackers -  ½ cup ground sunflower seeds, 1/3 cup honey, ½ cup nut butter (cashew, almond, or peanut butter), ½ cup unsweetened carob powder, ¼ cup wheat germ, ¼ cup unsweetened coconut.  Add ingredients one at a time and blend in a food processor until mixture forms a ball.  Pinch off small amounts and roll into bite-sized balls.  Roll in extra sesame seeds or coconut if desired.  Store in refrigerator in an air-tight container. 
    
    
15. Cookies – Convert your favourite recipe using natural sweeteners, and whole-wheat flour.  For a special treat, buy natural food store animal crackers.