Summer is here, school is out, and the kids are brimming with energy! What better way to keep them engaged than by inviting them into the kitchen?
Cooking is a great way to teach your kids new skills, understand nutrition, and cultivate a love of food, all while strengthening your bond with them.
This summer, make your kitchen the heart of your home with these fun and kid-friendly recipes. These activities will not only keep the little ones busy but also create fun and delicious treats the whole family can enjoy.
Create a S'mores Buffet the Kids Will Love!
S'mores are a classic summertime favourite, but why limit yourself to the traditional flavour? Embark on a delicious adventure by introducing your kids to a customizable s'mores buffet!
What You'll Need:
- Graham crackers (try using chocolate graham crackers for a fun twist)
- Marshmallows
- Milk chocolate bars
- White chocolate bars
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Mint chocolate-covered cookies
- Unstick grilling sheet (optional) for easy grilling on the BBQ
- Various toppings like sprinkles, caramel sauce, or fruit slices—anything goes!
How to Create Your S'mores Buffet:
1.Prepare the Basics:
Start with classic graham crackers and marshmallows. These form the base of your s'mores.
2.Add Your Favorite Chocolate:
Offer a variety of chocolates like milk chocolate and white chocolate. These add a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with marshmallows.
3.Go Nutty with Peanut Butter:
Include peanut butter as a spread option for a rich layer of flavor.
4.Get Creative with Toppings:
Encourage creativity with toppings like sprinkles, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit slices. Let your kids experiment and create their unique s'mores combinations.
Assembly Instructions:
- Take a graham cracker and spread a layer of peanut butter (if desired).
- Place a piece of milk chocolate (or any preferred chocolate) on top of the peanut butter.
- Toast a marshmallow and place it on the chocolate.
- Add another graham cracker on top and gently press to sandwich the marshmallow and chocolate together.
For an alternative twist, replace the graham crackers with chocolate chip cookies, mint chocolate-covered cookies, or use chocolate-covered graham crackers.
Let your kids assemble their customized s'mores creations. It's a fun, interactive way to enjoy a classic treat with endless variations!
Whether it's a backyard campfire, a cozy kitchen setup, or even on the BBQ using an Unstick grilling sheet, a s'mores buffet guarantees smiles and sweet memories. Let your imagination run wild, and watch as your kids create their own delicious masterpieces!
Making a Fun Ice Cream Cake in a Loaf Pan
Who says loaf pans are only meant for quick breads or loaves? With the help of an Unstick Loaf Liner, you can create this super easy Oreo cookie ice cream cake that tastes incredible:
Place the Unstick Loaf Liner inside your loaf pan.
1.Layer either homemade or your favorite store-bought ice cream, starting with chocolate ice cream for the bottom layer.
2.Add a layer of chopped Oreo cookies.
3.Layer vanilla ice cream. Repeat until you get to about 1" below the top of the liner.
4.Top with more chopped Oreo cookies and sprinkle with toffee bits (or leave as is).
5.Decorate by inserting a few Oreo cookies cut in half.
6.Freeze until ready to serve.
It’s that simple and so delicious! Making this ice cream cake is not only a delightful treat but also a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen.
They’ll love layering the ingredients and, of course, enjoying the sweet, cool results of their hard work.
Fruit Kebabs
Ingredients:
∙An assortment of fruits such as strawberries, grapes, pineapple, melon, and blueberries
∙Optional: Cubes of cheese for added protein
Instructions:
∙Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
∙Let the kids thread the fruit pieces (and cheese cubes) onto wooden skewers in any order they like.
Yogurt Dip
Ingredients:
∙1 cup Greek yogurt
∙2 tablespoons honey
∙1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
∙In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
∙Serve alongside the fruit kebabs.
This activity encourages kids to eat more fruits and gets them active in the kitchen. They’ll love assembling their own skewers and dipping them in the delicious yogurt dip.
Fun and Creative Bagel Pizzas
Bagel pizzas are a fun twist on traditional pizza that kids will love making and eating. Use the Unstick Roasting & Baking Sheet for easy cleanup and even baking. Here's how to create these fun and easy bagel pizzas:
Ingredients:
∙Bagels, sliced in half (our favourite is the everything bagel)
∙Pizza sauce
∙Shredded mozzarella cheese
∙Assorted toppings (pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with the Unstick Roasting & Baking Sheet.
2. Place bagel halves on the baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Spread pizza sauce evenly on each bagel half.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Let the kids add their favorite toppings.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Bagel pizzas are a perfect way for kids to express their culinary creativity while enjoying a delicious homemade meal
DIY Smoothie Bar for Creative Young Chefs
Smoothies are not just delicious—they're a fantastic way to sneak in nutrients while having fun in the kitchen! Kids can become smoothie maestros at their very own homemade smoothie bar.
Exciting Smoothie Ingredients:
∙Base options: Milk, almond milk, yogurt, or juice
∙Fresh fruits: Bananas, berries, mango, spinach, and more!
∙Extra boosts: Honey, chia seeds, peanut butter, protein powder
How to Set Up Your Smoothie Bar:
1.Create a colorful display with all the ingredients laid out for easy access.
2.Place a blender at the center of the action, ready for the magic to begin.
3.Let the young chefs unleash their creativity by choosing their favorite ingredients.
Once all the ingredients are selected, blend until smooth and pour into funky glasses or reusable cups. It's not just a delicious drink—it's a masterpiece crafted by your little smoothie artist!
This DIY smoothie bar is not only a fun way for kids to experiment with flavors but also a great opportunity to learn about healthy eating in a hands-on and tasty way.
Cooking with children is a wonderful adventure that promises joy and lasting memories. These simple, enjoyable, and kid-friendly recipes will keep them engaged and entertained all summer long.
Not only will they learn valuable kitchen skills, but they'll also gain confidence as budding chefs. So, gather your aprons, assemble your little chefs, and let the culinary creativity begin! Get ready to whip up some delicious treats and create cherished moments together in the heart of your kitchen.