Healthy Cooking with Kids (Recipes Included!)

It’s possible! Healthy food can make it pass your child’s lips!

Our readers had the opportunity to bring their kids to Green Acres Market for a Cooking with Kids class. We made lunch, tried new veggies, packed our smoothies with fruit and even learned to make a healthy dessert. Even you didn’t get tickets before they sold out, read on for the recipes from our class.

First up, though, was a reminder to our little chefs to wash their hands, singing “Happy Birthday” twice while they scrubbed the germs away. Next, we got the blender ready for our delicious smoothie appetizer. Our head chef, Adrienne recommended frozen fruit, which is not only less prep but can even be healthier as it is flash frozen at its peak nutrition point. 

Try it for a healthy snack or breakfast.

Adrienne’s Tropical Smoothie
6 oz. vanilla yogurt or dairy free alternative
12 oz. Uncle Matt’s orange juice
1 banana
1 bag frozen tropical mix
1 bag frozen strawberries
Fresh baby spinach
Water as needed for texture

Blend ingredients together. Enjoy!

Next up, we went through the wrap station. After choosing whole wheat tortillas or bread, we added things like hummus, veggies, cheese, and more! It was inspiring to see little people trying new veggies, even the really green ones!

Lastly, we mixed, rolled and sampled “Monster Cookies.” The kids were able to really assist in making this one, mixing ingredients, rolling them into balls and serving to their new friends. This recipe is totally customizable to fit your family’s favorites!

Monster Cookies

1 1/2 cups rolled or quick oat flakes
1/2 cup peanut or almond butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup Sunspire Sundrops
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt if using almond butter

  1. Add all ingredients  to a medium-size bowl and stir well until everything is combined.
  2. Roll into 1-1/2″ balls, and set them on parchment paper. Wash your hands after very four balls to help keep the ingredients from sticking to your hands.
  3. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to help them harden.
  4. Store any leftovers in a ziplock bag and refrigerate. 
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All ingredients are available at Green Acres Market at the Village at Briarcliff along with many other healthy and local products. Thanks to the market for hosting us and getting our kids inspired to help create their own creations in the kitchen!

 

Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to 10-year-old, Henry, 7-year-old Clark and 5-year-old Lucy. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!