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]]>Nutritional Value Often Takes a Back Seat
Traditionally, kids’ menus have been dominated by universally accepted “kid-friendly” foods—think chicken nuggets, pizza, pasta with butter, and fries. If you want a more nutritious option, consider asking your waiter if they can customize adult meals into child-sized portions.
“Kid-Friendly” Doesn’t Have to Mean “Boring”
On the note of nutrition, there’s a growing trend among chefs and restaurants to reinvent the kids’ menu, transforming it from a predictable list of beige foods into a colorful, exciting culinary exploration. This shift is partly driven by the recognition that children’s palates are more adaptable and adventurous than often assumed. In fact, your kids might be more willing to try new foods if it’s a special occasion like dinner out.
Pricing and Portions
Lastly, the value proposition of kids’ menus can vary significantly from one restaurant to another. So don’t be shy to ask the waiter for more information on portion sizes before ordering.
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]]>Beet Hummus
If there’s one thing kids love, it’s foods in colors that they’re not meant to be (we’re looking at you, Heinz purple ketchup). Sure, beets aren’t typically considered a kid favorite, but if your little one likes hummus, know that you can easily make your own neon pink version by tossing a small cube of cooked beet or a splash of beet juice into any homemade hummus recipe. Serve with whole grain crackers or veggie slices.
Deviled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are easy to make and high in many nutrients growing kids need, and while you can certainly choose to serve them as-is, picky eaters may be more likely to enjoy them if they recognize one of their favorite characters. We love these adorable Baby Yoda eggs, made with avocado and sugar snap peas.
Homemade Granola Bars
There’s no way around it: store-bought granola bars are undeniably convenient, but they also tend to be high in sugar, not to mention expensive. By making your own bars from scratch, you have the option to adjust the level of sweetness and add any other family-favorite ingredients. As a base, start with two parts rolled oats to one part nut butter. Add any other desired ingredients, then spread evenly on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
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]]>The post Easy Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work well)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or additional cheese
Instructions
- Boil pasta as per package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat and drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to beef, cooking until onion is translucent and garlic aromatic.
- Mix in undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Lastly, add in the cooked pasta, and stir in shredded cheese until melted and well mixed.
- Serve hot, topped with optional garnishes like chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or extra cheese.
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]]>The post Here’s Why So Many Kids Don’t Like Vegetables appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Bitterness Sensitivity
One of the primary reasons children shy away from vegetables is due to their natural sensitivity to bitterness. Young palates are more sensitive to bitter flavors, a trait that has evolutionary roots. In the wild, bitterness is often a sign of toxicity, so this heightened sensitivity in children can be seen as a protective mechanism.
Texture Issues
Many vegetables have a crunchy or fibrous texture that children might find unappealing. For example, the stringiness of celery or the messiness of cooked spinach might be unappealing to kids, who generally prefer foods with a more consistent, often softer texture.
Lack of Exposure
Finally, familiarity is a significant factor in food preferences. A lack of early and regular exposure to various types of vegetables can lead to a reluctance to try them later in life. The introduction of a wide variety of vegetables in early childhood can help children become more accustomed to their tastes and textures.
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]]>Chicken Nuggets
You can’t really go wrong with chicken nuggets. Take them out of the freezer, pop them on a pan, slide them into the oven, and let them cook for about 20 or 30 minutes. When they’re done, the nuggets will taste like a dream and your children will love you for it.
Fish Sticks
If you’re looking for a “chicken nugget” kind of dinner but don’t want to serve them chicken, fish sticks are a great alternative. You make them the exact same way that you make the chicken nuggets, and they’re also super tasty and a kid favorite.
Pasta
Finally, one of the easiest dinners you can make for your children in a pinch is pasta. It’s the kind of thing you can prepare in an instant, and it’ll taste great every time. Be sure to add something else such as sauce, garlic, or cheese.
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]]>The post Creative School Lunch Ideas For Your Kids appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Taco Pockets
Because tacos can include a wide variety of ingredients, you can easily turn last night’s leftovers into today’s school lunch. Ground beef, turkey, and chicken are all ideal meat fillers for this tasty treat.
Pizza Pancakes
Make two pancakes and put cheese, tomatoes, and your pizza sauce of choice between each piece and grill it. Once complete, you’ll have provided your kids with a combination of two wildly popular treats.
Chicken Ranch Wraps
All you need for this recipe is chicken, tortilla, or another form of flatbread, and any vegetables or salad topping that you have in the fridge as well as ranch dressing. Grill the chicken and cut it into strips before wrapping it with the other toppings snuggly within the bread. Drizzle it with ranch dressing for an added burst of flavor.
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]]>The post Best Ways to Help Your Kids Make Healthy Choices at Fast Food Restaurants appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Explore the Menu
If your kids have already chosen a fast-food restaurant that they want to visit by your side, consider reviewing their menu online. By doing so, you’ll discover if they have any healthier options in store, ranging from salads to grilled chicken sandwiches.
Portion Control
One of the best ways to keep your food consumption on a healthier side, no matter how old you are, is to keep portions on a smaller side – especially at fast food restaurants.
Customization Allowed
Customization is allowed at most fast-food establishments, and you can take advantage of this perk to reduce the amount of unhealthy ingredients in your kids’ orders.
Living for the Progress (@_lifewithlyds_)Veggie Boost
Even when eating at fast food restaurants, it’s possible to up the fiber and vitamin content of your order by eating a salad or using veggies as toppings or sides in other meals.
Beverage Choices
A drink will most likely be a part of your kids’ orders at fast food restaurants, so try to encourage them to ditch sugary sodas and milkshakes for healthier alternatives, such as water or unsweetened juice.
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]]>The post Quick and Easy Dinners For Kids appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese
If you own a waffle iron, then you can actually use this crafty machine for a range of wacky recipes. Gather some bread and cheese and whip up some waffle iron grilled cheese sandwiches.
Orange Chicken
If your kids are Panda Express fans, then this dish is sure to tickle their tastebuds. Buy some pre-cooked chicken and baste it with soy sauce, chili sauce, lemon juice, and sugar.
French Bread Pizza
Here’s a fun way to make a pizza for your kids without dealing with the messy dough. Grab some French loaves of bread and sprinkle grated mozzarella, tomato, and pizza sauce.
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]]>Pasta Aglio E Olio
This is one pasta dish that is subtle in flavor yet still packs a powerful tasty punch. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also pretty healthy as far as pasta is concerned. Oh yeah, and your kids will always beg for more.
How to Make It
It starts off the same way you’d make any pasta. Just boil water, toss your pasta in, and allow it to cook, according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, roast some garlic in a separate pan with olive oil, because this is what makes the recipe pop.
When the pasta is done cooking, simply mix in the roasted garlic and olive oil. Add some kosher salt and parmesan to really elevate this dish. And that’s literally it. If you thought that sounded easy, it’s because it definitely is!
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]]>No Nuts Allowed
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a school lunch staple for many children, but, unfortunately, peanuts and tree nut allergies are some of the most common and can also be especially dangerous. If your child can’t go without their favorite PB&J, try swapping the nut butter with an allergy-friendly alternative like sunflower seed butter. Many stores have also started to carry nut-free granola bars, so be sure to check labels to find suitable snacks to include on the side.
(@berlinnaturalbakery)Go Gluten-Free
Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies are distinct conditions that each have different causes at a scientific level. However, practically speaking, managing each condition mainly involves avoiding wheat and other gluten-containing products. Fortunately, there are now plenty of options available made with rice and other gluten-free grains. Swap traditional bread with a gluten-free brand to make any favorite sandwiches safe for school, or fill a corn tortilla with veggies and cheese and use cookie cutters to make fun miniature sandwich bites.
Deliciously Dairy-Free
Foods like pizza and grilled cheese are frequently the standard in school cafeterias, and not being able to eat them may cause children with allergies to feel left out. If your child has a dairy allergy, try including a make-your-own pizza kit in their lunchbox using some pita, tomato sauce, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. They’ll be able to prepare their own pizza exactly as they like and enjoy pizza day alongside all of their friends.
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