Module 4:Meals That Appeal to Kids

Cooking Matters EXTRA for Center-Based

Child Care Professionals

NATIONALLY SPONSORED BY

Healthier Meals

• Fresh, not processed• Primarily plant-based (ex: beans)• Seafood• Lots of vegetables• Whole fruits vs juice• Whole grains• Low fat dairy• Less fat, sugar, & salt in preparation• Healthier condiments

Which would you rather eat?

Or…

Why?

What Makes Food Appealing?

• Appearance• Flavor• Smell• Cultural significance• Variety• Other ideas?

Taste TestingDifferent colors or varieties of same food

Taste TestingDifferent FORMS of same food

Taste TestingDifferent foods of same THEME

• Dried foods• Leaves• Round foods• Yellow foods• Cultural foods

Teach Kids to Make Healthy Meals

• Kids like to try foods they help make

• Cooking teaches skills they’ll use for life

Tips for Cooking with Kids

• Don’t worry about the mess

• Think about ways to use time wisely

• Enjoy watching kids learn – their smiles will light up your kitchen

• Other ideas?

Large Group Cooking Project:Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips(for 12)

Cut each tortilla (12) into 6 triangles.

Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Place tortilla pieces on a baking sheet and spray with more non-stick spray.

Bake 8- 10 minutes.

Large Group Cooking Project:Banana Crumble (for 8)

Peel and slice (4) bananas in half lengthwise.

Rinse berries and pat dry (or measure out frozen).

Spray dish with cooking spray and lay banana slices flat side down in dish.

Toss berries with flour and sprinkle over bananas.

In bowl, mix flour, oats, sugar, and spices.

Cut cold butter into little pieces and rub into dry mixture until crumbly.

Spread crumble mix over fruit and press down lightly.

Bake.

Mix yogurt and honey together for topping.

Let Kids Help with Other Food Activities, Too

• Planning meals

• Food shopping

• Growing and picking foods

Questions?

Cooking Matters EXTRA for Center-Based Child Care Professionals was developed with support from the Pritzker Early Childhood Foundation