Family time spent together in the kitchen has quite a few payoffs. Kids learn life skills, like how to shop for and prepare meals, while everyone learns how to communicate and cooperate. You can read more about the benefits of cooking with the kids in last month’s article.
If you’re already on board with getting kids in the kitchen, you may be wondering whether to start with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or go for the gold with Beef Wellington. Like Aristotle once said, virtue is the mean between two extremes. The best recipes to cook as a family are simple enough to achieve yet challenging enough that everyone feels accomplished once seated at the table.
If you’re eager to encourage the budding cooks in your home, look no further than these five easy recipes from the Publix Aprons chefs.
Overnight Apple-Berry Oats
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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but putting together something that is both healthy and delicious can prove a challenge while trying to get out the door. This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time and about an hour in the fridge to chill. The basic steps require measuring and mixing ingredients before pouring into containers to set. Putting this together the night before makes the morning that much easier. Breakfast can be had in minutes at the table or everyone can take theirs to go. Here’s the full recipe.
Blueberry Oat Waffles
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When you have a little more time on the weekends, try these flour-free, dairy-free waffles made with oats, applesauce, almond milk and other delicious ingredients. Whipping up the batter and cooking the waffles will take about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the result is brunch-worthy. Find the full list of ingredients and instructions here.
Apples with Peanut Butter Dip
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This yummy, creamy dip is a blend of peanut butter, Greek yogurt and honey. It’s packed with protein and makes a perfect snack, side or dessert. Little ones can help measure ingredients, stir or press the buttons on the food processor. Leave the slicing to adults and teens with knife skills or purchase pre-sliced apples. Here’s where to find the recipe.
Turkey and Broccoli Pasta
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This recipe combines some kid-friendly favorites like pasta, cheese and broccoli. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare, and there’s something for everyone to do, from browning the ground turkey to putting the pasta to boil and mixing everything together. The meal can be served as is or finished with a little crushed red pepper. This makes for a quick dinner or can be made at night and served for lunch the next day. Learn more about this crowd-pleasing recipe here.
Chicken Caesar Sliders
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These sliders start with a slow-cooker and classic flavors. Shredded chicken is warmed up and coated in a mixture of Caesar yogurt dressing and shredded cheese. The meal takes about an hour and half to complete, but just about 20 minutes of active cooking time. Kids can help along the way, and assembly goes faster with a little teamwork. Here’s how to make it.
White Chicken and Broccoli Pizza
Pizza is a family favorite for a reason, and it’s fairly easy (and fun) to put one together yourself. You can make one pizza for the whole family to enjoy, or set up an assembly line with small pizza crusts and a variety of ingredients so each family member can create one to his or her own taste. This recipe has relatively few ingredients and gets in a serving of veggies. However, you can find more sophisticated recipes like this Heirloom Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread or this fun Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza.
Ready to get cooking with your family? Visit www.Publix.com for store locations near you and to find recipes to try with your kids. This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.
— Jessica Chesler for Publix