You want healthy, they want food fast. You want nutritious, they want delicious. When it comes to feeding hungry kids, making sure your youngest family members eat well and eat enough can be tricky, especially when they would love to eat pizza every night. And while pizza night is always a fun family favorite, chances are, adding variety to your kids diet is what you prefer. So, if you’re in need a few handy hints and tips for your Monday through Friday workweek kid-ready menu planner, simply read on.
Meatball Monday
Mama mia! Thought making meatballs involved hours in the kitchen? For a taste of wholesome Italian yumminess, try whipping up some simple kid-friendly baked meatballs. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, one egg, Italian seasoning and breadcrumbs and then shape into meatballs. Place on a greased baking dish and bake for fifteen minutes. Dish up with plenty of spaghetti and marinara sauce.
Taco Tuesday
For an unbeatable way to get kids rushing to the dinner table, nothing can compare to a simple, hands-on dinner idea like tacos. Load up dishes with essentials including grated cheese, guacamole, salsa, corn or wheat tacos and simple grilled chicken and kids will love putting together their very own taco treats. For a simple dose of San Felipe fish tacos? Bake up some of your favorite frozen beer battered fish for a delicious way to serve up a speedy fish dish option. And to make your dinner heartier, simply add sides of Spanish rice and enjoy.
Forget the Drive Thru Wednesday
Picky eater or not, if there’s one food that all kids love, it’s chicken nuggets. And, with this fuss-free recipe, there’s no need to hit the fast-food joint for a simple, easy healthful chicken nugget dinner. Simply bake your own for a lower-fat, fresher take on the average chicken nugget. Take some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut into nugget-sized strips. Next, dip your chicken in some reduced-fat buttermilk and coat with some breadcrumbs. Then, place your nuggets on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with barbecue dipping sauce, blue cheese dressing, ketchup and your choice of dippable and munchable carrot and celery sticks. Parents, simply toss your nuggets onto a spinach salad with the blue cheese dressing and you’ll have a light yet yummy and indulgent-tasting dinner too.
No Melt-down Tuna Melt Thursday
Getting kids to eat fish can be tricky. Yet, mini pizza-like tuna melts are one fun and fast way to get your kids loading up on all those beneficial fish oils. And better yet, they can be ready in minutes too. Grill yours on English muffins or mini pita breads for open-faced kid-sized melts and serve with a side of corn or even broccoli. Great alternatives to your regular kid-friendly side of fries? Sweet potato fries that can be tossed in the oven and enjoyed in just minutes!
Frazzled Friday
When Friday night comes around, reaching for the quickest and easiest meal is on the top of most peoples list. Take out might sound tempting, but what better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than with some simple homemade child-friendly twists on real takeout favorites? Think yummy finger food like chicken satay with peanut sauce. Think noodles and shrimp for a simple take on pad Thai. And think yummy chicken fried rice with peas for a yummy way to enjoy a little Asian flair. Make things fun by serving your picks with chopsticks and kids will have a blast. Bon appetit!