Cooking is an intimate activity and preparing a dish for a special person in your life can help to foster a sense of closeness and love for them. So, it’s no secret that when we cook and plan meals, we want them to be enjoyed – however, this is sometimes easier said than done.
Kids are notoriously picky and, often, our harshest critics. No matter how wonderful of a cook you are, kids can adore a meal today then absolutely despise it the next; and don’t even get me started on the ‘green stuff’.
Now, I don’t know about you, but it seems that many meals are substituted for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because I cannot allow for my delicious and nutritious lunches to be drowned in ketchup. Don’t get saucy with me because there is hope! So let’s talk about kid-friendly BBQ meals that they’ll love again and again.
Sun’s Out, Buns Out!
We all love a good burger, cheeseburger even, but they aren’t necessarily the healthiest meat choice. Prepackaged, frozen patties are loaded with additives to maintain shelf life and cost-cutting fillers. Now, if you’re making your own burgers, it’s a much healthier choice, but there’s an even healthier option – turkey burgers. Better yet, turkey sliders for added portion control and I guarantee they will be a crowd pleaser. A slider is a mini burger; you know those super cute two-bite ones? This recipe has a Mexican twist on regular turkey burgers, and you can even eat them bunless. Hiding veggies in burgers is also a great way to ensure your kids get enough of the healthy stuff, without the whining.
Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout
We all know San Diego is one of the best spots for fish tacos, but if you’re not here, it doesn’t mean you can’t be inspired. Tilapia or mahi-mahi are great types of fish to grill for tacos, as they don’t have that distinctive fish smell and can be passed off as chicken (if need be). Ingredients like corn tortillas, avocado, cilantro, cabbage, and fish are healthy and keep you satiated. The website Parsnips and Pastries has a spot-on recipe for you to try this season with the kids. Grill some corn on the cob, and you have the perfect summer meal. Note: Kids love participating in the kitchen; whether it’s helping to prepare or just simply watching and tacos are the perfect hands-on meal.
Fruits and Veggies Make a Great ‘Pear’
Do you want to incorporate more salads at dinner time, but plain, old romaine isn’t doing the trick? Look no further. Fruit is a much easier sell to kids than leafy greens so why not combine them? This Grilled Nectarine Salad will be a crowd pleaser as it incorporates healthy sweets and greens to create a balanced meal. This meal is quick and easy to prepare, with fresh ingredients. Salads are the ultimate in customizability of ingredients and flavors, and there’s always something for everyone to love.
Memory Lane Makes Us Hungry
Food on a stick brings back childhood memories of going to the State Fair of Texas. It was also quick, mess-free and we were able to get back to what was important – playing. Skewers of any kind are always a hit with kids and adults alike. The combinations you can come up with are endless, from grilling meat skewers, to fruit skewers! Get creative, and have the kids help make them, it’ll give them a chance to work up an appetite.
With all of these great recipe ideas, I am sure you can plan a kid-friendly meal that they’ll fancy! Also, you probably will too – we’re all kids at heart.
