Cooking with Kids: A Fun Way to Build a Healthy Relationship with Food

Mealtimes can sometimes be a battleground for parents. Children can be fussy eaters, and getting them to eat healthily can be a real challenge. But there’s a secret weapon in the fight against childhood obesity: cooking with your kids.

When children help prepare food, they’re more likely to try it. They’ll also learn about different ingredients and where food comes from.

And it’s not just about the food. Cooking with kids is a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories. It’s a chance to chat, laugh, and get messy together.

The Benefits of Nuts

Nuts are a brilliant addition to cooking with children. They’re a healthy source of protein, fibre, and good fats. They can also help to keep children feeling full for longer.

Here are some tips for incorporating nuts into your cooking with kids:

• Let children choose their favourite nuts.
• Chop nuts into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.
• Add nuts to salads, yoghurt parfaits, or trail mix.
• Make nut butter sandwiches or wraps.
• Use nut butter to dip fruit or vegetables.

Melissa Thompson’s Chocolate Granola Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce children to nuts and other healthy ingredients. It’s also a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1kg jumbo oats
• 300g chopped almonds
• 250g chopped cashews
• 200g sesame seeds
• 75g cocoa powder
• 125g desiccated coconut
• 130g coconut oil
• 30g maple syrup
• 50g honey
• 250g raisins or sultanas
• 150g dates

Instructions:

1. Mix the oats and seeds/nuts in a large bowl. Stir in the cocoa and desiccated coconut. Warm the coconut oil and honey/syrups until they bubble and pour over the dry mix. Stir really well.
2. Heat oven to 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Pour the mix onto a baking tray lined with baking paper (use several trays if you can so you can cook it all at once). Leave in the oven for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then take it out and leave to cool – you can sprinkle your favourite nuts on the top for added texture.
   Cooking with kids is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits and create lasting memories. So put on your aprons and get cooking!I hope this blog post has inspired you to get your children involved in the kitchen. With a little creativity, you can make cooking a fun and educational experience for everyone.This recipe was taken from an article by Clare Finney in The Times