Recipes to Cook with Kids in February
In my house, February food is all about Valentine’s Day, football parties, and cozy meals and baked goods to enjoy together. Whether it’s the same at yours or slightly different, this lineup of recipes to cook with kids in February has something for everyone to enjoy.
Valentine’s Day Highlights:
Heart “Beet” Smoothie Bowls: Whether for Valentine’s Day or just any regular Wednesday, this fruit and veggie packed sweet smoothie is sure to be a hit with any kiddo. Heart Beet Smoothie Bowls are a gorgeous color pink thanks to lots of red fruit, vibrant beets, and some creamy yogurt. We love to enjoy this healthy snack “ice cream style” and eat it with a spoon. However, you can just as easily add a little bit more liquid and drink it through a straw.
Date Cookie Dough Bites: Perfect for toddler snacks and kids’ lunch boxes, these Healthy Cookie Dough Bites are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and packed with goodness. Oats, dates, and seeds make these bites high in fiber and antioxidants. Roll the dough into balls for an “energy ball” type snack. Or press the dough into a pan and cut into squares for a no-bake granola bar alternative. For Valentine’s Day, I like to press this dough into a flat sheet then use small heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut them into shapes. See my video HERE for more details and how to decorate them.
Healthy Chocolate Dip/Spread: This recipe for Healthy Chocolate Dip or Spread was inspired by a store-bought chocolate spread that my kids love. My homemade version has only 3 ingredients and is so much lower in sugar. Date, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a little salt…that’s it! We also sometimes add almond butter (or any nut/seed butter) as a creamy protein boost, making it an awesome toast or sandwich spread.
For a lot more Valentine’s Day recipes, click HERE for my full blog post and recipe round up!
Fruit Heart “Magic Wands”: We make this easy snack in my cooking classes every February. All you need is some fruit and wooden skewers. I like to use strawberries, red grapes, and blueberries, but you can really use any fruit you want. Let kids cut the fruit into small pieces, if needed, then place them on the wooden skewer. (To do this safely, I have kids poke the fruit when its on a flat surface (instead of holding it) then slide it onto the stick. Once the skewer is mostly filled with fruit, place a strawberry heart at the top. (To make the heart, cut a v shape into the top where the stem is.)
EXTRA Fun Breakfast Recipes to Cook with Kids:
Banana Upside Down Pancake Bites: All you need for this fun little breakfast recipe is bananas (or any fruit) and your favorite pancake mix! Kids are going to love to make and eat these Banana Upside Down Pancake Bites, and so will the whole family!
Birthday Cake Breakfast Cookies: Kids will love baking and eating these nutritious, fiber-rich cookies that taste like “funfetti” cake! Birthday Cake Breakfast Cookies are a balanced addition to breakfast, snack time, or lunch boxes. You can make the cookies with wheat flour or almond flour to make them gluten-free. They are also easy to make dairy and egg-free. *Use red and pink sprinkles to make these Valentine’s Day themed!
Strawberry Oatmeal Snack Cake: Cake at breakfast? Yes! Or really, any time of day because Strawberry Oatmeal Snack Cake is made from super wholesome ingredients and easy enough to stir up before breakfast. I love the combination of sweet strawberries and comforting oats in this cake. However, you can really use any fresh or frozen fruit you have on hand. As always, this is a great recipe to get kids in the kitchen to measure, mix, and taste!
Savory Bites for Parties or Lunches:
Meatball Sub On-a-Stick: Just precooked meatballs, pizza dough, sauce, and cheese. And, of course, this easy recipe would be so awesome for kids to help make too! Both of my guys absolutely loved these, so this is def going to be a regular lunch box addition and after school snack. I used Trader Joes Chicken Meatballs found in the refrigerated section. However, you can really use any precooked meatballs (even vegetarian ones). If you buy frozen ones, just defrost them in the microwave before using them in this recipe. Recipe coming to my website SOON, but the full recipe is in my IG video caption for now.
Want more fun party food ideas? Try these Stuffed Pizza Bites or Cheeseburger Stuffed Biscuits.
Chicken Parm Mini Meatloaves: This easy weeknight sheet pan meal is a family favorite. Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaves with Roasted Broccoli is the best combo of comfort food and nutritious, veggie-packed dinner. You mix ground chicken with chopped spinach and a few other simple ingredients and then form it into individual patties. Top the meatloaves with sauce and mozzarella cheese that’s melted to gooey perfection. Bake with broccoli and serve with your favorite pasta or just on its own.
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