Here is a guest post from Nisha over at Babyplanet.biz
Healthy Recipes for Children
Children are notoriously picky eaters, just as their mothers are notorious for trying to cram nutrients into their diets any way they can. Now moms can create foods rich in vitamins and other essential nutrients, low in calories, and all without sacrificing taste. With the right kind of recipes, children will continue to sit on their nursery furniture andpushchairs and enjoy many of their favourite foods, while mom can breathe a sigh of relief.
Healthy Kid-Friendly Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is always a crowd pleaser. Feed your children a meal they’re sure to enjoy without sacrificing healthy habits with the following recipe.
Preparation Time: 20 Min
Cooking Time: 30 Min
Yields: 6 Servings
Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Meatballs
Olive oil cooking spray
1 cup of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, like Ian’s Natural Panko or 4C Whole Wheat breadcrumbs
1/3 cup bulgur
½ cup of hot water
½ cup chopped onions
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup grated or shredded carrots
½ pound ground turkey
1 tsp. dried oregano
Sauce
A jar of marinara, such as Victoria Low Sodium or Amy’s Kitchen Organic Marinara Sauce Low Sodium
Or
2 or 3 large tomatoes
1 tbsp. olive oil
Salt
Pepper
3 garlic cloves
2 tsp. oregano leaves
Bowl of ice water
Directions for Sauce
Begin by boiling a pot of water.
Core the tomatoes and add them to rigorously boiling water for 30 seconds or more, but no more than a minute. Wait for skin to become slack.
Once done take them out and add them to your bowl of icy water. When your tomatoes have cooled, toss the seeds and chop them.
Sauté your garlic and onions.
Add the chopped tomatoes and other ingredients. You have the option of leaving it chunky or pureeing it in the blender.
Meatballs
Stir your bulgur and water in a bowl and leave it until the water is soaked up, which takes about 30 minutes.
Preheat your broiler. Spray your baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray thoroughly.
Add all of the remaining ingredients, including the bulgur and turkey until you have a single mixture. Spoon off 1 ½-2 ½ inch portions and ball up according to preference.
Combine the meatballs and the sauce. Place in the broiler and cook for 10 minutes.
Cook whole wheat spaghetti according to packaging directions.
Mac N’ Cheese
Preparation Time: 20 Min
Cooking Time: 20 Min
Yields: 8 Servings
1 lb. whole wheat elbow macaroni, shells or other similar pasta
Olive oil cooking spray
2/3 cup shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
½ cup skim Ricotta cheese
1 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. whole wheat breadcrumbs
½ tsp. dry mustard
2 cups 1% milk
Directions
Heat oven to 375.
Spray your baking pan with oil olive oil cooking spray.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your whole wheat pasta and cook to desired consistency, usually between 5 and 8 minutes. Drain your water and place pasta in a bowl.
Toss your macaroni with the cheese, salt, milk and all other ingredients. Add to baking pan. Top with parmesan cheese.
Bake the mixture for about 20 minutes. If you’d like the top of the dish to have a crisp finish, add it to the broiler for an additional 3 minutes.
No Bake Peanut Butter Raisin Cookies
½ cup reduced fat peanut butter
½ cup pure honey
¼ cup frozen orange juice
1 ½ cup powdered milk
¼ cup of cocoa
4 cups of raisins
Directions
Combine all ingredients into a thorough mixture. Scoop off balls of 1 inch to 2 inches in size, depending on preference. Flatten before serving. For a little variation, consider using less raisins and smoothing the mixture onto graham crackers for a yummy treat.
Hello my name is Nisha I represent a site called BabyPlanet.biz, I love to write about parenting, children and give advice to mums.
