junior chef

Easy Banana and Cereal Snack for kids

At Junior Chef, momstown Ottawa made a super simple snack with bananas and cereal that the kids loved and could make almost all on their own; banana pops.  It is a versatile snack that is only limited by your imagination! 

 

easy banana pops 

 

Ingredients:

bananas

popsicle sticks

yogurt (optional to use honey or peanut butter/almond butter)

Cereal suggestions: Fruit loops are a great cereal to use to make a colourful snack.  We also used Cheerios and Harvest Crunch for a healthier option. Banana, peanut butter and Harvest Crunch was a fave!

 

Directions:


1.  Cut bananas in half

2.  Dip them in yogurt

3.  Cover them in cereal. 

4.  Stick a popsicle stick in it and it’s done! 

 

Another great way to make these is to freeze the bananas first, brush them with a little honey then roll in your favourite cereal.  It makes for a great frozen snack on a warm day.

 

 

 Submitted by momstown Ottawa

Posted by momstown team on 05/02/2013 - 11:42
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Make your own Trail Mix with the Kids

momstown moms and kids love to go exploring!  One important thing to pack when you are going on an adventure is a snack.  Set up a fun "Trail Mix Bar" and let preschoolers make their own trail mix to fill their hungry bellies.

 

create your own trail mix

 

Trail Mix Bar Ideas

pretzel sticks
banana chips
raisins
marshmallows
chocolate Cheerios
Shreddies
dried cranberries or other small pieces of dried fruit
Goldfish crackers
popcorn (for older children)
chocolate chips
mini teddy bear cookies or animal crackers
Smarties (nut-free)

 

1.  Let the kids decorated some paper bags to hold their trail mix. 

 

2.  The kids lined up to go along the bar to put their snacks into their own bags.  Remember to teach the kids about using spoons and tongs (great for fine motor skills) to keep from spreading germs!

 

3.  Take this as an opportunity for kids to try new things!  It was great to see the kids learning that they liked one of these new snack items!

 


The preschoolers loved this super easy snack that they can eat with their hands.  While we sat down to eat the trail mix we talked about Spring and some of the great places to explore.

 

Submitted by momstown Hamilton

Posted by momstown team on 04/29/2013 - 11:08
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Exploring Exotic Fruit with your child

momstown moms love to explore with our incredible crafts but you can also have some fun exploring foods with your kids!


exotic fruits with kids

 

The beautiful display of colourful fruits on the table caught the eye of everyone. We started off with guessing the name of each fruit.

 

When we correctly identified the fruit, it was passed around the table for everyone to look at, touch and smell.  Pineapple and mango were easily guessed, but the others were a little more challenging.  The children enjoyed the guessing game, and everyone was happy to hold the fruits in their own hands.  

 

exploring exotic fruits with kids

 

trying exotic fruits

 

Once the fruit was passed around, it was time to dig in!  Each child got a butter knife, small plastic plate (or "cutting board") and a small plastic bowl.  It was time to guess what each fruit would look like on the inside!  Almost everyone guessed the papaya would be yellow, but they were surprised to see the beautiful salmon colour and black seeds.  Seeing the white flesh with tiny black seeds inside the dragon fruit (or "monster fruit" as one of our Jr Chefs called it) was surprising when the kids guessed "blue", "yellow" or "red" would be inside the vibrant pink skin.

 

The fruits we tried today were: Pineapple, dragon fruit, pomegranate, granadilla, mango, papaya, and star fruit.  Most of these fruits were very easy for our Junior Chefs to cut on their own with their butter knives. They also enjoyed picking out the delicious juicy pomegranate seeds from the yellow flesh.  Moms were close by to lend a helping hand, however the kids did a wonderful job making their own fruit salads. It was nice for the kids to be able to decide what they wanted to eat and when!  

 

We were all so proud of them... everyone did such a beautiful job exploring the fruits and bravely tasted EVERYTHING!!

For more details and ideas to explore with your child, visit momstown Milton.

 

Posted by momstown team on 04/22/2013 - 12:43
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6 Fun Space Snacks for Kids

Are you ready to BLAST OFF this month, with momstown? 

 

We are learning all about space with creative crafts and informative books...but who can learn on an empty stomach?  We've gathered some "space" themed snacks that are sure to impress your little astronauts!  Make sure you wash down these delicious treats with some MILK from the Milky Way!!!

 

1.  Create a variety of easy and quick Asteroids or Space Balls with your kids.

 

2.  Get out your star cookie cutters or cake pans to create star shaped fruit slices, cheese or even sandwiches.

 star shaped snacks

 

3.  Make "Astronaut Mix" with your favourite snacks, raisins, cereal and candy (Froot Loops, popcorn, smarties, pretzels).

space snacks

 

 

4.  Make a Rocketship sandwich 

 
• 2 slices white bread (use thin bread for best results)
• 1 slice whole wheat bread
• Radish
• Cheese slice
• Assorted pepper slices
• Cucumber slice
• Cheese for star
• Sandwich filling of your choice

1.  Trim off crusts and cut bread slices into a rocket shape.

2. Fill with sandwich filling of your choice.

3.  Cut rocketship legs from whole wheat bread and fill.

4.  Make cheese slice and orange pepper legs to add to the top of the whole wheat legs.

5. Cut three, thin radish slices for rocketship windows.

6.  Make flames beneath the rocketship from yellow pepper.

7.  To finish, cut a star from a cheese slice or orange pepper. Make a “moon” slice from cucumber.

space snacks 

 

5.  Remember Moon Pies?  Try this simple recipe that kids will love to make.

 

6.  Make an impression with a Rocket Ship cake!  Here is a great "how-to" video from Betty Crocker!

 

Complete the space theme with easy decorations for your picnic in space;

  • use chinese lanterns for planets (hung from the ceiling)
  • try this cute idea to make your plates look like the moon.

space party for kids

 

 

Posted by momstown team on 02/20/2013 - 14:11
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Polar Snacks! No-Bake Snowball Cookies

In keeping with our Polar animal theme, we have so many snacks to help your feel right at home with the polar bears, penguins and walrus!

 

Snowball cookies are a great no bake recipe and fun for kids to help in the kitchen! 

 

polar animal, no bake snowball cookies

 

 

Ingredients


2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons peanut butter or sunbutter
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

 

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the oats, sugar and cocoa. With clean hands, mix in the water, vanilla, butter and peanut butter/sunbutter to form a dough.

Wash hands, then roll the dough into balls 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Roll balls in confectioners’ sugar until thickly coated.

Chill 20 minutes before serving.

 

no bake snow ball cookies

 

Thanks for sharing, momstown Oakville

Posted by momstown team on 02/11/2013 - 14:54
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Cooking with Kids: From-Scratch Vanilla Cake and Homemade Icing

homemade cake

If I need to bake a cake, my habit is to use a pre-set cake mix. Old habits die hard. Especially when they are easy and reliable and heck, even taste great!


Ever since we tried this Homemade Chocolate Cake recipe from Today’s Parent, now every box cake tastes, well, like a mix, to me. It’s not the same as from-scratch. This recipe really is a delightful recipe for any cake or cupcakes you want to make at home. It makes a dense and delicious cake that your family will ask for again and again.

 

This weekend, my daughter needed cupcakes for a Valentine party so this from-scratch Chocolate cake recipe re-appeared. We planned to use the Chocolate recipe, except, we didn’t have any cocoa left. Never fear! We adapted and made these great Vanilla Cupcakes which you will love too, which was also adapted from the original Today's Parent recipe.

 

Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe

Baking Time: 25 to 50 minutes

¾ cup (175 mL) vegetable oil
2cups (500 mL) sugar
3 eggs
2tsp (10 mL) vanilla
2½ cups (625 mL)
all-purpose flour
1tsp (5 mL) baking soda
 ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt
 1½cups (375 mL) water, or half water and half milk

1.    Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottoms of cake pans (2 round or one rectangular) with baking parchment paper, and/or grease the paper and sides of the pans. Or line two 12-compartment muffin pans with cupcake liners.

2.    Add the oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla, and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until very creamy — about 2 minutes.

3.    In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture in two or three additions, alternating with the water and beating until smooth after each addition. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans or cupcake liners. Bake 9 in (23 cm) round layers for 40 to 45 minutes; a 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) rectangular cake for 45 to 50 minutes; cupcakes for 25 to 30 minutes. Just to be sure, a toothpick poked into the middle of the cake or cupcake should come out clean, with no batter clinging to it.

4.    For cake, run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen it, then invert onto a cooling rack or plate. Peel off paper and turn cake right-side-up on a rack to cool completely.

Next, we needed icing. We had homemade cupcakes so then we needed homemade icing.  The Joy of Cooking Cookbook is my go-to book for most recipes and provided a simple and delicious recipe.


Confectioners Frosting Recipe:
4 cups (460 grams) confectioners’ sugar (icing or powdered sugar), sifted
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 tablespoons milk or light cream
Assorted food colors (if desired)

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until smooth and well blended. Beat in the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the milk  (we added the food colouring to the milk since we knew it would all be pink) and beat to combine. Then, on high speed, beat frosting until it is light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). If not using right away, cover with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from drying out.


This frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using. Add a little milk or sugar if needed to get the right consistency. Tint portions of frosting with desired food color.

 

 

 

Posted by momstown mama on 02/11/2013 - 01:29
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Cooking with Kids: Simple Guacamole Recipe

guacamole recipe

A recent Junior Chef ‘moment’ was born in my kitchen. It came about from function:


a)    My toddler needed something to do
b)    It was lunchtime
c)    I had avocados on the brink of expiry

 

Voila! An opportunity to kill three birds with one stone! Beautiful.

 

Guacamole is a hit in our house with our avocado loving kids. It is delicious  but also so good for us because  of its super-duper fats. A great addition to sandwiches or salads but my favourite way to eat an avocado is as guacamole.

 

Our family-guacamole is crazy simple. If the kids aren’t eating it I make it spicier but the plainer the better for my kids and this recipe is very simple.

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
2 Tablespoons salsa
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt

 

The toddler friendly part comes to play in the scooping and the mashing. Simply hand your child the avocado washed, sliced in half and pitted. She can scoop the avocado into a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher.


Scooping and mashing two avocadoes took my almost 3 year old a good ten minutes. Just enough time for me to get the rest of lunch prep going and almost done. She sat there so happily, scooping and chatting. And creating something super delicious all on her own!


Once mashed, add in the last three ingredients and serve. Guacamole is delicious with almost anything, but try it with these Kid-Friendly Quesadillas, as a dip for fresh veggies or dollop on top of Turkey Chili or Enchiladas.

Posted by momstown mama on 02/11/2013 - 00:16
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Cooking with Kids: Valentine's Day S'mores

These Valentine's Day S'mores were easy to make and a great recipe for kids to get involved with.  These Valentine's Day treats would be great to make for a party or you could wrap up a few pieces to give as gifts.

Valentine's day smores for kids

 

Ingredients:

1 package chocolate or regular graham crackers
1/2 cup butter
1/2 firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup hot water
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup red and pink smarties or m & m's

 

Directions:

1.  Preheat the over to 350F.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, leaving an overhang.  Spray with cooking spray. 

2.  Put down the graham crackers onto the sheet so they cover the entire thing, right to each edge.  Get the kids to help line up the graham crackers on the baking sheet.  It is good practice for creating a pattern and for figuring out the best way to put them down so that they covered the whole sheet.

3.  Encourage the kids to help measure out the marshamallows and candy.  They can even taste a few for quality control!

4.  Melt the butter and brown sugar in a pot over medium heat, stirring often until smooth and mixture comes to a boil.  Add the hot water.  Pour evenly over the crackers and bake for 6 minutes or until bubbly.

5.  Remove from the oven and sprinkle on the marshmallows.  Put back in the oven for about 3 minutes.

6.  Sprinkle with the red and pink candy and put back in the oven for 1 minute.  Cool completely.  Lift from the pan and cut into small squares.

 

Have a Sweet Valentine's Day from momstown Oakville!

Posted by momstown team on 02/03/2013 - 14:21
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6 Polar Animal Snacks to Make with Kids

After you have made your Polar Animal crafts, you need to make your polar animal snacks!  Here are some fun ways to take this Polar theme from adorable to a delicious!

 

While you are making these cute polar treats, you can watch and learn the actions to this cute Penguin Song or read some polar animal books!

 

1.  Polar Bear Rice Cakes are a fun and healthy treat to make with kids for a meal or snack, using foods they already love!

 

Ingredients:

Rice cake or English Muffin
Cottage cheese or Cream Cheesepolar bear snacks for kids
Raisins, Chocolate Chips, Cereal "Os"
Oreo cookie
Banana
Plastic knife

 
Directions:

Let children spread cottage cheese or cream cheese on a rice cake or english muffin. Use an oreo cookie for the polar bear's nose and black olives, cereal "Os", chocolate chips or raisins for the eyes. 

Add two banana slices for the eyes and enjoy!

photo credit: Twiggle magazine

 

 

2.  Penguin Cookie Treats are easy to make!

penguine snack from cookies

 

Ingredients:

Oreo or other white and black sandwich cookie

Candy corn, Smarties, marshmallows or Hershey's kisses

 

Directions:

Open the cookie and try to spread the cream filling on both halves.  Place one cookie above the other on the plate.

Decorate with eyes, beak, wings and feet (using marshmallows or candy corn).  You can also cut a "kiss" in half for the wings.

photo credit

 

 

3. Pear and Chocolate Penguins are healthy-ish and are fun to make!  Be sure to follow instructions for melting chocolate.  This snack is really fun because you can decorate your plate with jello for ice blocks and shredded coconut for snow! 

pear and chocolate penguin snack

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Penguin- Using Hard Boiled Eggs, Olives or Timbits!

 

Olive Penguin (photo credit)

penguin snacks

 

Ingredients:

Two jumbo olives

Carrot

Veggie dip or cream cheese

 

 

Directions:

You will create the feet from a round slice of carrot. Lay the slice flat on cutting board and starting in the center make two diagonal cuts to the sides in the shape of a "V".

For the body, take a jumbo black olive and cut a slit in it from top to bottom. Fill the slit in the olive with veggie dip or cream cheese and place it on top of the carrot feet.

Place the "V" that you cut out of the carrot feet into the other olive to create a beak and set it on top of the stuffed olive.

Hold the snack together by inserting a toothpick through the whole creation, from the head, through the stuffed olive body, down to the carrot feet for a delightful and healthy creation for your preschoolers.

 


 

You can also make a fun penguin dessert using two chocolat timbits, white icing and some candy!

 

 

Or

Create a cute penguin with a hard boiled egg!

 

hard boiled egg penguin

 

 

5.   Seal Sandwich

cute seal sandwich for kids

 

Ingredients:

Any sandwich
Peeled clementine or cherry tomato
Pretzel stick
Black sprinkles or a chocolate chip
cream cheese

Instructions:

Put two slices of bread together and cut out the shape of a seal.

Stand the seal on crust end. (The crust gives it a sturdy base.)

Use pieces of leftover crust for the flippers and tail.

Stick a pretzel into the center of the clementine.


Place the clementine or cherry tomato on top of the nose of the seal, pressing the pretzel stick into the sandwich for sturdiness (add cream cheese as glue if necessary). 


Using cream cheese as glue, glue a black sprinkle or chocolate chip in place for the eye.

photo credit

 

6.   Polar Bear Cupcakes are so adorable with stacked large and mini cupcake and top with coconut!

 polar bear cupcakes

 

 

 Enjoy! 

 

Posted by momstown team on 01/29/2013 - 13:44
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Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

The Milton momstown Junior Chefs had a great time making a delicious and easy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna. We crafty moms are always looking for new ways to include more veggies in meals for our kids, and this recipe is a yummy way to do just that. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, and special enough for company this recipe is a keeper.

 

spinach ricotta lasagna recipe

 

 

What you need:


4c of part skim ricotta
2 packages frozen spinach - thawed and with water squeezed out!
1/2 cup Parmesan
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper
3 eggs, whisked

box Lasagna ready to bake noodles

 

We started on the spinach ricotta filling. The kids took turns adding and measuring the ingredients into the mixing bowl. A great opportunity to learn about numbers and build awareness of quantity!  They especially liked the hands on approach to squeezing the water out of the spinach (and a few mamas learned a new trick!).

 

spinach and ricotta lasagna

spinach ricotta lasagna


The Junior Chefs then moved on to assembling the lasagna! We added layers and the little ones had fun guessing what came next. They soon discovered that there was a pattern involved.


Sauce (1/2c)
Pasta
Spinach Ricotta mix

Sauce
Pasta
Spinach Ricotta mix

Sauce
Pasta
Sauce (approx 1 cup to cover the surface of the pasta layer)
2c shredded mozzarella

 

kids cooking lasagna


Our beautiful lasagna was covered with foil and went into the oven at 350 degrees for 45min. The foil was removed and it baked for 10 minutes longer.

 

The highlight was being able to taste test what we had made - YUMMY! It was unanimous with our group of Junior Chefs - everyone loves pasta!

Posted by momstown team on 01/23/2013 - 14:17
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