Cooking Projects For Preschoolers

Ok, let's get down to the good stuff.  We know how much children love to do the things us adults do. We also know how picky our little ones can be when it comes to food.

So, why not get creative? Two birds. One stone.

We find that when planning and executing cooking projects in the classroom and at home it helps them to be more willing to try the food they are preparing. They yearn to do these "adult" tasks with us. My favorite way to entice them to try new things is to offer the cooking project as a lesson; but they can only do the lesson if they take a bite.

You would be surprised how many children will try new foods this way.  Slicing cucumbers and carrots? No problem. Cutting celery and bananas? Yes please.

We've even had parents come in with foods from home that their picky eaters refused to give a second glance, and beg that we somehow, someway turn them into believers. I would have to say that by the end of the school year, we had a 90% success rate.

Try it out!  If it doesn't work, at least you have fun activity ideas to share with your children. Trust me, cooking is a great bonding experience 😉

1 - Pizza Bagels!

(Image courtesy of YouTube)

Oh man, is this a good one. Kids love making these so much that they go home and immediately send their parents out for the ingredients to make with them. We make these every year at the beginning of the school year to break the ice with our students. I mean, who doesn't like pizza? Or bagels? This is easily one of their favorite projects.

What you will need:

Plan Bagels, of course (cut in half) For children we use mini bagels, but you can can use any

1 - jar of your favorite pizza sauce

Your favorite toppings (optional)

Mozzarella cheese (grated)

Directions:

You can do this one of two ways; Bake or microwave. We prefer to microwave here at school.
If baking, set your oven to 375.

Spread pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half.

Add toppings and cheese

Microwave on high for 25 seconds or bake for 10 minutes (or until cheese is a bubbly gooey goodness)

Voila.

2 - Piggy Pancakes

(Image courtesy of Allrecipes)

This goes perfectly after reading, "If You Give A Pig A Pancake" by Laura Numeroff.

What you will need:

Your favorite pancake mix. Hint: Frozen pancakes will work in a pinch if you don't feel like cooking 😉

Blueberries or chocolate chips for the eyes and a banana for the snout

Directions:

Prepare pancakes according to package instructions. If you prefer to add ears you can cut a prepared pancake into ears.

Place one small pancake in the middle of the place for the face.  Add the banana for the snout and blueberries or chocolate chips for the eyes.

And just like that, you have a piggy pancake. Top with syrup if you so choose and enjoy!

3 - Eggs In A Mug

(Image courtesy of frugalhausfra.com)

What you will need:

An egg, because what would eggs in a mug be without the egg 😄 Though, if you so desire use egg whites

A mug

Veggies and or meats (cooked) of choice (Optional)

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

Cooking Spray

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Lightly spray the inside of the mug

Crack egg into mug and microwave on high for 1 minute.  Add desired veggies, meats, and cheese. Return to microwave and cook for another 30 seconds or until eggs are cooked through.

Let cool and chow down!

4 - Easy Cheesy Quesadilla

(Image Courtesy of AllRecipes.com)

What you will need:

(2) Tortillas

Shredded Sharp Cheddar.

Cooking Spray

Directions:

Lightly spray your plate

Top one tortilla with as much cheese as your little heart desires

Feel free to add meats or veggies if you see fit

Cover with second tortilla

Microwave on high for one minute or until cheese is melted

Cut into fours and it's always wise to have sour cream and or salsa on hand.  They are a nice touch to an already fabulous munchie.



Enjoy!