School Is Out So Let the Kids Do The Cooking
School is out for summer and that means a new family routine.This is a great time for kids to improve their cooking skills. Those lazy, hot afternoons are prime boredom time so get them going in the kitchen. Below are a few recipes to help them get started. Most 12 year olds can cook the following recipes after seeing Mom make it once. These are not considered light meals but they will fill the kids up and keep the junk food away for a few hours.
Easy Quiche
- One Frozen Pie Crust
- 1 Cup Half and Half
- 3 Eggs
- ½ to 1 Cup cheese of your choice
- Meat of your choice chopped fine
- Veggies of your choice chipped fine
- Salt, Pepper and seasoning to taste
Preheat the oven to 400. Poke the pie crust a few times with a fork so it won’t bubble up. Cook for 5 minutes and then take out of the oven and sit on a protected surface. Mix eggs in a bowl and remind the kids to fish out any pieces of shell that may have fallen in. Add half and half to the egg mixture along with salt and pepper. Chop cheese into very small cubes. We use any cheese that’s in the fridge, whether it be block or shredded. We use several kinds like Sharp Cheddar, Swiss or even Parmesan. For meat, we use bacon or even ham or turkey lunch meat. You can also go vegetarian, chopping up carrots, broccoli, onion, peppers or whatever else may be in the fridge. Put the cheese, then meat and veggies in the crust. Pour milk and egg mixture over the top. We sprinkle Italian seasoning on next for an added zesty flavor. Place the quiche on a cookie sheet. That makes it easier to put in and take out of the oven. Cook for 30 minutes at 400 degrees and it’s done. Have the younger siblings cut up bananas and strawberries for a fruit serving. Buy prepackaged salad, add some croutons and ranch dressing and the family is ready to feast.
Tacos, Rice and Beans
- One or Two Pounds of Ground Beef
- Taco Meat Seasoning (We buy the kind in the large plastic container)
- Chopped onion
- Shredded Cheese
- Salsa or Taco Sauce
- Taco Shells
- Vegetable Oil
- Box of Mexican or Spanish Rice
- Can of Beans (black, pinto or red beans)
Brown meat and onions. Drain grease by putting meat in colander with 3 paper towels in the bottom. Discard the paper towels and rinse out colander. Return meat to pan and add water and taco seasoning according to amount. We like to add a little paprika and chili powder for a spicer taste. Cook rice according to directions. Put the beans in a bowl and heat in the microwave. Serve buffet style with tortilla chips, salsa or taco sauce and cheese. For a festive beverage, buy some limeade and add sliced limes or lemons for a fun touch.