Last year it was revealed that 86% of children under the age of 5 do not get their 5 a day. 48% of parents claimed their children were fussy eaters. I struggle with my 5 year old, there are certain things that he won’t eat. So with that in mind I have these four recipes for those fussy little eaters.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
This classic dish is always a hit with kids. You can make your own meatballs or use supermarket-bought ones to make things easier. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it’s not too soft.
Ingredients
- Beef or Turkey mince
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion
- Tomato sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
Directions
In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape into balls and set aside.
In a large pot, sauté onions in olive oil until softened. Add tomato sauce and meatballs and simmer for 20 minutes.
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Serve with meatballs and sauce on top.
Crab cakes
These are a fun and easy way to get kids to eat seafood. You can find crab cakes pre-made at the supermarket or make them from scratch. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side. For fresh fish products have a look at fishforthought.co.uk.
Ingredients
- Crab meat
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Mayonnaise
- Old Bay seasoning
- Parsley
- Green onions
- Lemon juice
- Tartar sauce
Directions
In a bowl, mix together crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, green onion, and lemon juice. Shape into patties and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crab cakes and cook for about four minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
Chicken Nuggets
This is a kid-friendly meal that adults will love too. You can use supermarket bought chicken nuggets or make your own using chicken breasts/thighs. Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard on the side.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Egg
- Milk
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In another bowl, mix together flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then coat with flour mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard on the side.
Grilled Cheese
This classic cheese toastie is always a hit with kids. You can use any type of bread and cheese that you like. Be sure to butter the outside of the bread, so it doesn’t stick to the grill.
Ingredients
- Bread
- Cheese
- Butter
Directions
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Butter the outside of each slice of bread. Place cheese on one slice of bread and top with another slice. Grill for about two minutes per side or until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
You can also get your children involved when cooking. Teach them valuable life and safety lessons too. My son absolutely loves getting involved in the kitchen. He makes his own sandwiches, and my husband or I are always there to supervise! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this, however I now feel a bit peckish!
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