Oh mama, your little toddler is a rocket who will sometimes eat enough to literally blast off but I bet some days they leave you wondering if they are suddenly joining the new fasting trend?
I have to assure you while your toddler doesn't know about fasting (hopefully) that we do have to trust their little bodies. One banana alone can supply a toddlers body with enough nutrients for two weeks! We definitely don't recommend that but we want you to know it is okay! They love to be our favourite kitchen companions who don't always agree to what we make.
I will confirm it is absolutely always a great idea to rope them in to assist in the kitchen. You will get to spend some bonding time together, and your tot will proudly show off their dishes that they have created (even if it gets a bit messy - try to do it often!).
There are many other benefits attached to the obvious. From ages 2-3 years old, they use all five of their senses to explore the world around them and discover new things. This is also the age where they develop their taste palates and can become a picky eater as a result thereof.
Engaging your tot in the kitchen is one of the ways that can mitigate the frustrations of tantrums during mealtimes. Get them involved in the kitchen with you! You can undertake conversations with them, asking questions and edutaining (educating x entertaining) as you process with the recipes.
- They can learn basic math, measurements, and language skills.
- Colours, shapes and tastes can be learnt in this manner.
They might deep dive into helping you as much as possible, or just sit and watch you make the food or snacks, but if you whip out the cookie cutters, and other favourites; you will find them wanting to help, and eat their creations in no time.
For this reason, we are sharing 3 recipes that your toddler will love:
Blueberry Watermelon Yogurtcicles
The grab-and-go tasty snack that is both colourful and tasty. This is a treat that the whole family will enjoy!
Time: 6 hours, 5 minutes
Serving Size: 8 yogurtcicles
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 6 hours
Nutritional Facts/Info:
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fat: 0 g
Protein: 6 g
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup seeded and cubed watermelon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, washed
- ⅓ cup liquid honey
- 8 popsicle moulds or polystyrene cups (125ml)
Directions:
- Place all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender and combine well. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse slightly until the desired consistency has been achieved.
- Divide the mixture equally between the moulds or paper cups. If you are making use of the moulds, cover the top with tinfoil and stick a craft stick in the middle of each individual mould.
- Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours, and enjoy!
Homemade Cheesy Veggie Faced Pizzas
This recipe alone will ensure that your preschooler consumes four of the five a day.
Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 4 pizzas
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Facts/Info:
Carbohydrates: 105 g
Fat: 17 g
Protein: 29 g
Pizza Dough Ingredients:
- 150g wholewheat flour
- 350g white flour
- 1 1\2 teaspoon yeast
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 400ml warm water
Tomato Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can chopped tomatoes, drained
- 1 small clove of garlic, chopped
- Pinch of thyme
- Seasoning (optional)
Topping Ingredients:
- 80g grated mozzarella cheese
- 80g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, washed and cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, washed and cut into strips
- 1 summer squash, washed and cut into circles
- 1 small punnet of cocktail or cherry tomatoes, washed and halved
- A handful of pitted olives
- 1 can of salt-free corn, drained
Directions:
- Combine both of the flours into a large mixing bowl, sifting them first. Next, stir in the sea salt and the yeast.
- Make a hole in the middle and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix well with a wooden spoon until it forms a soft dough that is relatively wet.
- Lightly knead the dough in the mixing bowl, and transfer to a clean, dry surface that is lightly dusted with flour. Knead for 5 minutes, and cover with a clean, dry tea towel.
- Leave the dough to rest for a few minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, garlic, time, and desired seasoning into a blender or a food processor, and blitz.
- Preheat the oven to 240℃. Transfer the topping ingredients to individual bowls.
- Knead the dough again, and cut into 4 equal parts. Roll out 2 of the balls on a floured surface into wide circles. The dough needs to be thin. Lift the dough into floured baking sheets and hand them to your toddlers to decorate.
- Repeat the process with the remainder of the dough, or wrap in plastic and place in the freezer for later.
- Place the decorated pizza in the oven and cook for 15 minutes until crisp. Halfway through the cooking process, swap the pizzas so that both get equal time on the top and bottom halves of the oven.
Waffles for the Weekend
Delicious and freezable. Once they are cooked, they can be popped into the toaster anytime for a snack.
Time: 26 minutes
Serving Size: 8 waffles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Nutritional Facts/Info:
Carbohydrates: 105 g
Fat: 17 g
Protein: 29 g
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ⅓ cups of milk
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Directions:
- Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl, by shifting.
- In a measuring jug add the eggs, and beat them well with a fork. Add the milk and the oil, and beat again, until well combined.
- Join the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in the bowl. Combine well until a batter has formed.
- Preheat the waffle iron, while the batter rests for 5 minutes.
- Spoon ladles of batter into the waffle iron and cook for 2 minutes per waffle.
- Top with cream, jam, butter, chocolate chips, syrup, honey and fresh fruit.
Checkout our interview with Laura Bentley who shares how you can save money on your grocery shop and other tips!
