Every family has their own traditions when it comes to holiday fare. Many enjoy the traditional full sit down dinner while others mix it up and celebrate with their favorite tacos. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a wonderful time of sharing food and feeling thankful for the people in our lives.
Involving your child in the preparation and enjoyment of holiday meals will lead to a lifetime of cherished memories and traditions for your child.
Involving Your Children in the Cooking
When it comes to holiday cooking, there are many ways kids can participate. With some supervision, toddlers can help by washing and drying produce, tearing lettuce or herbs, kneading dough, stirring, mashing and brushing oil or butter onto pastry dough. You can together create a variety of kid-friendly holiday dishes that the whole family will love.
No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Pies
Take this yummy recipe for No Bake Mini Pumpkin Pies from Eating By Elaine, which happens to be vegan, gluten- and nut-free, for example. These make great party snacks to bring along to gatherings and are fun for little ones to help with. Toddlers can help break cookies into a food processor or crumble and crush them if you’re doing it by hand. While you do the measuring, let the kids take turns dumping them in. They can even help spoon the mixture into the pan.
Vegan Whipped Coconut Sweet Potatoes
It’ll be a long time before children can be trusted with the holiday turkey or Christmas roast, but side dishes offer opportunities galore for little hands to help. Even if your family isn’t vegan, everyone will love this twist on classic sweet potato casserole: Vegan Whipped Coconut Sweet Potatoes. Kids can scrub the sweet potatoes and then poke holes in them for the oven. If allowed to cool completely, they’ll be happy to help scoop out sweet potatoes for mashing!
Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Grape & Figs
If Brussel Sprouts grace your holiday table, this is a completely unique recipe that makes it easy to introduce them to kids and even picky adults! Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Grape & Figs are low-fat, naturally sweetened and gluten-free! It’s the perfect potluck dish. Measure the ingredients and place them in a sealed container or bag and let the little kids shake to coat them. They can also spread them on the pan and sprinkle the herbs (with some oversight, of course).
Regardless of whether you’re “tried and true” or “something new,” time spent with your child is the most important thing. Helping them learn about food and food preparation will serve them well throughout their lives and help create lasting memories for generations.
