Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel, where your kid actually cooks you a meal? Help him gain confidence and valuable kitchen chops with these starter recipes.
Photo: Roberto Caruso
So get this: These bite-sized treats have the rich decadence of a brownie but are made of dates, nuts and a bit of cocoa. Kids will love whirling it all up in the food processor and rolling their troubles away. Let them customize their coatings, with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, even chocolate chips and sprinkles. Get the recipe: No-Bake Brownie Bites
Photo: Roberto CarusoMagic happens when you shake up heavy cream: Thick, delicious DIY butter! Get the recipe: Homemade Butter
Photo: Jodi PudgeOld-school cornstarch pudding is the best. It’s simple and delicious and made with ingredients you’ve already got stocked. Kids will be chuffed with the whole process, from mixing and thickening to topping their sweet creation with candy and sprinkles. Get the recipe: Double-Duty Homemade Pudding
Photo: Maya VisnyeiCooked quinoa adds a dose of iron and whole protein to this family favourite. Lay out your frozen bananas the night before so they’re ready for mushing in the morning. Get the recipe: Quinoa Banana Bread
Photo: Emily CummingNaan bread steps up to the plate as the base for these super simple pizzas. Enlist the help of your sous chefs to grate cheese, laddle sauce and top these mini pies with whatever their little hearts desire. TIP: If it’s too cold to grill, these cook up nicely in a 350F oven for about eight minutes (or until the cheese gets melty). Get the recipe: Grilled Veggie Pizza
Oh baby, have you ever made fudge? It’s pretty simple, requiring just three ingredients. The hardest part is probably waiting for it to chill in the fridge. TIP: Adults will need to help out at the candy boiling stage. Get the recipe: Maple Fudge
Photo: Erik PutzDoes your mini chef have 20 minutes to spare from his busy life of toys and TV? That’s about all the time you need to whip up this rich and creamy kid fave. There’s cheese to grate, milk to measure and pasta to mix. Get the recipe: One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Photo: Roberto CarusoRescue that batch of slowly browning bananas with this easy fix. There are no rules here, so dunk them in chocolate then dredge them in sprinkles, cornflakes, candy—you name it. Get the recipe: Banana Pops
Photo: Erik PutzThis recipe is the perfect project for mini pastry chefs. They will love rolling out the (premade!) dough, whisking the egg, sprinking the cheese and twisting them up almost as much as scarfing down the finished product. Get the recipe: Twisted Cheese Straws
Photo: Roberto CarusoThey take a little time to set, but soft, squishy marshmallows are totally easy to make. Kids can choose the colour and cut them out in any shapes they please. Put the hot chocolate on! #party. Get the recipe: Heart Marshmallows
Read more:
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11 recipe projects to take on this weekend
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.