Pick-Up Sticks

Somehow, the exact same food served on a plate may hold no appeal, but place it on a stick and it instantly becomes fun and festive. One of the kebab’s greatest virtues comes from the fact that all of its ingredients are in kid-friendly, bite-sized pieces. This ensures kebabs cook quickly and makes presentation of the meal far more appealing and exciting.

Another wonderful thing about kebabs is that they are a great opportunity to make mealtime preparations a family affair by getting younger family members involved in planning and helping in the kitchen.

Spending time cooking also has many positive benefits for children’s learning and development. Cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables may help start a dialogue and learning about health and good nutrition.

Cooking for kids also provides practical experiences with many essential skills such as reading, following directions, and measuring. Getting involved with meal preparations also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and provides children with hands-on math and science experience.

Time spent in the kitchen also encourages interactions and communication among children and parents. The entire family benefits from a healthy meal, a sense of shared accomplishment, and the enjoyment of one another’s company.

So throw on an apron, read on, and invite the whole family into the kitchen to have fun with your food.

Recipes

Oatmeal Breakfast Kebabs

Chicken and Waffle Pops

Tandoori-Style Shrimp and Mango Kebabs

Parmesan Squash Kebabs with Tahini Pesto Sauce

Banana Split on a Stick