Gulf Coast Family

Have you ever noticed how your childrens' faces light up when you pull them up to the counter and let them stir something? The kitchen is a center of activity in many homes, and as a result, children want to be involved. Letting children help to prepare meals is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about responsibility, creativity, science and the importance of following instructions. Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started.

Cheese Sticks

These snacks are easy to prepare, and are great for a late-night snack or in a lunch box.

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• Italian seasoning

1. Spread dough into a 9-inch square. Drizzle with olive oil.
2. Sprinkle dough with cheese. Sprinkle garlic salt and Italian seasoning over cheese.
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is lightly browned.
4. Cut in half, then cut each half into 1 1/2 inch strips.

Makes 12 sticks

Strawberry-Banana Smoothies

You can replace the strawberries and bananas with any combination of fresh or frozen fruit in this simple recipe.

• 15 frozen strawberries
• 1/2 banana
• 1/3 cup plain or strawberry yogurt
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• Fresh strawberries and additional banana slices for garnish

1. Place strawberries in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to thaw slightly. Cut the banana into chunks.
2. Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender and process until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with fresh strawberries and banana slices if desired.

Makes 1 smoothie

Have a great recipe your kids love to make and eat? Send it to us at articles@gulfcoastfamily.org, and we may feature your young cooks in a future issue!