Make Thanksgiving mealtimes even more enjoyable by making traditional favorites attractive to little ones. See how your dishes can be transformed into healthy, kid-friendly favorites in a few easy steps. Motivate your children to eat typical Thanksgiving dinner favorites by encouraging them to participate in making these delicious recipes.
Smashed Sweet Potato
Bake yams or sweet potatoes at 350°F for 90 minutes or until caramelized sugar seeps from the skin. Peel, mash, and flavor with orange peel and pumpkin-pie spice. Have children pick out their favority topping: a bit of brown sugar, a sprinkle of pecans or a crunchy layer of granola. You just might win a few converts.
Crunchy Carrot or Sweet Potato Fries
Loaded with phytonutrient goodness! Slice carrots or yams into 1/2-inch-wide sticks and toss in a bowl with olive oil and salt or other seasoning. Bake at 425°F on a dark, non-stick baking sheet or foil-lined baking pan until crisp, turning once. For even crispier fries, keep them in the oven a little longer (with the heat turned off).
Yummy Baked Apples
Fill a casserole dish with cored, unpeeled apples. Combine brown sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a small bowl and spoon into the apple cores. Dot with a bit of butter, pour boiling water into the bottom of the casserole dish and bake at 375°F for 30 to 45 minutes, or until tender. Baste the apples with the juices from the pan. Yum!
Spaghetti Squash
Children will be interested in trying a new food item that looks similar to some of their favorite foods. This squash dish looks like spaghetti when cooked. Use a fork to shred baked squash and toss it with garlicky butter along with a bit of Parmesan cheese.
Submitted by Leslie Kay-Getzinger, MS RD
Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services Company
Image Credit sheknows.com
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