Today we have a guest blog from Kim Stakal, a.k.a. The Green Gourmet. Kim is a food writer, culinary/nutrition instructor, and recipe developer living in Chicago. She received her culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health & Culinary Arts in NYC and has been exploring health and good eats ever since. Check out her website at www.the-green-gourmet.com.
As a cooking instructor, I'm always thrilled to find new ways to get kids excited about cooking in the kitchen: that's why I was so happy to discover the Handstand Kids Cookbooks!
The
Handstand Kids cookbooks are internationally-themed cookbooks that
introduce children to the culture, language, and cuisine of a new
country -- by utilizing vegetarian-friendly recipes that highlight
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The recipes throughout each book
are leveled for difficulty from one to four. Don’t be discouraged if you
have toddlers who want to learn; the recipes have ways for kids as
young as three to get involved.
Kids will
have a blast learning about new foods from new countries, and learning
how to cook each step along the way. There are even new languages to
discover in each book: utensils and ingredients are translated into
their original language so that children can become more culturally
savvy as they cook. Each cookbook kit comes packaged with a cooking
accessory such as an oven mitt, a chef’s hat, or a set of chopsticks.
Total bonus for the little chef-in-training in your life!
Families and schools around the nation are doing their part to help make our children’s foods healthy and green; with shows like Jamie Oliver’s "Food Revolution" going mainstream, it’s only natural that we are all starting to pay attention. The Handstand Kids offer great ways for all of us -- kids, parents, teachers and friends -- to be part of the movement in our own kitchens.
Here is a recipe from the Handstand Kids Mexican Cookbook. It’s a fruit-filled taquito made from whole wheat tortillas. Simple, delicious, and with no sugar added, this dessert will get the kids in your life excited about cooking (and eating!) healthy foods together.
Apple-Licious Taquitos
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortillas, 1 per child
- Apples, red or green, 1 per every 2 child
- Apple sauce (no sugar added), 1 jar per 8 children
- Cinnamon, 1 jar
- Vegetable or canola oil
Procedure:
1. Preheat a skillet on low.
2. Core and dice the apples using a corer then let the children cut the slice with their plastic knives.
3. Have each child spoon the applesauce into a medium mixing bowl. Once diced, have each student put the apple pieces into the bowl. Mix. Measure and add about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in the bowl using the wooden spoon.
4. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat one side of the tortillas with veggie oil.
5. Flip over and place 1 heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of each tortilla.
6. Roll the tortillas to make a flute shape, then place them on the skillet (seam-side down).
7. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the tortillas become crispy. Flip. Then remove them from the heat and let cool.
8. Enjoy!
These kids are too much... That's one is really good to have. Thanks for this wonderful recipe.
Posted by: Amanda | May 26, 2010 at 05:55 AM