With summer temperatures sweltering
here in the US, no one wants to heat up the kitchen. The heat
only makes picky eaters even more finicky. So I've put together a few easy and kid-friendly
recipes to help moms and dads beat the heat.
Remember, kids like to be
involved, so let them in on the decision AND on the hands-on making of the meal!
Chicken Quesadillas
Flour (or corn) tortillas
2 cups cooked, shredded
chicken
1 can refried beans
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Spread a thin layer of
refried beans on a tortilla. Add a layer of chicken and a layer of cheese. Top
with another tortilla. Heat just until cheese is melted (let's call it gooey…kids
LOVE that word). Heating in a microwave (30 seconds or so) will result in a
soft tortilla. Heating in a skillet gives the tortilla a nice crispness.
Heating on the grill offers crispness and a wonderful smokiness. Cut each
quesadilla into quarters and serve with various condiments: salsa or pico de
gallo, sour cream, guacamole, salsa verdi, etc. (Add more grown up toppings for
the adults: shredded lettuce, roasted red peppers, sliced scallions,
caramelized onions, etc.)
Bagel Pizzas
Bagels (regular-sized for the
adults, mini bagels for the kids)
1 jar pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 bag pepperoni slices
Slice bagels; top with sauce,
mozzarella, and pepperoni. Heat just until cheese is gooey. As stated above,
the microwave works, resulting in a soft bagel. Heat in a skillet or on the
grill for a crisp "crust." You could also pop the bagels under the
broiler for a few minutes.
Watermelon Lemonade
6 cups of seedless watermelon
(cut into 1" cubes)
1 ten-ounce bottle lemon
juice
6 cups water
¾ cup sugar
Working in batches, puree
watermelon with the lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Place puree
into a large pitcher. Add water and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour
over ice cubes. Yum!
Ice
Cream Sandwiches
1 package store-bought
chocolate chip cookies
1 container ice cream
rainbow sprinkles, chocolate Jimmies, minced nuts, mini chips (optional)
Place a scoop of your
favorite ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. Roll sides in sprinkles, Jimmies, nuts, mini chips. Enjoy!
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Squares
1 package graham crackers
1 eight-ounce package cream
cheese, room temperature
6 tablespoons confectioner
sugar (super fine)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Mix the cream cheese, sugar,
and vanilla until completely combined. Spread onto graham cracker squares. Top
with sliced strawberries. Delicious and easy summer dessert.
