Kid Friendly Summer Recipes

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.