For love of the kitchen // Ali Wyman Shake and bake, and I helped! My love for cooking began many years ago, long before I could reach the countertop without the help of a step stool. Like a lot of kids, I stood, not so patiently, awaiting instruction from Mom on what tiny element of our meal I could help with. Stirring the pancake batter, shucking the corn cobs, or sprinkling the cheese may have seemed like harmless jobs to Mom, but to me, I was practically Rachael Ray with my own cooking show. Not only had Mom given me a head full of pride and a sense of accomplishment having helped make dinner, she had taught me some very important skills as well. I had learned control, to be careful, and how to be thorough and detail oriented. Unfortunately today, with hectic schedules and obligations, so many families fall into the pre-packaged, processed, frozen meal routine. I think it is so important for kids to have a home cooked meal when possible, not only for the health benefts, but so they too have the opportunity to learn skills in the kitchen. The recipes I am including today are fun and healthy ideas for kids to participate in making and enjoy eating. The frst recipe is a lunch box hit or perfect for an afternoon snack. These peanut butter fruit roll ups take the classic idea of a PB&J, add real fruit, and are presented in a cool new shape kids will want to show of at the lunch table. Peanut butter fruit roll ups are not only delicious; they will teach your kids a multitude of kitchen talents, including how to carefully use a butter knife to chop fruit and spread peanut butter. Additionally, by using fresh fruit instead of jelly, your kiddos get a belly full of protein, fber, and vitamins they need to grow and be healthy. The second recipe is perfect for a healthy dinner at home with your family and has endless possibilities. Your kids will have a blast helping to prepare and individualize these tortilla pizzas. While I have included the recipe for barbeque chicken pizza, your family can personalize each tortilla with fun combos like ham and pineapple, chicken and light ranch, or turkey bacon and diced tomato. Kitchen beginners can spread their chosen sauce, sprinkle chicken, onion and cheese January/February <strong>2014</strong> • 10 on the tortilla. For any older, more experienced kitchen helpers, tortilla pizzas will teach kids to brown chicken using a skillet, chop fresh vegetables, and carefully use an oven. Since we have swapped heavy pizza dough for a whole wheat tortilla, and chicken and vegetables for pepperoni, there a far few calories and far more taste buds doing a sweet and savory jig. Peanut Butter Fruit Roll-Ups 1 banana, mashed 2 teaspoons honey ¼ cup low sodium peanut butter 2 8-inch whole wheat tortillas 1 kiwi, peeled and thinly sliced 4 medium strawberries, thinly sliced ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Directions: Mix banana, honey, honey and peanut butter in a small bowl. Spread peanut butter mixture onto tortilla and layer with kiwi and strawberries. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up tortilla. Cut into one inch thick slices and serve. Each tortilla serves one. Barbeque Chicken Tortilla Pizza 1/2 pound chicken breast 1/4 cup BBQ sauce 1 cup canned diced pineapple (in juice – not syrup), drained – juice reserved. 1 red bell pepper 1/2 white or red onion, sliced 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Handful of fresh cilantro Salt & Pepper 4 8-inch whole wheat tortillas Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken with salt & pepper. Heat skillet over medium high heat and add chicken breast. Brown chicken for fve to six minutes per side. Once cooked through, add one tablespoon reserved pineapple juice to pan and stir chicken to glaze. Remove chicken from pan and dice. Dice pineapple chunks, chop red pepper, thinly slice onion and chop cilantro. Spread one tablespoon barbeque sauce onto each tortilla. Add 1/4 of chicken, pineapple, red pepper, and onion. Top each pizza with mozzarella cheese and cilantro. Place each pizza on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for fve to seven minutes until cheese is melted. Serves Four. • Ali Wyman is a recent graduate of <strong>Indiana</strong> University Southeast. She lives for books, music and family. She thinks in our fast-paced lives, it’s nice to stop and enjoy life’s gifts. No gift means more to her than a good meal with loved ones. Ali can be reached at aliwyman@umail.iu.edu.
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