Cache Valley Family Magazine, Lee’s Marketplace and Citrus Pear Dinners have joined forces for a Kids Test Kitchen to inspire families and kids to eat healthily by providing young kids the opportunity to cook, taste and then teach their families about nutrient-dense foods.

A dozen local kids were able to participate in the Holiday Kids Test Kitchen, but we hope many more Cache Valley families will try this healthy version of a favorite holiday breakfast: Healthy Holiday French Toast.

Ingredients

 *Serves 4

  • 8 slices of whole wheat bread
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • Filling:
  • 2 cups fruit (seasonal fruit is best)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese made with part skim milk
  • Optional 1 tsp honey or 2 Tbsp peanut butter
Instructions
  1. In a shallow dish, combine eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and milk. Whisk until mixed thoroughly. Set aside.
  2. Cut up fruit into bit size pieces, if needed. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl combine ricotta and honey or peanut butter and mix well. Add in fruit.
  4. Preheat griddle.
  5. Spread filling over one slice of whole wheat bread. Place top slice on firmly so it looks like a sandwich.
  6. Dip both sides into egg mixture and cook on griddle.
  7. Slice and drizzle with your favorite syrup or dip in your favorite holiday cranberry sauce.

You can make this recipe extra fun by having your kids use cookie cutters to cut the bread into their favorite holiday shapes.

Children are often fascinated by what they see grownups doing the kitchen. It isn’t always convenient to invite them to help, but it is worth it, when time allows.

To the kids, it will seem like fun, but there are other benefits too:

Preschoolers see how the dishes they eat are put together and get hands-on experience, which is a great way to learn, feel like they are helping out and be exposed to new foods.

School-age kids can learn cooking basics and use math skills as they help combine ingredients for recipes. You can also use the time to talk about good nutrition and why you chose the ingredients you’re using. It lays groundwork for healthy food choices.

Teens might appreciate the chance to improve their cooking skills which is good preparation for when they’ll need to cook for themselves.

Want your child to participate in our next kids test kitchen?

For a chance to participate in our next Kids Test Kitchen, try this recipe at home and snap some photos while you’re at it. Share your experience on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #cvfmkidstestkitchen (make sure your account is public for us to be able to see it!) or email us directly at info@cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com.