Easy Holiday Recipe Ideas for Kids

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Getting kids involved in creating holiday foods is a great idea and it has many benefits. It shows them where food is created and also keeps them involved in a wholesome family activity.  It also teaches a skill that can be continually developed while they grow.  Many famous chefs,  including the celebrity chefs, will credit their careers to their parents and even grandparents getting them involved at a young age. Celeb chef Giada De Laurentis is often seen in the TV kitchen with her young daughter, Jade, working side by side. What are some recipes that can be simple enough for a child yet enjoyed by all for the holidays? Cookies come to mind first to most people as they are fun to make and so many varieties can be part of the holiday recipe.  Aside from those tempting treats here are a few other ideas;

Eggnog and other holiday drinks – A few ingredients and a blender can produce some decadent concoctions that are easy and fun for kids. There are many safe recipes available for eggnog without the slight risk of salmonella that may be present with some raw eggs.

Holiday Breads – Date nut, pumpkin, cranberry and even plum pudding are all easily made in a mixing bowl and popped into the oven. Kids will enjoy seeing the bread transform from batter into a beautiful brown loaf of home baked fragrant goodness. Tasting is even better.

Stuffing or dressing – Give them some bread and let them tear it into pieces then they can add all the other ingredients and mix it together. Whether its chestnuts,  walnuts,  sausage,  apples,  or whatever is traditional in your family,  let them learn to carry the tradition forward from a young age.

Save your muscles – Give the kids the potato masher and turn them loose on the boiled spuds, yams or turnips.  To you its work,  to them its fun.

Chocolate coated anything – Pretzels,  nut clusters,  Rice Krispies,  marshmallows,  fruits and more. What does not taste great dipped in chocolate and what could be more fun for kids? Martha Stewart offers many decadent Christmas candy recipes.

Have fun and record these memorable moments. Kids covered in cookie dough and chocolate make adorable photos for holiday cards. Tiny Prints offers a wide selection of holiday cards for you and your family to choose from. If it is Thanksgiving you can send them for Christmas. If it is Christmas, save them for next year or send a “we missed you” card to those who may be in the military, or elsewhere far away, and could only be present in your hearts. One little card can make a big difference. Also encourage the children to make treats to share with neighbors,  friends and especially the less fortunate. A wrapped loaf of homemade holiday bread or a tray of cookies is always appreciated.

A special thank you to my guest post:

Jen L. is a freelance writer and aspiring blogger. She enjoys writing about parenting, cooking (especially cupcakes!) and crafting.  Jen is happily married to her college sweetheart and a mother to two beautiful little girls.  If Jen’s not at home,  you can find her at Whole Foods!  Follow Jen on Twitter @KeepCalmandMom