As an important life skill, learning to cook and becoming familiar with kitchen basics can be an exciting adventure for kids from toddlers to teens. Using a delicious childhood favorite like popcorn as the key ingredient at the center of your lessons can spur interest and enthusiasm.
Along with understanding measurements and safety, teaching your children how to make simple recipes also offers opportunities to bond and make memories that can last a lifetime. Popcorn is a snack food associated with good times and it性视界传媒檚 versatile enough to encourage creativity.
While it性视界传媒檚 important to start with easy techniques that introduce future chefs to the culinary world, it性视界传媒檚 also helpful to ensure they性视界传媒檒l enjoy eating their first creations so they性视界传媒檒l be eager for more time in the kitchen.
As a whole grain that性视界传媒檚 100% unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs, air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup and offers a whole grain that provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates. Because whole grains are important sources of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and fiber, you can instill the values of nutritious snacking all while having some fun.
These simple yet delicious recipes and tips can help you get your kids involved in the kitchen.
Sweet 性视界传媒檔性视界传媒 Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 tablespoons peanut butter
6 large pretzel rods
3 cups popped popcorn
Sugar sprinkles
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Steps
Spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter over one pretzel, leaving 2-inch 性视界传媒渉andle性视界传媒 without peanut butter. Repeat with remaining peanut butter and pretzels.
Press and roll popcorn onto peanut butter to coat each pretzel. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
To make optional chocolate drizzle: Place chocolate chips in small resealable plastic bag and seal bag. Microwave 30 seconds, or until chocolate is melted.
Clip small corner from bag and squeeze to drizzle chocolate over popcorn.
Sprinkle with additional sugar sprinkles. Allow chocolate to harden before serving.
Pop-A-Rific Popcorn Balls
Yield: 14 balls
Ingredients
3 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
1 package (1 pound) marshmallows
1/4 cup butter or margarine
Steps
Place popped popcorn in large bowl.
In large saucepan over low heat, cook marshmallows and butter or margarine until melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn, tossing gently to mix well. Cool 5 minutes.
Butter hands well and form into 2 1/2-inch balls.
Variations: To color popcorn balls, add 3-4 drops of food coloring to smooth marshmallow mixture. Mix well to distribute color evenly then pour over popcorn as instructed.
Mix in candies, nuts or dried fruit after mixing popcorn and melted marshmallows. Stir to distribute then form into balls.
Place nonpareils in shallow bowl or plate. Roll popcorn balls in nonpareils after forming.
