Healthy Recipes from EatFresh.org

It‘s the heart of summer, and there is no better time to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your cooking. EatFresh.org is an awesome resource for parents and providers to find healthy recipes on a budget. The website shares how to buy and store a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains, and tips on ensuring proper nutrition, special diets, and much more!  The pages and recipes can also be instantly viewed in English, Spanish, or Chinese by clicking in the top right corner.

Preparing healthy meals together is an excellent way to teach kids about cooking and positive eating habits. Young kids learn from watching adults in their care. If they see you cutting and preparing colorful vegetables, they will be more likely to try those items later on.

Here is one of our favorite kid-friendly recipes from EatFresh.org:

Rainbow Cups are full of color and vitamins, plus they’re easy to make and delicious. While prep work involves using a knife and the stove, kids can still get involved in other ways. Children age 3 to 5 who are developing their small finger muscles can help stir cold ingredients, wash fruits and vegetables, and wipe down the counter.

Ingredients

• 1 orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and diced
• 1 cup jicama, diced
• 1 cup fresh soy beans
• 1/2 sesame seed oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water or stock
• 8 spring roll wrappers, cut into circles
• Nonfat vegetable oil spray

Equipment

• Measuring spoon
• Cutting board
• Muffin cups
• Baking sheet
• Large bowl
• Nonstick pan

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 .
• Lightly coat muffin cups with nonfat vegetable oil spray.
• Firmly press each of the spring roll wrappers into a muffin cup and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for a minute, or until the wrappers turn a crispy golden brown.
• Over a high heat, add vegetables and sesame oil to the nonstick pan and sauté until tender-crisp (3 to 5 minutes). Season to taste with salt and sugar.
• Carefully spoon the sautéed vegetables into the spring roll cups and immediately serve.

*note: recipe makes 8 servings

What are your favorite recipes to cook with kids?