Now that summer’s here and the July 4th is rapidly approaching, do you need help in the kitchen? Whether you’re shopping, planning, cooking or simply thinking about fruits and vegetables, your kids can help you out! Fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org can help you stir up some fun while teaching your kids science, math, culture and healthy eating habits.   Find Kid-friendly recipes and more! And for the vegetarian kid, though it may be a challenge for you to cope with this decision, don’t panic!  This site has some great answers. There are health benefits that come from following a well-planned vegetarian diet.

So get kids involved by:

10.  Mean Green Cleaning Machine. Let them wash fruits and vegetables when preparing for cooking or eating.

9.  Pick a Peck! When shopping, let them select a new fruit or vegetable to try…or several!

8.  Make it Snappy: Let them snap the green beans, snap peas, or break the flowerets from the broccoli or cauliflower.

7.  I  Spy. Play “I Spy” in the produce section when grocery shopping.

6.  Tear It Up! Let them tear the lettuce for salads and sandwiches.

5.  Measure Up! Let them measure the frozen vegetables before cooking them.

4.  Peel & Slice.  Older children can peel and slice carrots, cucumbers, potatoes…the list goes on!

3.  Stir & Spice.  Make applesauce from fresh apples.  Let them stir and add the cinnamon.

2. A Sprinkle A Day… Let them sprinkle herbs or other seasonings onto vegetables.

1.  Monster Mash!  Pull out the potato masher!

Have fun cooking with your kids.  They will have  a better chance of becoming kitchen savvy and astute meal planners. But, don’t forget the fond memories.

Here’s to a healthy and happy kitchen!

The Bing Note Team