Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in the kitchen and enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labor from the garden. Cooking with kids not only strengthens family bonds but also helps little ones develop healthy eating habits, creativity, and confidence. Using fresh ingredients from your Stack & Sprout garden adds an extra layer of fun and freshness to your culinary adventures.
Here are some kid-friendly recipes and tips to make your cooking sessions enjoyable for everyone this winter:
1. Rainbow Veggie Pizza
Nothing says fun like pizza night!
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach or kale (From your Stack & Sprout)
- Cherry tomatoes or winter squash slices
- Store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough and spread tomato sauce evenly.
- Let your kids decorate the pizza with their favorite veggies from the garden, creating colourful patterns or even smiley faces!
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy your edible masterpiece.
2. Garden Herb Breadsticks
Warm, fresh breadsticks with a hint of garden-grown herbs are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary (From your Stack & Sprout)
- Store-bought or homemade breadstick dough
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven as directed on the dough package.
- Roll out dough into thin sticks.
- Let kids brush each stick with olive oil and sprinkle chopped herbs and a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake as instructed until golden brown.
Serve these with soup or as a snack while sharing garden stories!
3. Winter Garden Smoothie Bowls
Turn leafy greens and berries into colourful, nutrient-packed bowls.
Ingredients:
- Handful of fresh spinach or Swiss chard (From your Stack & Sprout)
- Frozen berries
- Plain yogurt
- Honey (optional)
- Granola and nuts for topping
Instructions:
- Blend greens, frozen berries, yogurt, and honey until smooth.
- Pour into bowls and let kids add granola, nuts, and any fun toppings they like.
This is a great way to sneak in extra greens and teach kids the art of food presentation.
Tips for Stress-Free Cooking with Kids
- Prep together: Assign age-appropriate tasks like washing veggies, stirring, or measuring ingredients.
- Keep it safe: Teach knife safety and consider using kid-friendly tools.
- Embrace the mess: Cooking with kids can get messy, but it’s all part of the fun. Keep towels handy and enjoy the process!
- Celebrate the effort: Even if the dish isn’t perfect, praise their hard work and creativity.
Cooking with kids using fresh ingredients from your Stack & Sprout garden isn’t just about making meals—it’s about creating memories. This winter, gather your family, harvest happiness, and let the kitchen become your classroom, playground, and bonding space all in one.
What’s your favourite recipe to cook with your little ones? Share in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
