Children who are usually fussy eaters, can be tough critics when it comes to what they like eating. Smaller meals, where pockets of nutrition can be snuck in, become the key to successfully getting your child to eat what is provided to them. Most kids enjoy snacking on things that are attractive to the eye, taste delicious when bitten into and anything that is portable or easy to hold, while eating. Bread, especially good bread made with whole grains, can be a great source of carbohydrates for growing children, who spend a significant part of the day playing or engaged in other physical activities. Here are some recipes to recreate with bread for easy snacking or packed lunches.
PB&J Sandwich
The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a favourite among kids. Make your sandwiches nutrient-dense by making your own batch of sugar-free peanut butter at home along with seasonal fruit preserves, which are a great way to incorportate more fruit into your kid’s diet.
Grilled Cheese
Melted cheese between slices of toasted bread is always a hit. Make a veggie puree to use as a spread inside the grilled cheese to add some nutritional value or serve it with a veggie soup for dipping, to make it a complete meal. Shop for artisanal cheeses and freshly baked local bread instead of using processed cheese or mass-produced bread.
French Toast Sticks
Cut bread into sticks that can be dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Cook them in a moderately hot skillet on all sides and dip them in cinnamon sugar or drizzle a healthy glug of maple syrup for a sweet treat that kids can enjoy with a glass of milk in the evenings. You could also serve up these French toast sticks with fresh berries, compote or jams for an extra burst of bright fruity flavour.
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Veggie Wraps
Use a toasted tortilla, cream cheese, and a variety of colourful veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots to create delicious lunch wraps that children can enjoy, once they have been cut into fun shapes. Add scrambled eggs, cheese and slices of salami for some extra protein or simply swap with tofu or paneer, if you’re vegetarian.
Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups
Spread cream cheese on a slice of bread, add a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, roll it up, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You could also toast these roll ups for extra crunch and flavour, giving way to gooey cheese that children will be delighted to eat. Add tomatoes, caramelised onions or some pesto for colour, a burst of flavour and elevate the deliciousness quotient.
Sesame Toast
Image Credits: Tesco Real Food
The Indo-Chinese beer bar classic can be adapted for children in this deep-fried snack that basically has bread slathered with a spiced mash potato and studded with zinc-rich sesame seeds. If your child is a seafood lover, swap the potatoes with minced prawns and coat generously in sesame seeds, before flash frying and serving it with ketchup.