Thanksgiving Recipes Your Kids Will Actually Eat

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 Nov 2008 01:50 PM

Let's face it; young children don't embrace Thanksgiving the same way they do Christmas. Turkey Day means less candy and more relatives looking to pinch cheeks--not exactly what most children would consider components of an ideal day.

Still, since your offspring (and those of your siblings) are part of the family, it would behoove you to make a few dishes that cater to young taste buds. The following recipes are kid-friendly and don't take much time to prepare.

In addition, if you are super accommodating (like my mom) you may consider going above and beyond the call of duty by creating separate dishes especially for the kids' table. For example, while the grown-ups are dining on fresh garlic and bacon mashed potatoes, you might consider making a bowl of plain mashed potatoes for the kids.

Otherwise, experiment with the following recipes, which appeal to kids of all ages:

MARSHMALLOW SWEET POTATOES

Ingredients:

1 can yams or 4 fresh yams or sweet potatoes

1/4 cup butter

1/2 bag miniature marshmallow (10 oz.)

1/2 cup apple or orange juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drain canned yams and discard liquid or peel and place fresh yams in dish. Pour juice over yams. Sprinkle liberally with brown sugar. Dot with butter.

Bake for 30 minutes until liquid is bubbly.

After cooking mash into desired consistency.

Top with marshmallows and return to oven until marshmallows are gooey and lightly browned.

Serves 6.

BAKED CHEESE PINWHEELS

Ingredients:

Puff pastry sheet (1 sheet)

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 green onion, chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes or until it's easy to handle.

Lightly grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Beat the egg and water in a small bowl. In another bowl, stir together both types of cheese, onion and garlic powder.

Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Brush the pastry sheet with the egg mixture. Top with the cheese mixture. Starting at the short side closest to you, roll up like a jellyroll. Cut into 20 (1/2 inch) slices. Place the slices cut-side down on the baking sheets. Brush with the egg mixture.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Serve warm.

Related Articles:

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Y is for Yams

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Thanksgiving Recipes: Classic Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving Recipes: Spectacular Sides

Autumn Recipes from A to Z

Autumn Recipes: W is for Wild Rice

Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Snack Table

Beyond the Pumpkin Pie: Sweet Treats for Your Thanksgiving Dessert Table

Kicked Up Thanksgiving Pies

Variations on the Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Apple Pear Pie

Cranberry Cherry Pie

Abandon the Pumpkin Pie: A Pumpkin Torte

Abandon the Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin Apple Cobbler

Bring On the Pumpkins: How to Cook with Fresh Pumpkin

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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