Mini-chefs: Fun recipes to make with your kids

Whipping up a meal or a special baked treat with your kids is a great way to spend the morning. Not only will you keep them entertained for an hour or two, but you’ll also get to enjoy the delicious rewards afterward! Here are three recipes to try next time you and your little ones are in the mood to create some magic in the kitchen.

This healthier take on a classic slice is naturally sweetened with sultanas, making it a delicious snack for morning or afternoon tea and the perfect lunch box treat for the kids.

Serving size 24

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1-1/2 cups sultanas
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup coconut
• 220 grams Becel Buttery Taste Margarine
• 3/4 cup raw sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C. Place a saucepan over low to medium heat, and melt the margarine and honey together.
2. In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together. Get your kids’ help in measuring out the correct quantities and in stirring the ingredients.
3. Add the melted margarine-honey combination, and mix well.
4. Spread the mixture into a slice or lamington tray that has been greased with Becel Buttery Taste Margarine or lined with baking paper.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into 24 slices while still warm.

Ditch the greasy burgers, and make these nutritious egg salad sliders instead. Your little ones will love stacking them sky-high with tasty ingredients.

Serving size 8

Ingredients:

For the egg salad mix:

• 5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt and pepper

For the sliders:

• 8 mini burger buns or dinner rolls
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• Lettuce leaves to cover 8 buns
• 1 tomato, sliced into thins
• 1 dill pickle, sliced into discs
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Becel Buttery Taste Margarine

Directions:

1. To make the egg salad mix, in a bowl, combine the eggs, celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and pepper, and mix well.
2. Cut the buns in half, and smear a light layer of margarine on each side. Grill for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the buns from the oven, and place a small lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun.
4. Top with egg salad, being sure to divide the mixture evenly across all buns.
5. Add layers of cheese, tomato, pickles and a squirt of ketchup, then cover with the top half of the bun to form a burger.

Photo courtesy of Egg Farmers of Canada. Recipe adapted from Egg Farmers of Canada suggested serving.

Following a vegan diet? Try these healthy vegan oatmeal cookies >>

You simply can’t go past chocolate chips cookies as the ultimate indulgent treat! Fill up your home with the delicious aroma of baked goodness with this easy recipe both you and your kids will adore.

Serving size 24

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Becel Buttery Taste Margarine
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F/190 degrees C. In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the margarine and brown sugar together for 2–4 minutes, until creamy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until blended.
4. Gradually beat in the combined dry ingredients until just blended, then stir in the chocolate chips. For a little added fun, set aside a handful of chocolate chips, and encourage your kids to create patterns and smiley faces on the cookie dough during the next step.
5. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough about 5 centimetres apart on baking trays, and use the back of a fork to press down the mixture a little and flatten each cookie. Add extra decorative chocolate chips if desired. Bake until the edges are golden (around 7–9 minutes), and serve the cookies warm with tall glasses of milk. Delicious!

Photo courtesy of Becel Buttery Taste Margarine. Recipe adapted from Becel Buttery Taste Margarine serving suggestion.

More on baking and cooking with kids

Healthy peanut butter and banana muffin recipe
Best ways to hide veggies in your kids’ meals
Chocolate cake in a mug