Recipes

kids cooking:

The Dairy Council of California provides parents with nutrition tips and recipes to support them in their role of modeling healthy food choices at home. Try one of these kid-friendly recipes today from Dairy Council of California's Meals Matter website!

Food Variety
Enjoy these meals together around the table with your child. Chances are if they see you eating a variety of foods, they too will enjoy them.

Calcium
In order to build strong bones and teeth your child needs calcium. Recipes that contain dairy foods are a great source of calcium.

It can be difficult to be sure that your child is getting all the calcium they need from milk. For those kids who are picky eaters here are a few great ways to sneak in some dairy.

There's More to Dairy Foods than Just Calcium!
Dairy foods deliver a bounty of nutrients: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B12, and D, riboflavin and niacin, and protein. Try these kid-friendly recipes to get a boost of good health.

Fiber
To include more fiber in your child's diet, reach for whole grain products. They make great snacks, are a filling way to start the day, and complement any meal.

Whole Grains
Whole grains are an essential part of good nutrition and they taste good! From old fashioned oatmeal to more unusual grains like quinoa (keen-wah) whole grains can add variety, texture and flavor to every meal.

Protein
Protein is an important nutrient that helps your child to grow up strong and build muscles, skin, and bones. Dairy products, eggs, meat, beans, nuts and fish are some foods that contain high amounts of protein. Here are some fun and tasty meal ideas that include protein.

Getting protein in at every meal is important for optimal growth and health. This recipe is fun and packed with protein and calcium for healthy bones. For a lower fat version try baking the fish strips instead of frying.

More Fruit Anyone?
To make your child's diet fruitier, try these simple recipes. These fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that will help to keep your child healthy.

Jump Start Your Child's Day with Breakfast
Jump start your kids' morning off right with a healthy breakfast. This will help your child have better attention and concentration in school, along with fewer absences.

Snackin' Good Time!
To help encourage healthy snacking, be prepared with these easy snack ideas. They are great for those after school munchies and simple enough that your child can help you make them.

Finger Foods
Finger foods are fun, nutritious and kids love them! Orange and red bell pepper strips are sweet, crunchy and packed with nutrition. Serve them along with a yogurt-based dip for a great lunchtime side or snack.

Pizza Party
Create a "leaning tower of pizza" by adding your child's favorite veggie or sneaking a new one on top of this recipe. Have them help you create this meal by tossing on the toppings.

Kids in the Kitchen
Little hands can be a big help at dinnertime. Having your kids help with planning, and making dinner can lay the foundation for a lifelong interest in food and nutrition.

It's in the bag! Young ones can help with mixing ingredients if you put everything in a sealed bag and let them shake it up. Helping with meals builds self-esteem and encourages an interest in food and cooking.

Nutritious and Fun Meals!
Make mealtime fun and spark an interest in good health. Nutritious meals can be fun to make and even more fun to eat. Teach your child that nutritious food tastes good with these recipes.

Trying New Foods
Getting kids to try new foods can be a challenge. Kids will be more interested in trying new foods when they get to pick them themselves. So, let them make their own meal! They'll love getting to choose their own food and you'll love getting them to try something new.

Teaching with Food
Teach your kids about colors and counting using fruits and vegetables. It's never too early to get your kids familiar with a variety of foods and it just may spark a lifelong interest in nutrition!