Do you have a child who is a picky eater? Or just the opposite? A kid who loves to try new foods?
Either way, you’ll score big in the kitchen when you make these Italian dishes that most kids love.
They’re easy to make at home and your kids can even help! Read on to discover some Italian meals that will please everyone’s palate at lunch or dinner time.
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Mmmmmm. Noodles. Who doesn’t love noodles? And when you pair them with hearty marina sauce (it’s ok you can use it from the jar) and meatballs, they’re even better. This is an easy meal to make, as well as inexpensive, that your kids will surely love. Give them some tasks, such as stirring the sauce, helping form the meat into balls, and setting the table. Finish the meal with a yummy, fresh salad to help with digestion – the Italian way.
2. Italian Style Pizza
Otherwise known as Neapolitan, this Italian style pizza is sure to make a hit. It is made from a round and flattened (can you say thin crust?) base of leavened wheat-based dough. Top it with tomatoes, cheese, and any other toppings you want. Then bake it. For the kids, have them “decorate” the pizza with their favorite toppings.
3. Roasted Veggies
It can be hard sometimes to get your kids to eat vegetables. But with this Italian recipe, they’ll love their veggies. You can use any veggies you want, so have the kids choose which veggies they’d love to roast, such as baby potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, and more. Cut and place them together in a large mixing bowl. Add your favorite Italian seasoning and olive oil and then transfer to a lightly-oiled baking sheet and stick them in the oven. Yum.
4. Calzones
Calzones are basically folded pizza. They are made from salted dough and baked in the oven. Stuff them with your kid’s favorite meats and cheese, like pepperoni, salami, ham, parmesan, and mozzarella. Sneak some veggies in there too.
5. Gelato
For dessert, offer this Italian favorite. The main ingredients are milk and cream. The best flavors are vanilla, chocolate, or anything fruit based. If you decide to make it at home, have the kids do the churning. Otherwise, pick some up in the frozen dessert section at your local grocery store for a new twist on dessert time.
Whether you’ve been working non-stop, the weather has you down, or you just need some warmth and comfort any time of year, Italian food is the perfect choice. The term comfort food first appeared in the 1960s in an article published by the Palm Beach Post.