Fueling tiny taste buds can be intimidating but fun. Prioritising healthy options is vital. Weโve pulled three popular recipes from various online sources to offer your little one deliciousness and well-rounded nutrition.
Morning Munchies: Rainbow Veggie Frittata Muffins (Inspired by Piccalio on Pinterest): Start the day with a colourful and protein-packed breakfast.ย This recipe from Piccalio uses chopped veggies like zucchini or broccoli whisked with eggs and milk and then baked in muffin tins. It’s a fun finger food that toddlers can grab and go.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 small zucchini or one large head of broccoli, chopped
- Small piece of carrot and small piece of red pepper (optional)
- ยฝ an onion, chopped
- one clove of garlic, minced
- six eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ยผ cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Sautรฉ chopped veggies in a pan with a little olive oil until softened.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add the cooked veggies, cheese, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Fill muffin tins ยพ the way full with the egg mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tip:ย Let your little one help wash and chop the veggies (with supervision, of course!) for some pre-breakfast bonding.
Main Course Marvel: Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Power Bowls: This lunch or dinner option is a crowd-pleaser. Shred cooked chicken and combine it with steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, and peas. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheese and serve with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- one boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
- ยฝ cup chopped carrots, steamed or roasted
- ยฝ cup peas, steamed or roasted
- ยผ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken breast according to your preferred method (baking, poaching, grilling).
- Steam or roast the broccoli, carrots, and peas until tender-crisp.
- Combine shredded chicken, cooked veggies, and cooked brown rice or quinoa in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
Recipe Inspiration: Numerous recipe variations for “power bowls” can be found online. Sites like https://www.budgetbytes.com/ offer creative and toddler-approved options.
Sweet Dreams Dessert: Creamy Mango Popsicles: Skip the sugary store-bought treats and whip up some refreshing homemade popsicles. Blend ripe mango chunks, plain yoghurt, and a drizzle of honey for a naturally sweet and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
- one ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- ยฝ cup plain yoghurt
- one tablespoon of honey
Instructions:
- combine mango chunks, yoghurt, and honey in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
Freeze the mixture in popsicle moulds for a cool and healthy treat. Fun and colourful popsicle moulds are available online or at most kitchenware stores.
Remember:
- Always consult your paediatrician before introducing new foods to your toddler, especially if they have any allergies.
- Adjust portion sizes based on your toddler’s age and appetite.
- Most importantly, have fun together in the kitchen!
Also, donโt be nervous or pedantic about the mess. Adopt some wisdom from Ellyn Satter, Registered Dietitian and Family Therapist: “Taking the pressure off eating and allowing for exploration can foster a more positive relationship with food. When children play with their food, they can discover textures, shapes, and colours, making the whole eating experience more enjoyable.”
With a little creativity and these tips, you can create a world of delicious and nutritious meals that will keep your toddler happy and healthy.ย
