Cooking with children has many benefits. From team building to early math and science skills, children who cook their own foods will enjoy an opportunity to learn and create together!
An easy way to make healthy muffins is to throw all of the ingredients into a blender, mix them up and then pour directly into muffins tins to bake! Children in a group can take turns adding different items to the blender, while discussing measurements and nutrition.
This activity can be done with toddlers or preschoolers. Although more support and prep work will be required for toddlers, they will enjoy pouring all of the pre-measured ingredients into a blender. Children in preschool and pre-k might be able to take on this activity with more independence by using measuring cups and helping pour the batter into muffin tins.
The Nourished Seedling’s recipe for Banana, Spinach and Oat Blender Muffins is simple and healthy! It can be easily done with a large or small group of children. These green muffins are nut-free, whole wheat, low sugar, and packed with healthy fiber and iron for growing bodies. The color from the spinach also makes them a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day treat!
Photo from the Nourished Seedling
1/2 cup fresh spinach
1 cup bananas (about 2 bananas)
2 eggs
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (can also use honey for children over 1 year of age)
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or preferred oil)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 30 seconds to a minute until pureed.
Line 12 muffin tins with liners and pour batter in about 3/4 of the way full.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 16-18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before eating.
For deeper learning and conversation about nutrition and the foods we eat, this activity can be paired with a book about fruits, veggies, or cooking. Some ideas include Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert, The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons or How Did That Get in My Lunchbox?: The Story of Food (Exploring the Everyday) by Chris Butterworth and Lucia Gaggiotti.
Find out more about each of these stories in Good2Know Network’s Book Corner!
