This week marked the start of the new Spring season, bringing with it a variety of fresh, seasonal, and delicious produce for us to enjoy with the little ones in our care. With their varied colors, shapes, flavors and scents, fresh fruits and vegetables can be a source of conversation, learning, and discovery! Inviting children to help you prepare fruits and vegetables and integrate them into recipes is a great way to get young children excited about natural, nutritious foods that will support their well-being now, and as they get older.
In this article, we share a few healthy spring recipes that you and the early learners in your care can enjoy preparing and eating together.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the following fruits and vegetables are in season during the Spring:
The recipes below are kid-friendly and use a variety of healthy, fresh ingredients. Invite children to be a part of the cooking process by showing them how to measure, mix, and spread the ingredients. Older children might even help by cutting and slicing produce with a child-friendly knife and the close supervision of a grown-up.
This recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be easily tweaked, based on what you have available. It includes a variety of textures, from sticky nut butter to crunchy cereals, which makes it a great sensory activity! All you will need are bananas, a seed/nut butter– honey or yogurt will also work, and crunchy toppings, such as apple chips, cereal, graham crackers, oats, granola, or even sprinkles.
Start by getting your toppings ready. Place each topping into a plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin to make crumbs. Repeat with each topping and then place each topping onto its own plate. Peel the bananas and spread a thin coat of nut/seed butter on all sides of each peeled banana until it’s fully covered. For your final step, sprinkle the toppings on the bananas until they are coated on all sides. You may need to gently press the topping with your fingers so it sticks to the surface. Cut the bananas into bite-size slices (about 1 to 2 inches wide), and place a popsicle stick into each for a fun and yummy treat!
This recipe has several healthy nutrients and vitamins. You will need plain yogurt, maple syrup, sliced kiwi, raspberries (or swap in strawberries, another seasonal fruit!), halved pecans, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Start by slicing your fruit into small pieces. Next, use a medium bowl to mix the yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla. Once combined, pour the yogurt mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or tray. Use a spatula to spread the yogurt evenly and then place fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips on top. Finally, place the pan in the freezer for at least three hours, until the yogurt has completely hardened. Once it’s ready, take it out of the freezer and break it into chunks for the children to enjoy!
This simple recipe is refreshing, easy-to-make, and requires only 4 ingredients! You’ll need kale, an apple, a banana, and orange juice. Start by chopping the kale and apple into small pieces. Next, throw everything into the blender and mix until smooth! Finally, serve it up to children in small cups for them to enjoy as a tasty and nutritious snack.
