CindyHere’s a new rallying cry for parents: “Hey Kids! Come play with your food!”
Why not have food be interactive art, food as fun to make as it is to eat? Why not healthy, creative dishes that invite little hands to play with their food and eat to their heart’s desire!
Photo and recipe courtesy of Ida Frosk
1. Cottage cheese lambs play in a kiwi pasture under an orange slice sky!
Why do I hear shades of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky” with this title? No matter! Oslo-based, super-talented food blogger Ida Skivenes (aka. IdaFrosk) reimagines regular supplies into fun that invites kids to come play with their food! This ultra cute plate is simply scoops of cottage cheese (bodies), strawberries (legs, heads and eyes), luscious sliced kiwi (the sawtooth cut adds to the fun) topped with slices of oranges!
Simply assemble your ingredients, show your love-bugs the picture to work from, and let them play!
Can you help but smile?
Photo and recipe courtesy of Ida Frosk
2. Hey Kids! Come play with a Pear Peacock!
Another little-person-pleaser from food blogger Ida Skivenes (aka. IdaFrosk)! Half a pear (for the body), a pomegranate (for the tasty seeds, our peacock’s legs and mouth), banana slices, green grapes and orange slices!
Get ready to laugh!
Photo and recipe courtesy of Cara and Fork and Beans
3. Who said Ms. Owl Oatmeal has an attitude?
Sometimes, well…breakfast can be a bit “quiet.” Why not let your food play BACK at your young ones? As Cara, the creative wizard behind ultra cute “Fork and Beans.com” says, add a “super star smile to start off your kids day!”
Ms. Owl is an easy way to add some extra fruits into your little one’s breakfast and also a great choice for a gluten/egg/soy/dairy-free breakfast (with a nut free option). Allergic to nuts? Simply replace the almond slices with sunflower seeds and use the tip of a strawberry for the nose!
The banana slice eyelids are the piece de resistance!
Photo and recipe courtesy of Lola Lamb Chops.com
4. Hey Kids! Come play with Mr. Pig Pancake for breakfast!
First a big thank you to Tania Lamb (aka Lola) and her super creative blog, LolaLambChops.com!
Here is a quick and fast way to turn pancakes into a character at the table!
Simply cook three round pancakes, making one large and the other two about half the size…for the piggy “nostrils,” cut two banana slices, and snort goes the pig! Add two chocolate (or carob) chips for the adorable eyes…and cut your last small pancake in half for his cute little ears. This is a great “morning-after-the-sleepover” breakfast to send those visitors home with a good story to tell!
Photo and recipe courtesy of naturally.jo
5. Take a ride on a banana boat with luscious frozen fruits!
Who knows when peanut butter was first added to bananas (a “chicken or the egg” type of question), but one thing I know for sure: 16 year old blogger, Jose (aka naturally.jo on Instagram) has taken “playing with your food” to new and beautiful levels!
The frosty “luster” on the fruit is the result of simply freezing the fruit before using! I have found the bags of frozen fruit at the grocery store are PERFECT for this creation!
Want to learn more ways to engage your beloved little ones in play time? Check out my blog on “5 DIY Kids’ Toys!”
Ultimately, I have one rule about making food dishes now – and that is to “Make it Fun!”
Make food pretty. Make meals and snacks a party-like event when you have the time. Planning is so much more exciting. Include kids. Include family and friends. Share!
Have fun teaching your kids to play with their food! I know you will come up with some of your own creative ideas, too.
Happy Summer!
All the very kindest thoughts,
Cindy
