Simple and Delicious Recipes (For Kids)

Writing by Gia Miller and Serena Norr

Artwork by Justin Negard

Scoop It, Roll It, Bake It

Don’t let the grownups have all the kitchen fun. Wash your hands, grab an apron and get to work! Depending on your age and skill level, you might be able to make these by yourself.

And once you’re done rolling and making, don’t forget that cleaning up is part of the cooking/baking process. Whether it’s washing the dishes or putting all the ingredients back where you found them (or both), you should always clean up after yourself, asking for help if needed.

Easy Peasy Meatballs

A favorite for all seasons, meatballs pack a savory punch. You can enjoy these as is or with your favorite pasta and sauce.

Serves 4. 

Ingredients

1 lb. ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey or a combination)

½ cup panko bread crumbs

1 egg, whisked

1 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

A pinch of dried oregano

A pinch of dried basil

Any other herbs or spices you’d like

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375^o.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients together. Mix using a fork or your hands until everything is fully combined.
4. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop the mixture and roll into a ball. 
5. Place the meatball on the baking sheet and repeat until there is no meat mixture remaining.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through. (There should be no pink on the outside or inside of the meatball when cut in half. Or, the temperature of the meat should be 160^o for beef and pork or 165^o for chicken with an instant read thermometer.) 

Chocolate Truffle Balls

This recipe is ridiculously easy to master and only requires three ingredients. It makes about 36 truffles.

Ingredients

12-oz. bag of high-quality bittersweet chocolate 

1 ⅓  cups heavy cream

Cocoa powder for coating 

(Note: For additional coatings, you can use shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles or powdered sugar.)

Directions

1. Place the chocolate chips in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Pour the cream into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until steaming.
3. Carefully pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and fully mixed with the cream.
4. Place the bowl in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
5. Once chilled, place the cocoa powder—or coating(s) of your choice—in a shallow bowl or pie plate.
6. Using a melon baller or round tablespoon, scoop the chocolate mixture and roll into a ball.
7. Roll the ball in a coating (one coating per ball) and place it on a plate or baking sheet. 
8. Serve immediately or place them back in the fridge.

Connect To’s No-Bake Energy Balls

We gave the basic energy ball recipe a bit of a makeover, adding some depth to take these from an okay snack to a delicious treat that adults will also love (if you allow it). These balls can be crafted by kids of all ages, and you can customize them with different nut butters. When done, you should have 16–18 energy balls.

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned oats

½ cup creamy nut butter of your choice

½ cup chocolate chips

⅓ cup coconut shavings

⅓  cup of honey

1 tsp. cinnamon 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

½ tsp. salt

Optional: A sprinkle of flaxseeds and/or chia seeds.

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Mix together and let chill for 1-2 hours.
3. Once chilled, take out the mixture and a plate or baking sheet. 
4. Scoop a heaping tablespoon into your hand and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on the plate/baking sheet and repeat until the bowl is empty. 
5. Enjoy immediately or place back in the fridge.

This article was published in the November/December 2024 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.

To read other articles in this special 18 and under section, click here.