Turkey Meatballs
When Siena started eating more and more solid foods I was determined to have her try EVERYTHING. This was in hopes that if/when we hit the picky eater stage it would be less brutal.
I made it a point to eat with Siena as often as I could. Hoping that if she saw me eating certain things her curiosity would cause her to try things. It worked, one day she reached over and grabbed a leaf of salad off my plate! I was shocked because I didn’t think she was ready for that. However, to this day she still eats salad. Only with this homemade dressing, but whatever she eats it.
I always tried to feed Siena some version of what we were eating for dinner. Making sure I had one sure bet on her plate, and one “try me bite” type option. The same rings true today, however the “try me bite” is a little bit harder to sell at the moment. I have always tried to come up with ways to feed us both without having to make 10 different things. Plus, some days she is more adventurous than others and will go for something new offered in the line up.
Having Siena active in the kitchen with me has not only helped us share a common hobby but has helped develop an interest in food. I see so many benefits from starting her at a young age. Here are some of my top tips:
In an effort to foster kitchen safety I teach Siena what Mommy Jobs are. Such as using the stove, or touching meat or chicken with my hands. This teaches her food safety and the importance of keeping our area clean as well as our hands. Also helps her identify tools and appliances around the kitchens. She has developed a serious attitude about what is not for play or safe for her to touch.
Giving her ownership or involvement in a recipe means she is more likely to eat it. For example if you are making banana bread or a blueberry muffin chances are you can swap the fruit in the recipe. Let your child choose what fruit goes into the recipe. Or what ingredients should go in the salad that night.
Letting your children pour ingredients into measuring cups, bowls, spoons, and etc helps with fine motor skills. Also helps foster hand eye coordination. Yes, it can be messy at first but it is amazing to see how they improve over time
It is a sensory playground! Let them feel the different textures of each ingredient. Encourage them to use describing words to help expand their vocabulary.
Helpful Tools
Also, as a disclaimer, maybe cooking with your little when you have 20 minutes to get dinner on the table isn’t the best idea at first. Or when you are trying a new recipe or having guests for dinner. Try to start incorporating them when you have the time to work with them. You will be amazed over time how they become great kitchen helpers. Then one day they will be cooking for you!
Turkey Apple Meatballs
ingredients
1/2 cup apples, chopped
1/4 cup shallots
1 tbsp olive oil
1lb ground turkey meat
1 egg
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
pesto
1 lb spaghetti, cooked according to packages directions
1 cup fresh basil, packed
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove minced
kosher salt
pepper
instructions
Heat a medium size saute pan over medium/high heat. Add the olive oil, saute the apple and shallots, until the apples soften, and the shallots become translucent. Above 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In addition, place a piece of parchment paper on the counter or over a large cutting board.
In a large bowl add the turkey meat, 1 beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, apples, shallots, kosher salt, and pepper. Using your hands mix together until ingredients are well incorporated.
Take the turkey meat mixture and spread it over the parchment paper lined surface. Pressing down with the palms of your hand to make an even, 1 inch thick surface.
Spray your cookie cutter(s) with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Press the cookie cutters down into the turkey meat cutting out the “meatballs” into shapes. Places the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of them with olive oil. The size of your cookie cutter will determine how many shapes this mixture will yield.
Let them bake in the oven until brown about 20-25 minutes.
pesto
In a food processor fitted with an S blade, add the basil, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Gently pulse while streaming in the olive oil from the top. If the pesto is too thick you can also try adding in a tablespoon of pasta water at a time to achieve your desired consistency. I usually end up using 2 tablespoons.
Toss the pesto sauce with the cooked, drained pasta. And top the pasta with desired turkey meatball shapes!
RECIPE NOTES: