During the spring, certain fruits and vegetables blossom the most. There are several ways parents can introduce their children to eating better by incorporating these simple nutritious recipes into their daily meals.

Breakfast

Strawberry Waffles: Since children already love waffles, adding fresh strawberries to the batter will add a healthy and sweet taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup-flour, whole wheat
• 1 ½ teaspoon-baking powder
• 1 teaspoon- baking soda
• ½ teaspoon-salt
• 2 cups strawberries
• 4 medium egg
• 2 tablespoon-honey

Directions

• Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda salt.
• In a blender, add strawberries (with stems removed), eggs and honey. Blend until smooth, then add to dry ingredients and whisk together.
• Add the batter to preheated waffle iron. Cook for about 3 minutes or until cooked through.
• Serve with fresh strawberries and added whip cream to your liking.

Did You Know: Peak season for strawberries is during April through June. These beautiful red fruits have benefits of Vitamin C. They can improve eye care, the immune system and relief from high blood pressure.

Lunch

Carrot Shaped Veggie Pizza: This easy recipe looks delicious and will be fun for your children to help make.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (8 rolls)
• 8 ounce tub Philadelphia veggie cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups finely chopped carrot
• ½ of head of broccoli
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• Whole milk or egg white

Directions:

• Use a pizza wheel or knife to cut the crescent rolls into carrot shapes.
• Bake crescent roll carrots for (7-10 minutes) until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
• Divide the veggie cream cheese and spread it on top of each carrot.
• Sprinkle finely chopped carrots over the triangle part of the carrot then add broccoli to the top.
• For more information on how to do this recipe here are visual images to guide you.

Did You Know: Carrots have benefits in weight loss and can be linked to lowering cholesterol levels and improve eye sight.

Dinner

Broccoli Mac and Cheese:  Children love mac and cheese and adding broccoli will give it a healthy new taste. Introduce children to fresh veggies by add them to their favorite meals.

Ingredients:

• Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner original 7.25 oz.
• Fresh washed broccoli

Directions:

• A large pot of salted water and boil macaroni.
• Stir the macaroni; cook (7-8 min) or until tender, stirring occasionally.
• Drain, do not rinse.
• Return to the pan and add 2 tbsp. margarine or butter
• ¼ cup fat-free milk
• Wash broccoli and cut into small pieces
• While macaroni is still warm stir it softly into the heated mac and cheese.

Did You Know: Broccoli is a good source of Vitamin A to make your eyes strong and Vitamin C to help your immune system fight to keep you healthy and Potassium to help your heart and muscles.

Dessert

Kiwi Popsicle:  This neat snack is easy for children to make and enjoy the sweetness of a frozen kiwi.

Ingredients:

• 4 kiwis, peeled and cut
• ½ cup apple juice or grape juice

Directions:

• Puree kiwi in a blender until the green flesh is pureed and black seeds are intact.
• Add apple juice to the mixture and mix well.
• Fill the popsicle molds and place them in the freezer.

Did You Know: Kiwis contain Vitamin C which is a good source of protein and fiber. It helps with digestion and trouble sleeping.

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Crystal Maciel, CFA Intern
Crystal is interning with the Children’s Foundation of America this spring as she completes her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Cal State San Bernardino. She has earned an associate’s degree in child development at Chaffey College and plans to continue her education with a mater’s degree in social work. Crystal’s career goals are to advocate for children, support families in need of assistance and to help children cope with problems in everyday life. Crystal’s work experience includes care of children toddler to 5 years of age and has worked for three years with children and adults with disabilities. In Crystal’s free time, she enjoys going to art galleries, sewing, gardening and painting.