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What do kids need to be their best? Good nutrition--for physical health--and family time--for emotional well-being. On-the-go lifestyles can sometimes mean a less nutritious diet, just at the time when kids need to be building strong, healthy bodies for life. Busy schedules can also limit family fun time. One solution? Take a break for a healthy meal or snack.
Meal time is an opportunity for families to have fun preparing foods together. It's also an opportunity for parents to help kids make educated choices about what they eat.
Connie M. Weaver, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Head of Foods/Nutrition at Purdue University, says children are being short-changed by not getting the proper amounts of calcium, vitamins and minerals each day. Part of the problem is food choices. "With so many other drink choices, children are choosing options other than milk, such as soft drinks and sugary juices," says Weaver. "Less milk consumption can mean less consumption of calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin D unless these kids are getting these nutrients from some other sources." To get on the right track, try making these wholesome and kid-pleasing recipes, perfect for snack time or a quick meal.
For more family-friendly recipes and fun family activities, visit the Borden Brand Cheese website, www.elsie.com.
BBQ Meatball Melters
24 frozen homestyle meatballs, thawed (about 24 ounces)
1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
8 Borden Cheese Kid Builder American Singles
4 hoagie rolls, partially sliced
Sandwich toppings such as dill pickle slabs, bread-and-butter pickle chips, chopped onions, lettuce leaves or thinly sliced mushrooms
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine meatballs with barbecue sauce in microwave-safe bowl and toss to blend. Microwave on High (100% power) 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until hot. Spoon equally into split hoagie rolls. Top each hoagie with 2 slices cheese. Wrap loosely in foil and heat in oven 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve warm topped with pickles, onions, lettuce or mushrooms if desired. Makes 4 sandwiches.
Tip: For younger children, cut each hoagie in half for easier handling.
Cheeseburger Pizza With Everything on It
1 pound lean ground beef
3/4 cup ketchup, divided
1/2 cup prepared pizza sauce
4 (7-inch) prepared pizza crusts
12 to 16 Borden Cheese Kid Builder American Singles
Pizza toppings such as pickles, ketchup, mustard, onions, tomatoes, olives, lettuce, bacon or mushrooms
Preheat oven to 425 F. Brown ground beef and drain. Combine with 1/4 cup ketchup and set aside. Combine pizza sauce with remaining ketchup; spread equally over each pizza crust. Top each pizza evenly with ground beef mixture. Arrange 3 to 4 cheese slices over each pizza. Place pizzas on baking sheet or pizza stone and heat 8 to 10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve with pizza toppings. Makes 4 individual pizzas.
Tip: Get the kids in the kitchen! Younger children can stir the sauce and help sprinkle on ingredients. Older children can cut cheese into triangles for easier placement on the pizzas.
Fast Fiesta Cheeseburgers
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
4 Borden American Singles
4 of your favorite hamburger buns, toasted
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons seeded and finely chopped jalapeño pepper (optional)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons chunky salsa
Combine ground beef and taco seasoning in bowl; mix thoroughly. Shape into 1/2-inch-thick patties. Grill burgers 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Top burgers with cheese and grill until melted; layer cheeseburgers on bottom halves of buns. Combine tomatoes, jalapeños (if desired) and shredded lettuce in small bowl; portion equally over cheeseburgers. Garnish with 1/2 tablespoon each sour cream and salsa and close with top halves of buns. Makes 4 burgers.
Borden Kid Builder is a new fortified cheese that can help ensure that quick meals and snacks help provide kids with the nutrition they need. Here are a few easy ways to get a little creative and make snack time nutritious--and fun!
Place a fortified cheese slice on a piece of whole grain bread, then cut into fun shapes with a teddy bear, circus animal or other cookie cutter.
Combine fortified milk or ice cream with fresh fruit or even peanut butter for a quick and delicious smoothie. Sprinkle the top with colored or chocolate sprinkles and add two twisty straws.
Wrap it up! Wrap a fortified cheese slice around a thin piece of raw carrot, zucchini or apple. Then dunk in ranch dressing or peanut butter.
For Peanut Butter Cup Milk, in a tall glass, combine 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter and 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup until smooth. Whisk in 1 cup milk and enjoy.
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