"What's That In My Soup?!" Soup

As most parents can tell you, there are many ways to hide vegetables so that kids will get at least a few bites at meal time. But you might want to consider giving vegetables center stage at the table by cloaking them in a mysterious, maybe even a little creepy, allure - just enough to arouse their interest and overcome those "I don't like vegetables" mantras.

Zucchini can almost instantly transform from a yucky squash into a "cool creature" by poking a few spaghetti "legs" into it before cooking. Here's an idea for making a delicious, fresh soup with a sizable portion of vegetables that is so bizarre that kids can't help but like it. Start with a few firm zucchini like these.

You can use any type of pasta for the legs. If you cut the zucchini into approximately 3/4 inch slices, angel hair pasta cooks in the same length of time. If you use a wider type of pasta, cut the zucchini into longer pieces so it doesn't get over done.

While you're slicing the zucchini and poking in the pasta "legs", bring chicken broth (seasoned as you like with salt, pepper, fresh herbs) to a boil. Gently drop the zucchini "creatures" into the broth. Add any other quick cooking vegetables to the pot that you'd like - kids will be so distracted by the sight of legs coming out of the zucchini that they will forget not to eat whatever other veggies you add. Fresh spinach (which you might want to rename "swamp grass") and frozen corn (aka "frog molars") are good additions.

Cilantro gives a fresh boost to many dishes, even "Creature" Soup.

Older kids who are learning their way around the kitchen might enjoy making this soup, and younger kids might want to get involved by sticking the "legs" into the "creature's" body. Of course, as always when cooking or crafting, kids need adult supervision for safety.

No matter what you call it, this soup makes eating vegetables not so scary for kids.

Seedy Art

When you bite into an apple or slice open a pear (maybe to make Pear Banana Delight), you can stock up on a unique, natural craft supply by saving the seeds. Rinse the seeds off and once they're dry, you can use them to add three-dimensional effects to art and craft projects.

Here's one suggestion - hand-made gift card tags. Draw, paint or sketch personal messages to give a special touch to gifts. With just a dab of glue, seeds make excellent rabbit ears, like this happy bunny.
 

You can bring a smile to the face of the lucky person who receives one of your custom creations.

Pear Banana Delight - Mash it up!

In between your kid's craft projects, they'll probably be glad to have a snack to keep their energy level up. With this Pear Banana Delight recipe, kids can continue the crafting theme by making this snack and then enjoying the fresh fruit taste on their favorite cookie or cracker. Of course, as with any craft project, kids need adult supervision and help with any cutting or using sharp utensils. And, just like any kids' craft project, feel free to make any substitutions or additions that you or your child would like, based on what you have on your shelves today.

This is a perfect recipe for pears that have been gone a little beyond their crunchy prime stage. Pears at that point, looking something like the ones in the picture above, are easy to peel and their soft texture makes them easy to mash into a spreadable consistency. That's the fun part for kids. After you peel the skin off of 2 or 3 pears and scoop out the seeds, let your kids mash them up. With a fork, with a spoon, with their hands. All are good options.

Then add 1/2 to 1 mashed banana to the mashed pears and stir so it's mixed well. That's it. Very simple and very delicious. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you'd like. Or a few raisins. It makes a great topping on cookies, crackers or a dipping sauce for apple slices.