It is NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child. Today is Tasty Tuesday – a perfect day to celebrate with tasty and nutritious treats at home or school. This fun, food-themed day is about more than just cheese and crackers. Cooking together connects math with literacy skills, science, and more. Choosing ingredients from your garden, the farmers market, or local supermarket helps young children become more interested in their food choices. When encouraged, they will make healthier food choices based on peer and familial preferences.
We found a great resource at www.kidspot.com.au for nutritious recipes to try with your children. The following includes a hidden vegetable in the mix.
Chicken nuggets with cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder (Corn starch can be use instead)
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1 tsp Himalayan pink salt (Sea Salt can also be used)
- 1/2 cup cauliflower (steamed, pureed)
- 3 eggs (large, lightly beaten)
- 500 g chicken tenderloins (cut into pieces) or skinless chicken breast
Directions
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, almond meal and half the salt and mix together.
- In a separate bowl, place the arrowroot powder.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cauliflower puree and egg and whisk together using a fork.
- Place the chicken nuggets on a large plate and sprinkle with the remaining salt.
- Dip each chunk separately into arrowroot powder, then into the egg mix, and then finally into the breadcrumbs. Press down firmly to ensure that each nugget has a thick coating of the breadcrumb mix.
- Coat a large frypan with approximately 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil and set over medium heat. Place the nuggets in the pan and make sure they are not touching each other and there is enough room to turn them over.
- Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side – or until golden brown.
- Freeze cooked nuggets for up to three months.
Do you have a great recipe you like to use? Share it on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #woyc17. Happy eating on this Tasty Tuesday!
The first episode of The Raising of America will be available for free streaming from April 24-28 for the Week of the Young Child! If you haven’t yet seen the ground-breaking documentary series on the importance of the early years, now is your chance. Invite your colleagues to watch too. To receive access to the first episode, please email [email protected] with your full name, email, affiliation, and if you would like to join their monthly mailing list.