Fall Recipes and Ideas Your Kids Will Love
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Texas is known for its Texas-sized appetites, and when it comes to feeding growing kids, sometimes it feels like we need Texas-sized recipes! With fall comes an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, making it the perfect time to try out recipes from seasonal produce that are both healthy and delicious.
Our Favorite Fall Family Activities
There's something magical about fall when the leaves change color, the air gets crisp, and the days grow shorter. For our family, this time of year is about getting outside and enjoying the cooler weather. We enjoy hiking through the woods, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the leaves crunch under our feet. And when we get home from a long day of exploring, there's nothing better than coming into a warm kitchen and making a delicious meal together.
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and I love finding new recipes to try with the kids. Fall is the perfect time to experiment with seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, squash, and apples (how long do apples last?). And what could be more fun than involving the kids in the cooking process?
We can all work together to create healthy fall recipes that everyone will enjoy. So this fall, let's make the most of the season by getting the kids into the kitchen. We'll create some great memories and delicious dishes that we'll be sure to enjoy all season long.
Explore TexasRealFood's Seasonal Fruit & Vegetable Calendar for Texas and find local farms & growers near you.
Fall Recipes and Ideas To Make with the Kids
If you're looking for new recipes to try with your kids, here are a few fall-inspired favorites that are sure to become hits. These easy-to-make recipes are easy to find and entice even the pickiest of eaters to clear their plates.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Fall cooking is about making the most of in-season ingredients. But no dish celebrates autumn flavors like Roasted Chicken Thighs (What wine goes well with chicken thighs?) with Sweet Potatoes and Apples. The combination of sweet potatoes and apples with tender chicken is so flavorful and hearty. I love how simple this dish is, but it's packed with flavor. And it's a great way to use up any leftover apples you might have.
First, roast chicken thighs (What wine goes well with chicken thighs?) with some onions and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to make this classic recipe. Then, add diced potatoes and apples with nutmeg to the mix. Finally, top it all off with some roasted almonds (how long do almonds last?) if you prefer a bit of crunch. This baked dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
The result is a delicious, one-pan meal that everyone will love eating. So go ahead and give this roasted dish a try. Serve it with freshly baked, crusty bread - you'll be glad you did!
Texas has at least 800 poultry farms, primarily concentrated in the Eastern and Southern areas. Find Farm-Fresh Poultry from Local Family Farms and Ranches near you.
Wild Mushroom Roasted Squash Pizza
Fall is a great time to cook with the kids. The days are shorter, so there's less time for outdoor activities. And the cooler weather means you can spend more time in the kitchen without heating the house. One of the best things about fall recipes is that you can make the most of seasonal ingredients.
Squash is in season, so why not try making Wild Mushroom Roasted Squash Pizza? This easy recipe is simple enough for even the youngest chef to help with, and it's a great way to use the best fall ingredients.
You can start by roasting the squash in the oven. While it's roasting, you can cook the mushrooms and onions. Then, let the kids help you assemble the pizza on a whole wheat crust. They'll love topping it with cheese and watching it bake in the oven.
The kids will surely enjoy a delicious and nutritious recipe they helped create. So this fall, remember to get the kids involved. It's a great way to bond and create lasting childhood memories.
Squash can be found in abundance during fall. So make the best of the season by including it in as many of your meals as you can. Here are 3 of our Best Squash Recipes to Try This Fall.
Fall Vegetable Casserole
Fall is the perfect time to break out the casserole dish and fill it with all the best seasonal ingredients. But why stop at just your everyday veggies? This Fall Vegetable Casserole recipe also includes some hearty grains and a creamy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Best of all, it's a cinch to make this hearty dish - and the kids can help too.
Start by roasting chopped cabbage, broccoli, pumpkin, potatoes, and garlic in the oven. While roasting, cook up some grains in a pan on the stovetop. Then, mix it all in the casserole dish once everything is cooked and top it with a delicious sauce. Finally, pop it in the oven until evenly baked, and you'll have a warm and comforting meal that's perfect for a fantastic autumn night. So go ahead and give this Fall Vegetable Casserole recipe a try. Your kids will thank you for it.
The change in seasons is always a good time to change your habits and moods. This is even more noticeable in states like Texas, where the weather change is apparent, and everyone enjoys the summer easing up a bit. So here are a few Seasonal Dishes to Try This Fall.
Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread
Fall is in the air, so it's time to start thinking about all the wonderful seasonal recipes you can make. One of the best things about seasonal cooking is that it allows you to create the best recipes from your fall memories. And what could be better than making the best of those ingredients by cooking up a batch of Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread Recipe with the kids? This recipe is easy to make and uses only the freshest ingredients. The recipe makes a tasty, moist bread perfect for breakfast or brunch.
We mix flour, sugar, baking powder (how long does baking powder last?), and salt. Then we add in some milk, melted butter, and eggs. Once the dough has come together, we stir in fresh cranberry and grated orange zest. The dough is then rolled into a greased sheet pan and baked.
The result is a deliciously sweet and tart treat that's perfect for fall!
Cranberries are one of the few native berries in North America that are still commercially grown and harvested. Find Farm-Fresh Poultry from Local Family Farms and Ranches near you.
Acorn Squash Fries
Fall is the perfect time to get the kids in the kitchen and try new recipes. One excellent option is acorn squash french fries. Baking fries on a sheet pan are a healthier alternative to traditional fried sweet potato fries, and they're also packed with flavor. Plus, it's a great way to get your kids involved in the cooking process. They can help to cut the squash into fry-shaped pieces, and they'll love dipping them in their favorite sauces.
Cut the squash into thin sticks and coat them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Then bake on a sheet pan in a preheated oven until crispy. Serve hot, tossed in butter with maple syrup. (how long does maple syrup last?)
So if you're looking for a filling side for your fall dinner recipes, give acorn squash fries a try.
Acorn squash is a variety of the Cucurbita pepo cultivar of winter squash. Check availabilities from local family farms in your area through the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
Quick Butternut Squash Pasta
As the weather starts to cool off, we all crave heartier comfort foods. But, of course, pasta (how long does pasta last?) is always a favorite in our house, and this quick butternut squash (how long does butternut squash last?) pasta is perfect for fall. The squash adds a wonderful sweetness and creaminess to the pasta without being too heavy. And the best part is that it's a kid-friendly dish everyone will love.
This Butternut Squash Pasta is a healthy and yummy lunch recipe that takes less than 20 minutes. Start by peeling and cubing one butternut squash. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the squash for 10 minutes. While the squash is cooking, start boiling the pasta. Once the squash is cooked, add it to a blender with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Then, add the sauce to the pasta and stir until coated. You can top it with some Parmesan cheese or chopped nuts (how long do nuts last?) if you like.
There are a few variations, so you can customize it according to your preferences and any allergies you may have! For example, you could use gluten-free pasta or add some protein with grilled chicken or shrimp. You could also mix in some other veggies like spinach or kale. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, so this can make you feel good about feeding your family. Plus, it's sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters!
The butternut squash is a seasonal plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall and 15 feet wide. Check availabilities in your area through the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
Can't get enough of fall produce? Us either! Why not make a salad with the best of this season's ingredients this fall? Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts (how long do brussels sprouts last?)Salad with Pomegranate Seeds (how long do pomegranate seeds last?) Recipe is an excellent idea for getting your kids into the kitchen and excited about cooking. This salad is healthy, filling, and easy to make. It's a great way to use up some of those delicious fall ingredients and a dish that the whole family will love. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories with the children. Here's how to make it:
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, wash and trim your Brussels sprouts and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and browned.
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the rest of your salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, diced apples, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts (how long do walnuts last?). Toss everything together and enjoy!
Summary
There's something special about baking with beloved family members. It could be the laughter that spills out as we make a mess of the kitchen or the sense of accomplishment we feel when we share the finished product. Whatever the reason, I always enjoy spending time in the kitchen with my kids. Even though they can be messy, it's worth it to see the joy on their faces. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that we always seem to make delicious treats!
Suppose you're looking for activities to do with your family this season. In that case, I recommend trying cooking with the kids. You might be surprised at how much fun you'll have - and how good the results are!
Fall in the Lone Star state is never a dull season. Catch one of the many Notable Fall Festivals and Activities in Texas, ranging from music festivals, state fairs, food fests, Oktoberfests, and other themed activities.
