Fall flavors can sometimes be a bit sophisticated for little palettes. However, it does not have to be this way. You can offer your children great-tasting treats for fall without them being childish flavors. Sometimes, junk food and silly flavors taste great, too!
A Big Bowl of Chili
You can combine the flavors of chili with their favorite Tex-Mex flavors of tacos and nachos with this dish. This is a dish that you can provide new and old flavors in one dish. Using the familiar flavor or canned beans and your favorite taco or chili sauce can drastically slash prep time. However, adding flavors like butternut squash can ramp up the fall flavor in this perfect dish for a chilly day. Try this easy recipe for a new twist on an old favorite.
Pumpkin Seeds
Not all fall flavors have to be a complete meal. Your children will undoubtedly ask for a snack at some point. Have them snack on roasted pumpkin seeds. Bonus points if you help them roast them from the Jack-o-Lantern you made. Children love snacks that are easy to eat. A handful of pumpkin seeds is a perfect snack high in omega-three fatty acids. Try adding flavor with different spices and seasonings. This website offers multiple ways to make this tasty snack.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your child’s day off with fantastic flavors. Pumpkin spice pancakes are the perfect addition to your morning meals. If your children are not fond of pumpkin spice, try other fall flavors like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger. You do not need to add extra sugar to add a little flavor. Use ground seasonings in your batter and top with delicious maple syrup as they would any pancakes. This recipe is sure to be a favorite in your house.
Goulash
Goulash is a classic cold-weather flavor, and kids love it too. Feel free to change out the pasta shapes for a more kid-friendly version. This recipe from Delish is full of flavor and the warmth we crave in the fall. Dress it up with a little cheese topper, or swap the Italian spices for another combination that your children prefer. While the dish is a traditional Hungarian one, you can always make it appeal to your children. If your kids like goulash, do you use this recipe or something different? In my house, we sometimes make too much chili, so on day two, instead of the same old leftovers, I will put a little pasta with it. It is a similar dish to goulash, but it has our family’s flair.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Many children reach for canned soup when it is too cold outside, or they are not feeling well. However, fresh, homemade soup is not that hard to make. You can also add more potent seasonings and spices to make the dish stand out more. Noodles can also be thicker and heartier. This slow cooker recipe is both tasty and versatile. Delish provides some ways to dress it up. Introducing a homemade version of an old favorite can also be a great way to introduce your child to new flavors. They are more likely to try something if it feels familiar. Fresh rosemary and thyme make great additions to this fantastic fall soup.
Homemade Apple Chips
One of the quickest ways to get kids to try new foods is to make the food themselves. Homemade apple chips may require a parent helper, but children can do much of the work themselves. Make sure to talk to your children about proper cutting techniques, even if they are not cutting. Safety around kitchen equipment such as stoves or dehydrators is also essential. You do not want your children to get burned. They can line the pan or place the apple slices in the dehydrator and season them, even if they are too young to slice. Try this simple recipe from Growing Up Herbal.
Homemade Granola
Another recipe that kids can help assemble is homemade granola. This time, there is no cutting, so the safety issues are minimized. You will still need to assist with the baking times and safety. However, your kids can season the granola with cinnamon, nutmeg, or any fall flavors that they love. Try this recipe for a quick and easy granola with tons of flavor. You can even use the pumpkin seeds you roasted earlier!
Butter Herb Turkey
Thanksgiving in the US is famous for its turkey dinners. However, turkey is a perfect fall meal, no matter what. When the weather turns colder, cooking a turkey will heat the house right up. It takes several hours in the oven to properly cook the turkey, so you get lots of warmth in the kitchen. If you do not have time for a large turkey, you could also opt for a turkey breast. The herb flavors in this recipe from Taste of Home have perfect fall flavors incorporated. Pair this with some delicious fall vegetables for a wonderful, hearty meal.
Providing delicious snacks and meals for your children in the fall does not have to be challenging. Add delicious seasonings to boost the flavor of already scrumptious food. Children will often enjoy helping their parents cook, so getting them in the kitchen can help them choose new foods. Kids will undeniably want to taste anything they cook. Let them cook with flavors they have never tried! What are your favorite fall dishes? Did they make our list? Let us know what your kids like to eat in the fall.
