Kid Friendly food ideas?

scookiemonster

Folks, there seems to be some misunderstanding here. I am aware that I don't need "special" kid foods. I have no intention of making separate meals for the kids. I will be feeding the kids and adults the same options. I am looking for dinner ideas that are family friendly and easy to make for a large group of people. I am used to cooking for only two people and I know very well what each of us likes. Therefore, I am coming up short on ideas on what to make, given that I am not used to feeding anybody besides myself and occasionally my husband - I'm definitely not used to having to cook in large quantities. I was hoping for tried and tested suggestions from people used to feeding a family, otherwise I'll just end up making boring, generic stuff like hamburgers for a lack of any better ideas.

Thanks very much to those of you who have offered suggestions. I think I have a good idea now of what to do.

lynn1982

If that's the case, then why don't you just make more of what you would normally make?? Your original post certainly sounded like you were looking for "special kid food."

scookiemonster

If that's the case, then why don't you just make more of what you would normally make?? Your original post certainly sounded like you were looking for "special kid food."

There is no "what I would normally make." I make new recipes every single week and rarely make the same thing twice (at least not the same way), other than a few basics. Every week, I sit and sift through recipes online and in cookbooks for ideas for what to make. I am doing the same for this visit, and thought that since I had different criteria than usual, I would reach out to people who might be more used to cooking for a more varied group, particularly one that includes kids, who may be less likely to just try something if it seems strange to them. Given that I have no experience cooking for a family group or catering to the tastes of others, it seemed reasonable to ask advice and suggestions from people who have this kind of experience.

Mom2Lizzy

My boys love make your own tacos, make your own taco salads, turkey burgers, pasta, pork chops, chicken ribs, sausage - especially chicken apple sausage or Sweet Italian sausage, eggs, potatoes, and raw veggies and fruit. Neither like casseroles, cooked veggies (except corn, green beans, and potatoes). Breakfast for dinner is a treat they love too. Grilled cheese with soup is a hit too.

lynn1982

If that's the case, then why don't you just make more of what you would normally make?? Your original post certainly sounded like you were looking for "special kid food."

There is no "what I would normally make." I make new recipes every single week and rarely make the same thing twice (at least not the same way), other than a few basics. Every week, I sit and sift through recipes online and in cookbooks for ideas for what to make. I am doing the same for this visit, and thought that since I had different criteria than usual, I would reach out to people who might be more used to cooking for a more varied group, particularly one that includes kids, who may be less likely to just try something if it seems strange to them. Given that I have no experience cooking for a family group or catering to the tastes of others, it seemed reasonable to ask advice and suggestions from people who have this kind of experience.

Your question is reasonable, but the original wording was misleading so don't get annoyed with posters who tell you that you don't need to make special kiddie food.

I wish I had time to sift through recipes every week and never make the same thing twice. Must be nice.

Edited to add: I know many posters suggested putting all sauces on the side for the kids. Also be sure, if you're cooking with spices, to make it less spicy for kids. Their taste buds are usually more sensitive and can't handle the spice. (For example, even steak spice on bbq'd steak or chicken is too spicy for my nephew, but to me it doesn't taste spicy at all.)

gatorginger

Folks, there seems to be some misunderstanding here. I am aware that I don't need "special" kid foods. I have no intention of making separate meals for the kids. I will be feeding the kids and adults the same options. I am looking for dinner ideas that are family friendly and easy to make for a large group of people. I am used to cooking for only two people and I know very well what each of us likes. Therefore, I am coming up short on ideas on what to make, given that I am not used to feeding anybody besides myself and occasionally my husband - I'm definitely not used to having to cook in large quantities. I was hoping for tried and tested suggestions from people used to feeding a family, otherwise I'll just end up making boring, generic stuff like hamburgers for a lack of any better ideas.

Thanks very much to those of you who have offered suggestions. I think I have a good idea now of what to do.

I think you were smart to ask because kids are picky and won't necessarily eat everything we eat. So I understand why you would ask and hope you got enough good ideas :}

lizzylovestocook

My grandson { he's 7} loves chicken drumsticks.{he calls them chicken on a bone}. either done on the BBQ or in oven. I also make sweet potato fries to go with them and he loves those too.. He likes quesadillas too.. I make them with chicken or beef and sautéed peppers and onions and of course lots of cheese... When I have my grandkids I always get them to make their own pizzas.. they eat better if they have helped make the food.. Most kids love chicken parmesan and you can't go wrong with spaghetti and mealballs. When we BBQ burgers I usually make the little sliders for the kids.. they just seem to eat the little ones better for some reason and they are always happy to see corn on the cob..
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and I am sure the kids will love whatever you make .