Treat Mom All Week Long: Kids Cook Dinner

posted May 7, 2007
  by Christine Gable, Kiddie Chow

Mother’s Day is said to be the busiest day of the year for restaurants. Is taking Mom out your way to say “thank you” too? Yet is there a chance you—or she—would appreciate something different this week?

How about thanking mom by treating her to a home-cooked meal—sans the crowds, the waiting in line, and the temperamental waiter. Lest you say “no thanks” to this suggestion, think of the hidden benefits of a home-cooked meal as your Mother’s Day gift:

1. It’s Easier: Really, with today’s busy schedules, if your mom is as busy as I am, a meal in would be as appreciated—if not more—than a meal prepared in a restaurant. Forget stuffing mom in the car, standing in line and waiting for the over-worked staff to get her coffee. Stay home, sit on the sun porch or the backyard deck. Have a pot of her favorite coffee ready-and-waiting, play a game—or just enjoy some time to visit and talk without the hubbub and crowds.

2. It’s Healthier: No matter what her age, all moms have the best reason of all to eat better than ever: you! And by preparing a meal at home, you have the ability to control the amount of sugar, oil and refined flours or dairy in the dinner. And when you stir, sauté and bake it yourself, it’s got that extra-special ingredient that no chef or restaurant can add no matter how hard they try: love.

3. It’s an Educational Opportunity in the Making: Yes, that’s right. Kids of all ages can take advantage of learning something new. Even if you’ve never cooked more than Jell-O or instant ramen noodles, here’s your chance to show Mom how much she’s cared about—and how talented and smart you are.

But hey, forget being limited to Mother’s Day … these ideas are worth clipping and whipping up year-round. And if you’re feeling a bit exotic, surprise mom with your gourmet skill by tossing some kale, bok choy, Chinese cabbage or water chestnuts into her surprise stir-fry. She just might ask you to cook for her next year too!

Easy 3-Step Mix-n-Match Stir-Fry Recipe
http://www.cdkitchen.com/


Serves/Makes: 4
Ready in: < 30 minutes

***Protein:Choose One***

* 1 pound lean beef cubes or strips
* 1 pound lean chicken, boneless, cut into strips
* 1 pound lean turkey cutlet, cut into strips
* 1 pound tofu, cut into small 1/4-inch cubes
* 1 can (15-oz. size) black beans, drained

***Vegetables:Choose Three***

* 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
* 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds
* 1 red pepper, sliced
* 2 small zucchini, halved and sliced into half moons or strips
* 2 small yellow squash, halved and sliced into half moons or strips
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans

***Grain: Choose One***

* 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
* 3 cups cooked pasta (linguine, spaghetti, spirals, etc.)

***Seasoning: Choose One***

* 1/2 teaspoon Adobo (or sea salt and pepper)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt and basil
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons canola oil (as needed)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (more if desired)

If the rice or pasta is not cooked, go ahead and follow the directions on the package and cook it first. While that's cooking, you can wash and prep the vegetables, and thaw or drain the protein as necessary.

About 10 minutes before grain is finished cooking, get ready to cook the protein and veggies. If using beans, just drain and add them in the last step of cooking the vegetables below.

Pour half the oil into a medium saute pan over medium heat; add meat or tofu. Cook until protein is firm and done, seasoning with garlic salt and basil (or Adobo), as it cooks (about 7-8 minutes), depending on the cuts.

Meanwhile, pour remaining oil in another large saute pan over medium heat; add vegetables, sprinkle with one of the seasonings, and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (now is when you can add those beans, if necessary).

Stir veggies, grain and protein together, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

©2008 CDKitchen, Inc. No reproduction of this article may be made without express permission from CDKitchen, Inc.

For more info and updates on Christine Gable, visit her personal website at:
http://www.christinegable.com/

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