recipes

  • Cooking, FALL, INFORMATION, RECIPES

    Favorite Fall Recipes To Make With Kids

    Are you looking for some festive fall recipes to make with your kids? Need some delicious ideas for putting those pumpkins from the patch, apples from the orchard, and zucchini from your garden to good use? Well, today’s your lucky day! Wendy Cox, mom of 4 and garden educator from San Diego, California is sharing a variety of ways to use three popular and prevalent produce items as you cook with your kids this fall. She’s sharing the very best (and her kids’ favorite) fall recipes! Save this post so you can try them all. Which recipe will be your next fall favorite? Mmmm…enjoy! 

    Favorite fall recipes to make with kids

    Fall is wonderful for so many reasons, but one of those is because it’s the harvest season. Three crops that are harvested in abundance during this time of year are zucchini, apples, and pumpkins. Each is nutritious, delicious, and very versatile in recipes. Today, I’m excited to share all of the fun ways we can use these three items to whip up some tasty and nutritious snacks and meals for and with our kids.

    Kid-friendly zucchini recipes

    If you planted zucchini in your garden, you probably still have some plants that are producing into and through the fall. Not only do zuchinni plants produce will into the fall season, they grow fast! I have found that zucchini can grow inches seemingly overnight! One morning it will be a small zucchini with the blossom still attached, and the next, it’s bigger and heavier than your arm! When that happens, and you have pounds and pounds of zucchini to work with before it goes bad, refer back to these recipes, and you’ll use every bit of that zucchini in no time.

    Zucchini bread

    Zucchini bread is a must-make recipe, if you’ve got homegrown zucchini around the house. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. My mom makes a wonderful hearty zucchini bread every year at Thanksgiving, and it’s one of the first things gone from the table. The smell of bread baking in the oven is sure to put everyone in a good mood. And if you get to enjoy a slice of still-warm zucchini bread with some butter melting on top of it, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

    Ultimate zucchini bread recipe

    Here’s our favorite “Ultimate Zucchini Bread” recipe, adapted from this one from Smitten Kitchen.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups grated, packed zucchini
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2/3 cup melted unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
    • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons raw sugar

    Instructions:

    Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a loaf pan with nonstick spray. Place grated zucchini in a large bowl and add oil, eggs, sugars, vanilla, and salt. Use a fork to mix until combined. Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and baking powder and mix until combined. Add flour and mix until just combined. Pour into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the raw sugar. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick or tester inserted into the middle cake but also into the top of the cake, closer to the dome, comes out batter-free. Let cool completely in the pan. Leave in pan, unwrapped, overnight or 24 hours, until removing (carefully, so as not to ruin flaky lid) and serve in slices. 

    Zucchini boats

    Zucchini boats are another great (and really fun) way to use zucchini! The best thing about zucchini boats is that they can be eaten with your hands! Fewer dishes are always a win, in my book. And although you scrape out the center of the zucchini, you’ll want to chop it up and add it to the filling, so no part of the zucchini is wasted.

    Another great thing about zucchini boats is that you can use a variety of ingredients for the filling and make them however you want! Don’t have sausage? No problem, use ground beef or ground turkey. Vegetarian? Use beans instead of meat. Don’t have cheddar cheese? Substitute the type of cheese you have for the topping. Zucchini boats are very versatile and cook in 25-30 minutes. The recipe below for zucchini boats from Taste of Home is a big hit at our house (and SO easy)!

    Kid-friendly zucchini boat recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 2 medium zucchini
    • 3/4 pound ground beef
    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
    • 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
    • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese,
    • 2 tablespoons ketchup
    • Salt and pepper to taste
     

    Instructions:

    Trim the ends off the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, leaving 1/2-inch shells. Finely chop pulp. In a skillet, cook beef, zucchini pulp, onion, mushrooms, and peppers over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese, ketchup, salt, and pepper; mix well. Spoon into the zucchini shells. Place in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° until zucchini is tender, 25-30 minutes.

    Grilled zucchini

    You know we’re all about getting outdoors here at Run Wild, and grilling zucchini is a wonderful opportunity to do that! Have the kids help you slice up the zucchini into steaks or spears, toss them in some olive oil with your favorite grilling seasonings, and throw them on the grill. Or, add in some of your other favorite veggies (onions, squash, peppers) and pop them onto a kebab! In about ten minutes, you’ll have a tasty side dish. Try this recipe.

    Take your grilled zucchini to the next level by setting out some dipping options, too! We like to dip ours in ranch dressing or marinara sauce. This is an especially good tactic if you have kids who are picky eaters (or ones that say they don’t like zucchini). Sometimes dipping food in a sauce or dressing will get them to try it because, let’s be honest, isn’t it just more fun to eat that way?

    Zoodles

    Have you heard of zoodles? Zoodles are what you get when you take a spiralizer to a zucchini. The spiralizer cuts the zucchini into long, thin strips the size of a spaghetti noodle. Making zoodles with kids is so much fun because they can be several feet long. If you don’t have a spiralizer, I recommend this one. It’s inexpensive and easy enough for kids to use! They’ll love helping out in the kitchen for this project and turning zucchini into noodles! If you have more than one kid, you might even want to get two spiralizers and see who can make the longest zoodle.

    Zoodles can be used in place of spaghetti in any recipe that calls for pasta. The flavor is mild, and the consistency is very similar to a spaghetti noodle. Your kids will forget that they’re even eating a vegetable. If you cut thin strips off the zucchini lengthwise, they can be used in place of a lasagna noodle! 

    Zucchini fritters

    You can also use grated zucchini for fritters! This is a sure-fire win with my kids because they’re hot and crispy (and taste a bit like a flavorful hashbrown). Here’s our favorite zucchini fritter recipe inspired by Just a Taste.

    Ingredients:

    • 4 cups shredded zucchini
    • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
    • 1/3 cup sliced scallions (green and white parts)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Sour cream for serving (optional)

    Instructions:

    Place the shredded zucchini in a colander set over a bowl and sprinkle the zucchini lightly with salt. Allow the zucchini to stand for 10 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl. Add the flour, eggs, sliced scallions, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper to the bowl, stirring until the mixture is combined. Line a plate with paper towels.
     
    Add the olive oil to a large sauté pan set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop 3-tablespoon mounds of the zucchini mixture into the pan, pressing them lightly into rounds and spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Cook the zucchini fritters for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them once and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked throughout. Transfer the zucchini fritters to the paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle them with salt. Serve the zucchini fritters topped with sour cream (optional).

    Grated zucchini (freeze it!)

    Don’t forget that when you have zucchini coming out of your ears and won’t be able to use it all right away, you can always freeze it. This will keep it fresh for months and give you a taste of summer well into the winter months.

    First, grate the zucchini, squeeze out as much moisture as possible, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen zucchini will be good for up to three months. I like to add my frozen shredded zucchini to lots of the recipes I make during the week: omelets, soups, salads, ground meats, and basically any savory dish. I’ll even top a baked potato with shredded zucchini and some cheddar cheese. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! 

    Favorite fall apple recipes

    Visiting an apple orchard is fun, but the best part is eating the apples! Apples are a classic fall favorite staple and can be used in so many ways, making them one of the easiest and most versatile ingredients. They can be sweet, savory, and even spicy. They can be used in so many different dishes. And, they’re probably one of those things that your kids won’t ever complain about eating!

    We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to enjoy apples in the fall. Here are a few recipes that kids will love to help out with and eat!

    Apple dipping station

    Have your kids been asking to have a play date at your house? I feel like mine are always wanting some friend or another to come play at our house. Hosting an apple-themed play date is easy and so much fun, especially in the fall when apples are aplenty. Maybe you even took the kids apple picking recently and have more apples than you know what to do with. Most kids like apples so they don’t need to be enticed to eat them.

    At your apple play date, why not set up an apple dipping station as the snack! As I mentioned before, it’s just more fun to eat something when you get to dip it first! All you’ll need to do is cut up some apples and have a variety of dips and toppings for the kids to choose from! Let them try them all and find their favorite flavor combinations. 

    Dips for apple slices:

    • Peanut butter/almond butter/sun butter
    • Caramel
    • Nutella
    • Cream cheese
    • Marshmallow fluff
    • Buttercream icing

    Apple slice toppings:

    • Mini chocolate chips
    • Chopped peanuts
    • Raisins
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Shredded coconut
    • Toffee bits
    • Crushed graham crackers
    • Sprinkles

    Applesauce

    If you’ve got apples to spare, it really doesn’t get any better than making your own homemade applesauce! And I promise it’s easier to make than you might imagine! You don’t even need to peel the apples if you don’t mind the applesauce being a little more tart.

    To make homemade applesauce, simply core and slice eight to ten apples (peel them only if you want). Throw them in the slow cooker with half a cup of water (and a cinnamon stick, if you like cinnamon applesauce), and let it cook until the apples are the desired tenderness. It will take about five to six hours on low heat. If you want smooth applesauce, put the mixture in the blender/food processor (or use a stick mixer) and puree. I like my applesauce a bit chunky, so I just smash the apples a bit with a potato masher. Add sugar (and maybe some cinnamon) to your liking, and that’s it! 

    Baked apples

    Bakes apples are almost as easy to make as applesauce, but because you cook them in the oven they take less time. I like to make baked apples for dessert on a cool fall night because they make the house smell amazing! Here is the recipe I use. These will need to cook for about 40 minutes to get really tender. You can let each kid customize their apple before putting it in the oven by having a variety of different spices (cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, allspice, clove, etc.) and sweeteners (sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey.) Top the baked apples with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.

    And if you really want to make this a fun activity, instead of baking the apples in an oven, bake them over a campfire! They make an absolutely amazing treat when enjoying an evening outside in the backyard or on a camping trip! 

    Apple pie filling

    One of my sisters had an apple tree at her previous home, and some years that tree produced so many apples we could barely eat them all! In cases like that, we had to get creative with all the way to use the apples, so they wouldn’t go to waste.

    One of my favorite ways that she used them was to make jars and jars of apple pie filling using a simple apple pie filling recipe and gave them as Christmas gifts. Genius! What a great gift for your kids to give to their teacher or neighbor, as well. My jar was gone before the new year because it was so tasty!

    You could definitely use the filling to make a pie, but I also used it to top so many things, like ice cream, oatmeal, and yogurt. Or, how delicious would it be over-baked brie? What a great way to spend time making something special with your kids and have gifts to give to loved ones afterward! 

    Favorite pumpkin recipes to make with kids

    Last but not least, let’s talk about pumpkins. Pumpkins are the star of the season and have to be included in this list of favorite fall recipes to make with your kids. We see them used as decorations and love to carve them for Halloween, but most pumpkins are also edible and nutritious.

    Cooked pumpkin has high percentages of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and iron. These nutrients keep our immune system strong and our skin and eyes healthy. Here are some ways to get all of those important vitamins and minerals into those little bodies that seem to have endless energy.

    Pumpkin pancakes

    Pancakes are a breakfast staple at my house, but when my kids drench them in syrup, I feel like it’s more of a dessert than a healthy breakfast. One way to add more nutrients to your pancakes is to add pumpkin puree. Pumpkin puree can be purchased in a can from the store (although, not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling), or you can make your own if you’re feeling extra ambitious. The more you add, the more orange-colored they will be, but in addition to color, it will add more pumpkin flavor and extra nutrients.

    Choose an amount of pumpkin puree that fits your family’s tastebuds. For every two cups of pancake mix, I typically add one cup of pumpkin puree. This works well for our family, and I get zero complaints about them tasting too pumpkiny. Pancakes are quick and easy and can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer for use on those mornings when everyone sleeps in. My kids pop frozen pancakes into the toaster for an on-the-go breakfast. 

    Pumpkin bread

    Like zucchini bread, pumpkin bread is a HUGE hit at our house with kids and adults alike. We have been known to eat pumpkin bread for breakfast, but it could really be a dessert as well. You can make it in a bread loaf and slice it or even make it into muffins for on-the-go snacks. My youngest has started asking for his own loaf of pumpkin bread to take home from Thanksgiving when we go to Grandma’s house. 

    If you want to get extra-decadent, these pumpkin cream cheese muffins are just about the most amazing thing ever. 

    Pumpkin chili

    Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of chili on a cool fall afternoon? Chili is a fan favorite at our house and a staple on weekend evenings when we spend all day outside. A great way to add some flavor (and nutrients) to your chili is to add pumpkin puree to your favorite chili recipe. It makes it a little thicker and healthier. I always serve my chili with a generous portion of cornbread and some sour cream on top. Here is the pumpkin turkey chili recipe I use.

    Dinner in a pumpkin

    I’ve been saving the best for last! My birthday is at the end of October, and back before I can remember, my mom started making dinner in a pumpkin for my birthday! It was such a fun and unexpected tradition and something that still continues today. The dinner portion is comprised of wild rice mixed with sausage, peppers, and onions. However, you could serve chili, dip, soup, or even sloppy joe meat out of a pumpkin, as well! The options are endless! 

    Your family may like to have this meal on Halloween night because it’s served right out of the pumpkin! It makes for a fun centerpiece on your Halloween dinner table. This one does take a while to bake, so plan on getting it in the oven at least an hour before you want to eat. The time is so worth it, though! Your kids will love scooping their dinner right out of the pumpkin. 

    Cooking with kids

    Cooking with your kids is an experience they will not easily forget. Yes, there will be a large mess. Sure, it will take longer. Yeah, you will need a healthy dose of patience. But the benefits far outweigh the mess. Your kids will be learning math through measuring, counting, timing, and portioning. Teach them where each ingredient comes from as they add it to the bowl. Show them how heat rises when the steam drifts up from a pot of boiling water. Watch them coordinate their muscle movements as they slice a zucchini or grate cheese.

    Kids are absorbing so much information all the time. When we cook with our kids, we make sure that the information they receive is wholesome and will serve them well in the future. The chances that they eat the food they cook are also much higher than if someone else prepares the food for them, so get those kids in the kitchen with you! Need a little more motivation?

    Here is a blog post all about the benefits of cooking with kids.

    Take it outside

    After you’re done preparing all of this deliciousness, don’t be afraid to take your food outside. Pack a picnic and bring pumpkin bread for dessert. Set up a table on the patio and eat your chili by candlelight. Gather around a backyard bonfire and warm yourself up with some baked apples.

    They say that food tastes better outside, right? Let us know if that is true for you and your kids. Happy fall, and have a great time trying these delicious fall recipes to make with your kids!

    Which fall recipe do you want to make with your kids?

    About the author

    Wendy is a married momma living in central San Diego, CA, raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out of doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as a garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.

    You can find more from Wendy online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
    RWMC posts: Wendy Cox

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SPRING

    Wild Violet Foraging with Kids & Color-Changing Simple Syrup

    Wild violets are one of the very first sure signs of spring and the warmth it brings. Seeing that first colorful sign of spring after a long cold winter is such a happy sight. While most people may consider violets as a pesky weed that commonly grows in yards, we’re here to change your mind. Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is here to tell you all about the benefits of wild violets and how useful (and fun) they can be.  Soon, you and your kids will be searching the yard and excited about foraging violets out in the wild!  These edible and medicinal little flowers and leaves can be used to make jellies, color-changing simple syrups, salves, and so much more. 

    Violet foraging with kids

    Benefits of foraging for violets

    Foraging is gathering plant matter provided by nature to eat, use, or consume. Did you know that violet flowers (as well as their young leaves) are edible? Violets are known to be high in vitamin A and vitamin C and can be used in many different ways. In addition to being edible, violets have many known medicinal uses. Studies have shown that violets can help with insomnia, decrease oral cancers, and are good for skincare oils and salves.

    Violet foraging with kids - Little fingers holding violets

    Identifying wild violets for foraging

    There are many different species of violets that can be found across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Violets can be white, yellow, or their namesake purple color. The violet colors can range from dark purple to a light lavender color. The contrast between the green leaves and violet flowers makes them the easiest to spot.  Yellow varieties are may cause an upset stomach in large quantities, so we stick to the purple and white flowers.

    The flower portion of a violet has five irregular petals that usually range from a penny to a half dollar in size. The stems of the flowers can be 3-6 inches long, which makes them easy for little hands to pick. The stems stick out from heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. There are usually many flowers clumped together in one patch making them easy to spot even for the littlest foragers.

    Violets spread and reproduce by underground rhizomes and seeds. These seeds sprout later in the season after the blooms are long gone. This is great news because it means you don’t have to worry about your harvest affecting next year’s growth. You can pick all you want! 

    Spring outdoor activities for kid - Violet foraging with kids

    Foraging for violets with children

    The first time my 4 year old went violet foraging it only took a few minutes for him to begin finding patches by himself by identifying the leaves alone. When your children find them on their own for the first time, make sure to praise their efforts. Get excited with them! It’s a big deal for them to find things on their own and this extra encouragement can make foraging a lot more fun when they are proud of themselves.

    Child holding a white violet and a purple violet - violet foraging with kids

    Where to look for violets in the wild

    Violets prefer partial sun or light shade and a good amount of moisture. We have the best luck finding them along shallow creeks with adequate tree coverage. In the earliest part of spring, you will find the first violets where the sun can warm the soil. The shadier areas will have violets in the later spring once the soil there warms to the right temperature. Violets can also be found in yards in early spring before the first mowing.

    Child searching ground along creek bed

    When to forage violets 

    The best time of year to forage for violet is early spring, when nighttime temperatures begin to rise above freezing. Once you see violet leaves unraveling from the ground it won’t be long (about a week) before the flowers are there, as well.

    Since violets are found across the US and Canada, the best time to find violets can vary based on the weather conditions of that year and the general seasonality of the area. Here in the Midwest, April is a sure time to forage for violets. Violets only bloom for about 4-6 weeks, so if you are hoping to find them, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather so you don’t miss this window. 

    While not as plentiful, violets also bloom in late fall when the temperatures begin to drop again. 

    How to forage for wild violets with kids

    Foraging safety tips

    Foraging with kids is a fun outdoor physical family activity that can really connect you with nature, but some precautions should be taken. First, you (and your children) should always be very aware of where you are foraging for violets (or anything, really). If you are not familiar with the area, take some time to look around before you begin picking. Check for animal nests and be alert for snakes or insects that may be around your area. Also, check for poison ivy or poison oak. It’s best to find a patch of violets, then do a quick visual check of the area. Once cleared, then direct the kids to that area for foraging. Remind kids that nature is home to wildlife, and they should keep watch for dangers as well. 

    You should also be aware of any local rules or regulations regarding foraging or harvesting if you’re on public land or parks. Many parks have rules about taking nothing out of the park or restrictions against picking flora. Only forage in places where it’s allowed or you have express permission from the landowner. 

    You also need to be very cautious with your find before ever consuming something that you foraged. Double and triple-check your haul to make sure that you have accurately identified the plant and didn’t include any other plants or materials (including bugs, webs, etc.). Remove anything that is not the item you were foraging and NEVER consume anything you’re unsure about. Find more outdoor safety tips here.

    Patch of violets

    Using wild violets to make color-changing simple syrup 

    Violet simple syrup is our favorite thing to make with our foraged violets. Not only is it delicious, but it’s so much fun for kids! The syrup changes colors based on the type of liquid you add it to! It’s a really neat hands-on science experiment for kids to learn about pH.

    The violet syrup itself can range from bright purple to dark blue. When added to an acid like lemonade, the drink will turn pink. In a base like baking soda water, it will turn greenish. How fun is that?! Let me show you how to make it.

    Color-changing wild violet simple syrup recipe - Lemonade, Violet syrup, baking soda water
    Lemonade, violet syrup, baking soda water before mixing
    How to make wild violet syrup
    Lemonade with syrup added on the left and backing soda water with violet syrup added on the right.

    How to make wild violet syrup

    When we search for violets to make syrup, we usually aim to loosely fill a quart-sized mason jar. This gives you just the right amount of foraged violets to make a batch of color-changing simple syrup. Here’s the process:

    • Remove the stems of the plants from the flowers. Keep only the flowers for the syrup.
    • Do a quick rinse of the flowers to remove any dirt, sand, or insects.
    • Once rinsed, put the flowers back in the quart jar and fill it to the top with it hot distilled water.
    • Seal the jar and let it steep overnight.
    • In the morning, strain the flowers from the liquid, leaving behind beautiful violet-tinted water.
    • Set the mason jar filled with the violet water into a pot of water to heat it up enough so that it’s warm.
    • To make the syrup, mix equal parts warm violet water and sugar (1 cup water + 1 cup sugar) and stir until the super is dissolved.

    Here is a video from Alexis @blackforager on how to make the syrup. 

    Ways to use violet syrup 

    You can mix the violet simple syrup into all kinds of drinks. If you add it to an acid drink (like lemonade), it’ll turn pink! 

    Our favorite way to use our forage wild violet simple syrup is in homemade lime water. The citrus mixed with the sweet floral of the violet syrup is so good! The resulting beautiful pink color is an added bonus. My kids love to watch the drink change color as we mix the syrup and lime water.

    The simple syrup can be added to any drink of your choice. Consider adding it to tea, juice, mocktails/cocktails, sparkling water, or even just diluting it with water and adding other fresh herbs like mint or basil. The syrup would also be as delicious as a drizzle on baked goods or pancakes!

    Pink drink in a mason jar made with wild violet color-changing simple syrup
    Lime water with violet syrup added

    Using violet leaves

    Violet flowers aren’t the only part of the plant that is usable. Young violet leaves can be used in salads, in teas, and as garnishes. The leaves, as well as the flowers, can be infused in oils for use on the skin and can be used to make balms and salves. New growth emerges from the ground rolled up like a funnel and slowly unrolls from the center of the heart, shaped like a rose. 

    Violet leaves
    Young violet leaves

    Wild violet treats – jellies, cookies, and cakes 

    Making syrup isn’t the only way you can use your foraged wild violet flowers. The flowers of the violets can also be pressed or used to decorate desserts such as shortbread cookies and cakes. Here are some awesome recipes to try out!

    Baby with violet bow holding mason Jar of violets - foraging violets with kids

    More springtime foraging fun 

    Foraging violets is a fun springtime activity, but not the only one! If you’re not able to find violets or want some other springtime foraging ideas, never fear! Other spring blooms that are edible (and can be used to make similar items) are Forsythia, dandelions, and lilacs. We also have a great post on how to forage for pine tree tips and make a DIY foraged pine tree tip syrup. 

    There is no shortage of delicious and amazing things to make after you forage violets. So get outside and have some fun while collecting the goods!

    Do you forage with your kids? 

    About the author

    Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts:

  • Cooking, RECIPES, WINTER

    Cooking with Kids: 25+ Recipes To Make With Your Kids

    Cooking with kids is a great way to get young children involved in household duties. Cooking gives kids a sense of responsibility, it gets them excited about mealtime, it allows them to bond with you, and it increases their pride in their work. There are so many amazing benefits of cooking with kids. Today, we’re here to help convince you to get your kids involved in the cooking and meal-making process. We’ve got a list of kitchen tasks appropriate for kids of all ages and lots of fun ways to get them involved. Plus, we’re also sharing a few of our team’s favorite desserts and main courses to make (and eat) with our kids. Bon Appetit! 

    Cooking with kids

    Cooking is an everyday part of life, even if we sometimes wish it wasn’t. Kids love to be a part of (and even find joy in) the daily activities that long ago lost their novelty to us grownups. And while there are many people that enjoy cooking and even relish nourishing their families with healthy food, there are many others that do not find much joy in the kitchen.

    Cooking is one of those daily activities that kids absolutely want to be a part of, even from a young age. Kids naturally want to help and a lot of times, they’d do just about anything to spend more time with you. Including cooking chores! They love feeling like they contributed and are so proud of the work they do to help out.

    Cooking is not only a part of daily life, but it is something children all need to learn how to do. Only about 1/3 of children actually help prepare meals in their families. We’d love to help raise that number. There are so many great skills and lessons that kids can learn in the kitchen. Let’s get them involved! 

    Photo credit: Tiana Kubik

    Why kids should help cook

    Anyone who has ever cooked with kids knows that cooking with kids takes longer and the messes that are made are generally much larger than the ones you’d make yourself. This can be frustrating and when time is a factor, often not an option parents are willing to entertain. We get it. It is so hard to teach when doing it yourself is faster, easier, and less messy.

    However, cooking with kids is not only beneficial for the kids, but also for the parents. Cooking with your child gives you a bonding experience and quality time together doing something together that benefits the whole family. Eating meals together allows time for family bonding and may even improve mental health. Eating together contributes to fewer emotional and behavioral issues in children and greater feelings of mental well-being, according to recent studies. If you can’t let your child help you prepare meals daily, perhaps you can devote time once a week to cooking with your kids. 

    Benefits of cooking for kids

    There are so many benefits to sharing the task of cooking with children, beyond simply teaching them to cook. Shredding and chopping helps build fine motor skills. Following a recipe helps with reading. Measuring ingredients helps with math skills. Kids also take a lot of pride in the family meals they cook and are more likely to try new foods. While my kids might choose to eat macaroni and cheese, pizza, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets every day, we think it’s important to try unfamiliar foods that have a variety of ingredients. Cooking with kids is a great way to do that! 

    Here are a few science-backed reasons you should bring your children into the kitchen and let them help you cook on a regular basis.

    • Kids who cook, eat healthier foods. (Science Daily)
    • Baking is all about fractions and practical applications of math can help children understand concepts like fractions much better. (Institute of Education Sciences)
    • Allows kids to explore their senses – touching different textures, smelling a variety of ingredients, tasting food in different states of completion, etc. (Kids Health)
    • Kids will often decide to try new foods if they help prepare them. (National Library of Medicine)
    • Family traditions and routines help build stronger family relationships. (National Psychological Association)
    • Boosts a child’s confidence. (Kids Health)

    How kids can help cook (kitchen tasks by age)

    Children can easily help prep and cook almost any meal, but what and how they help depends on the age of your child. There are certain kitchen tasks that are more suitable for older kids, but lots of ways even the littlest ones can help and get involved. Young kids are great helpers, so don’t overlook them! There are lots of easy ways to get your children involved in the cooking process. The best way is sometimes to ask them what they’d like to help with (kids often have strong opinions on these subjects).

    Pro tip: For the younger kids, consider getting one of those kitchen helpers that adjust in height so that your child can safety step up to the counter to help. 

    Here is a general guide for how children can help you in the kitchen, broken down by age.

    Ages 0-1

    • Taste test edible ingredients
    • Help dump pre-measured ingredients into bowls
    • Play with unneeded cooking utensils

    Ages 2-5

    • Mash ingredients
    • Tear lettuce for a salad
    • Wash vegetables
    • Wash fruits
    • Knead dough
    • Wrap potatoes in foil
    • Mix ingredients
    • Testing kitchen tools

    Ages 5-7

    • Mix dry ingredients
    • Measure ingredients
    • Count items
    • Set the table
    • Crack eggs
    • Chop softer fruits and veggies
    • Begin learning to read recipes
    • Washing dishes

    Ages 8-12

    • Make shopping list
    • Unload groceries
    • Read recipes
    • Peel veggies
    • Toast bread
    • Mix a simple batter on their own
    • Wash and put away dishes
    • Make sandwiches

    Ages 12+

    • Make stovetop recipes
    • Bake on their own
    • Use sharp knives
    • Try new recipes
    • Learn to use a variety of kitchen gadgets

    These age-appropriate kitchen and cooking tasks for kids were taken from Taste of Home’s A Guide to Kitchen Tasks for Every Age. This is just a guide and can be adjusted as necessary for your child’s skill and interest level. Kids vary in abilities and desires and this is true with cooking as well. The idea is to involve them in some way, enjoy their company, teach skills, and instill healthy habits along the way.

    Photo credit: Kristen Ryan

    Fun recipes to cook with kids

    The Run Wild My Child Creative Team came together to share some of our favorite recipes. These are all recipes that our children love to eat and help prepare. Not only do each of the following recipes share how kids can help cook it, but they are all tested and loved by the children and families who shared them.

    We’ve included both desserts and main dish recipes below. There are vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and meat-filled options. Some of these recipes are great for busy parents that need a quick weeknight meal and some take time. All of them are customizable to fit your own family’s needs and tastes. They’re tried and true and guaranteed to be a big hit with your young chefs. 

    Cooking with kids - Easy recipes to make with kids
    Photo credit: Tiana Kubik

    Dessert recipes kids love

    We all know dessert is technically supposed to be served after the main dish, but kids (and many grownups) love dessert. So we thought we would start with dessert and work our way to the main dishes! Here are some tried and true dessert recipes that you can cook with your kids!

    Almond meltaway cookies

    This awesome almond dessert was shared by Creative Team member Tiana Kubik. Her family loves this recipe because it is super yummy and much easier to make than her mother’s equally yummy Christmas cookie recipe. The kids literally beg to make these whenever they get a chance. The kids love to help measure and stir and her oldest is now the director, meaning he reads out the recipe and makes sure everyone stays on track!

    Ingredients

    Cookies

    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 2 cups butter or margarine, softened 
    • 2 tsp vanilla
    • 1 tsp almond extract
    • 2 eggs
    • 5 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tsp baking soda
    • 2 tsp cream of tartar

    Decorating glaze

    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • Food coloring, as desired 

    Directions

    1. In a large bowl, beat 3 cups of powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with a spoon.
    2. Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
    3. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet.
    4. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with 3-inch cookie cutters. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
    5. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
    6. In a small bowl, beat all glaze ingredients except food colors on low speed until smooth.
    7. Divide among several small bowls. Stir desired food color, one drop at a time, into each until the desired color.
    8. Decorate cookies with glaze and other decorations as desired.
    vegan gluten-free apple crumble recipe
    Photo credit: Chelsea Furlong

    Apple crumble (vegan and gluten-free options)

    This delectable dessert is a favorite of Executive Team member Chelsea Furlong and her family. The best part is how easy the recipe is to tweak to be gluten-free and vegan. Plus, the literal hands-on mixing is a great sensory activity that kids of all ages will enjoy if they don’t mind getting a little messy. 

    Ingredients

    • 1 pie crust (you’ll only need one crust for the bottom) – Chelsea recommends using this gluten-free crust: Wholly Gluten Free Bakehouse Crust made by Wholly Wholesome 

    Apple filling

    • 6-8 McIntosh apples (can’t find McIntosh apples? Don’t worry, any crisp, tart apple will do; pink lady, honey crisp, gala, etc. are all good choices)
    • 1/2 cup sugar (you can use coconut palm sugar, cane sugar, or regular white sugar)
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
    • Dash of ground cloves
    • Dash of salt

    Crumble topping

    • 2/3 heaping cup of light brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup flour – Chelsea recommends a gluten-free flour blend
    • 1 cup old fashioned oats
    • 1/2 cup almond meal
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    • Dash of salt
    • 2/3 cup butter – Chelsea recommends Earth Balance Butter Spread (the salted and soy-free option)

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
    2. Prepare your crust of choice. (either make the dough or start thawing the frozen dough)
    3. Peel apples and cut them into slices. (kids love helping with this part!)
    4. Put apple slices in a large bowl and add the following ingredients: (kids love adding the ingredients!)
      • Sugar
      • Cinnamon
      • Nutmeg
      • Ground clove
      • Salt
    5. Mix well with a spoon or your hands until spices and sugar are evenly distributed and coat apple slices.
    6. Now make the crumble topping! Add all crumble topping ingredients into a bowl and mix together until combined well. This is another perfect opportunity to get the kids to help. These ingredients mix together easiest when you use your hands. It’s the perfect bit of messy and fun that makes cooking exciting for kids. (If the messy bit doesn’t sound like fun, you can use a Kitchenaid mixer with the paddle attachment to combine these ingredients.)
    7. Once the crumble topping is finished, fill one prepared pie shell with the apple mixture. Then cover the pie completely with the crumble topping. I use my hands to do this part as well and kids love to help sprinkle the crumble topping on top of the apples.
    8. Place the pie on a metal baking sheet covered by tin foil. The pie mix may bake over and caramelize on the pan so the baking sheet and foil will protect your oven from a big mess!
    9. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered. Then lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake for approximately 30 minutes more. Check occasionally to see if the top is browning. If your pie starts getting too dark or begins to burn, cover with foil.
    10. Pie is finished when apples are soft, topping is baked completely through, and has a nice brown, crunchy crust over the top.
    11. Serve as is, or topped with your favorite whipped topping or vanilla ice cream!

    Best chocolate chip cookies to make with kids

    Easy chocolate chip cookies

    This easy one-bowl cookie recipe is not only a hit with kids, but it’s vegan too! While traveling the country full-time, Executive Team member Katie Fox did not want to give up cooking with her kids, but she had to adapt recipes a bit to make it easy to do. Using fewer dishes is a huge bonus when you only have essential dishes due to space limitations, but also it makes cleanup so much easier! And when cooking with kids limiting messes is always a plus! This recipe was adapted from Cookie and Kate’s Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies.

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup oil (coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil work well)
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup white sugar
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
    • 1 tsp baking power
    • 3/4 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
    • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare your baking pan. Use a cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
    2. In a large mixing bowl mix together oil, water, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix until both sugars have been incorporated into the oil and the texture is smooth. This takes about 1-2 minutes with a handheld or standup mixer. (kids love to mix things by hand, so let them watch the sugar dissolve in the oil while they mix by hand. You can always finish the job once their arm tires.)
    3. Next add in the vanilla (if you are using it), the baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon (if you are using it). Mix it all together. (kids love to scoop, measure, dump, and mix these ingredients in)
    4. Add in the flour one cup at a time, mixing the first cup in completely before adding the second cup. Don’t over mix, just mix until the flour is no longer visible.
    5. Finally, add the chocolate chips. The dough is a bit sticky.
    6. Use a spoon to scoop out walnut-sized amounts of dough (about 2 inches in diameter) and drop them onto the prepared baking pans. Leave 3-4 inches between each dough ball.
    7. Bake for 14-17 minutes – until the edges of the cookies are turning golden brown.
    8. Let them cool and enjoy!

    frozen fruit yogurt berry bark - easy recipes for kids

    Frozen yogurt berry bark

    If you’re in need of a sweet (yet very healthy) tasty treat, this is the perfect option! Super easy to make and kids love it! My big kids can now make this all by themselves. You can use fresh or frozen fruit (and feel free to swap out the berries for any fruit of your choice). Make sure to eat it quickly while it’s cold so it doesn’t melt all over! 

    Ingredients

    • 32 oz vanilla Greek yogurt
    • strawberries
    • raspberries
    • blueberries
    • 2-3 tablespoons honey
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean puree

    Directions

    1. Mix the honey and vanilla into the yogurt in a large bowl.
    2. Spread the yogurt out onto a baking sheet using a rubber spatula.
    3. Place berries on top.
    4. Freeze (at least 1-2 hours).
    5. Use a knife to break into pieces.
    6. Enjoy right away while it’s COLD!

    Child decorating apple slicesPhoto credit: @meghangarriott

    Apple donut rings

    Ingredients

    • apples
    • peanut butter (or other nut butter), Nutella, marshmallow cream
    • nuts, candies, chocolate chips, sprinkles

    Directions

    1. Core and slice apples crossways.
    2. Slather a thick coat of peanut butter, Nutella, or marshmallow cream for the “donut icing” onto each apple slice.
    3. Let your kids have fun with the toppings using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. 
    4. Enjoy!
    Benefits of cooking with Kids - fun recipes to make with your kids
    Photo credit: @wonderclubexplorers

    Main dish recipes kids love

    Kids may love desserts, but those are “sometimes” foods. They are usually not cooked every day. But, most of us cook at least one meal every single day, if not more. Let’s dive into the heart of the meal with some fun main dish ideas that your kids will love. The recipes below are some of our team’s family favorites. 

    We encourage you to invite your kids to be a part of the everyday cooking experience. Give them the age-appropriate tasks suggested above or find something they like to do and find ways to incorporate that into your meal preparation. Cooking with kids is fun and when they help cook meals, like dinner, they are far more likely to eat it without complaint (which is always a bonus!). The following recipes provide many different ways to get kids helping cook main dishes too.

    best recipes to make with kids
    Photo credit: @wonderclubexplorers

    Krabby patties

    An ode to SpongeBob SquarePants, this is one item on the Krusty Krab menu just about anybody can eat! Creative Team member and lover of SpongeBob Michelle Garret shared this fun and kid-friendly recipe. Her family first made these Krabby patties (no crab involved) to celebrate the birthdate of Stephen Hillenburg, SpongeBob’s creator, but now the meal is a fun treat for any night of the week.

    Ingredients

    • Ground burger meat of choice (ground beef or turkey)
    • Burger meat seasonings of choice
    • Quality cheddar cheese slices

    Directions

    • Add seasonings to ground meat of choice and mix together. (Kids like mixing things together and using their hands to do it, let them help mix the seasonings in!)
    • Form the burger patties as you would any other burger. (Again, kids will love helping form the burger patties.)
    • Cut star shapes out of your cheddar cheese slices.
    • Cook your burger patties.
    • As the burgers finish cooking, place the star-shaped cheese slices on top of the burger and let it melt.
    • Enjoy!
    how to make Pierogies with kids
    Photo credit: Meghan Garriott

    Pierogies

    This savory dish was shared by Creative Team member Meghan Garriott. Pierogies are filled-dough dumplings and they can have many different fillings. Meghan’s family makes them with a potato and cream cheese filling and eats them on Christmas. Pierogi-making is laborious, which is why her family only does it once a year. But the best part about them (other than how delicious they are) is that the whole family makes them together. There are so many different tasks that kids can help out with while they spend time working on a special family dinner.

    Ingredients

    Potatoe filling

    • 12 medium potatoes (cooked and mashed)
    • 1 – 1 1/2 large packages of cream cheese
    • Salt to taste

    Dough

    • 4 eggs
    • 4 cups flour
    • 1 1/2 tsp salt
    • 12 generous tbsp sour cream

    Directions

    1. Cook potatoes. After they are cooked and while they are hot mash them.
    2. Mix in cream cheese and salt to taste and allow the potato mixture to cool.
    3. In a separate mixing bowl, add flour and 1 1/2 tsp salt and mix together.
    4. In another mixing bowl, add all eggs and whip them. Add in sour cream and whip until it is well mixed together.
    5. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and use a spoon to combine them. Once the dough comes together, use your hands and continue mixing and kneading the dough on a floured surface until the dough is smooth. (this is fun for kids to help with!) 
    6. The dough will still be slightly moist when done. 
    7. Cut dough into four pieces and on a floured surface roll out with a rolling pin.
    8. Using a round cookie cutter or the edge of a drinking glass cut the dough into circles. Make sure to put flour on the cutter/glass to avoid dough sticking to it.
    9. Add potato filling on top of each circle dough and fold over. Seal the half circles by pinching the dough together or using a floured fork to press the edges together.
    10. Bring a pot of water to boil. Reduce heat so water is gently boiling.
    11. Drop the pierogies into the boiling water and boil for 5-7 minutes or until the pierogies float to the top of the water.
    12. Drain and cover perogies with a lot of melted butter so they do not stick together.
    13. Enjoy!

    kid-friendly dinner ideas - chicken pot pie puffs

    Chicken pot pie puffs

    Since that last recipe was a bit complicated, let’s try a kid-friendly recipe that’s as easy as pie – chicken pot pie! This super easy 4 ingredient recipe was submitted by RWMC founder Sara McCarty. This is perfect to throw together when you need a super quick weeknight meal that’s warm, hearty, and filling. The puffs taste just like homemade chicken pot pie and are easy enough for kids to make all by themselves. 

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
    • 1 can cream of chicken soup
    • 1 rotisserie chicken
    • 1 can biscuits

    Directions:

    1. Heat oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, combine vegetables, chicken, and soup; mix well. 
    2. Press each biscuit into 5 1/2-inch rounds. Place 1 round in each of 8 greased regular-size muffin cups of a muffin tin. Firmly press in bottom and up side, forming 3/4-inch rim. 
    3. Spoon a generous 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each muffin cup. Pull edges of dough over filling toward center; pleat and pinch dough gently to hold in place.
    4. Bake at 375°F 20 to 22 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from pan.
    5. Enjoy!

    cooking with kids - best family meals and recipes

    Taco pizza

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
    • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
    • 2 (8 oz) tubes crescent rolls
    • 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
    • 2–3 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
    • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
    • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
    • 4 green onions, chopped (optional)
    • chopped green/red bell pepper (optional)

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    2. In a skillet, brown beef and drain. Add taco seasoning according to the package directions.
    3. Unroll crescent rolls from tube. Place in an ungreased jelly roll pan or cookie sheet. Press dough over the bottom and 1/2 inch up sides to form crust.
    4. Bake at 375 for 11 -13 minutes or just until golden brown.
    5. Microwave beans in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Carefully spread beans over warm crust creating a thin layer.
    6. Top with cooked beef mixture.
    7. You can also sprinkle on the tomatoes, black olives, peppers, and green onion (or you can wait until after cooking to add them). Top with cheese.
    8. Return pizza to the oven for 3-6 more minutes until cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve immediately!
    9. Enjoy!

    cooking with kids - easy foods to make with your kids

    Tried and true kid-friendly recipes

    Many of us search and find recipes all over the internet that turn into family favorites. Instead of sharing these recipes in full, we decided we would share the links to the original creators. Below you will find several recipes our team and their families love to cook and their kids enjoy. And just like above, they are separated by desserts (first of course) and main dishes.

    Desserts and muffins

    Main dishes

    cooking with kids - kid-friendly recipes they can help make

    What are your favorite recipes to cook with kids?

  • FALL, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Trail-Tested Kid-Approved Hiking Snacks

    If you have kids, you know the importance of packing snacks for any outing. But what do you pack for a hike? You want something that’s easy packable, high on nutrients, fun for kids, and easy to eat on the trail. Today, Washington hiking mom of fours, RyAnn Peverly shares her family’s tried and tested hiking snacks for kids. She’s sharing her favorite recipes and variations on hiking snacks to make at home, plus some options for healthy store-bought snacks to pack for your hiking adventures. Happy snacking (and hiking)!

    Best Hiking Snacks for Kids

    Trail-tested kid-approved hiking snacks

    When my family is preparing to go on a hike the first thing I do is get out our backpacks and start setting everything we need in a box by the front door. Whether it’s going to be a long(ish) hike or just a quick one, being prepared ahead of time makes it so much easier to get out the door. I make sure everyone has all the things they need and all their favorites, from shoes to snacks.

    Snacks perhaps are one of the most important parts of what we put in our packs (at least in the kids’ opinion). Good snacks can make the difference between a hike that turns into a slog, or one the kids remember for days to come. Loading up on kid-pleasing snacking options is one step in making sure everyone has a great day outside on the trail.

    Best hiking snacks for kids on the trail

    What makes a good hiking snack

    There are so many options on the market today for hiking snacks that my kids are sure to like. There are a ton of pre-packed and pre-made snacks that the kids would be over the moon to eat. But, those items can really add up in terms of cost, sugar/additive intake, and waste produced. We like knowing exactly what’s in our snacks and we really enjoy working together in the kitchen to create our own healthy, easily packable, budget-friendly morsels. 

    In our kitchen, we love to focus on snacks that pack a punch in flavor and nutrition. The key to a good snack is that it combines these key features:

    • provides a balance of carbs for quick energy, protein for long-lasting energy, and high calories in a small package;
    • fit easily in a sandwich bag or lightweight lunch box;
    • doesn’t require utensils for diving in.

    DIY Homemade Hiking Snacks for Kids

    Our favorite hiking snacks to make at home

    Below, I’ve included a few of our favorite snacks to make at home as a family to take on the trail. While we love making our own snacks, it’s certainly not a necessity for hiking. If you need/want to save time, you can buy pre-made and pre-packaged snacks. Every family is different and it’s important that you do what works best for you so you can get outside and play! If that means picking up snacks from the store instead of making them at home, DO THAT! You’ll get no judgment at all! I’ve included some of our favorite store-bought snacks below. 

    GORP

    Gorp, trail mix, scroggin, snack mix. Whatever your family calls it, this delicious mix of goodies has long been a staple of avid outdoorsmen and women. Our favorite thing about gorp is that everyone can make their own version exactly how they like it.

    Gorp is probably the easiest and most budget-friendly snack all hands can help in making. Just grab a bag, fill it with your favorites, and shake.

    I find the best place to get our ingredients is the bulk section of our local grocery store. That section tends to be a little cheaper than prepackaged bags of nuts and dried fruit. Another plus to procuring ingredients this way is that you can use your own reusable bags or jars and save on waste. 

    GORP trail mix varieties and ingredients - best hiking snacks for kids

    GORP mix varieties and ingredients

    Here are a few of our top blends to help give you an idea of all the different ways you can mix ingredients to make a delicious and healthy trail snack for kids:

    • Traditional
      • peanuts
      • almonds
      • raisins
      • M&M’s
      • Honey Nut Cheerios
    • Tropical
      • dried pineapple
      • dried mango
      • coconut flakes
      • almonds
      • cashews
    • Sweet & Spicy
      • wasabi peas
      • pecans 
      • Chex cereal
      • sesame crackers
      • dried apricots
    • No Nut Mix
      • chocolate covered sunflower seeds
      • mini-pretzels
      • Craisins
      • freeze fried apple 
      • granola chunks
    • Pantry stash
      • chocolate chips
      • Goldfish crackers
      • dried apple
      • banana chips
      • mini marshmallows

    making power balls - energy bites for kids - best hiking snacks

    Power balls

    Perhaps the best snack on the list is power balls! Power balls (also known as energy bites) combine all our snack needs in a convenient and fun two-bite package. This is another snack that allows kids to mix in their favorite ingredientss, plus they are able to get their hands messy in the DIY making process. 

    Power balls, like the other snacks, only take a few ingredients and can be altered to add in your favorite ingredients. These delicious balls of energy all start with the same 3 ingredient base that provide a good source of carbohydrates and protein. 

    Start with these three ingredients

    • 1 cup dry oats
    • ¼ cup nut butter
    • ¼ cup honey or agave

    Now, it’s time to get creative. Add a few extra mix-ins to make your favorite power ball combinations. A few of our tried and true add-ins are:

    • ½ cup mini chocolate or M&M’s
    • ¼ cup shredded coconut
    • ¼ cup diced nuts
    • ½ cup diced dried fruit
    • ¼ cup crushed pretzels or graham crackers
    • ¼ cup mini marshmallows (we cut ours in half)

    After mixing all ingredients in a bowl, use your hands to form the batter into balls and let harden on a cookie sheet. Power balls can be stored for up to a week in your fridge in an airtight container.

    Pinwheels

    We love pinwheels! Pinwheels are basically rolled-up sandwich-type creations, filled with your favorite ingredients. These can be made sweet or savory, with just a couple of items from your pantry. They can be a healthy snack out on the trail or they can become the main meal on an outing. There are tons of variations out there, but these are our favorites and never fail to please. The main ingredients in all pin-wheels are tortillas, a spread of some sort, and one or two fillings.

    These tasty treats are really easy to make, and my son loves that he gets to roll and then slice them into different sizes. Just four steps and your snack is done!

    1. Lay tortilla on a flat, cuttable surface
    2. Smear spread out evenly in the center of the tortilla
    3. Lay fillings in the center of the spread
    4. Roll tortilla up, and cut into slices

    Sweet pinwheel variation

    • P.B. & J – this roll needs no explanation, and takes its cues from an already family favorite.
      • Peanut butter (or any nut butter will do)
      • Favorite jelly of jam
    • Nutella & banana – chocolate hazelnut and bananas! How can this not be delicious?
      • Nutella
      • Nut butter
      • Banana
      • Strawberries (optional)
    • Apples & Strawberries – a crowd favorite!
      • Apple butter
      • Nut Butter
      • Sliced strawberries

    Savory pinwheel variations

    (Savory pin-wheels will require a small ice pack to keep fresh)

    • Seattle roll – named after one of my favorite sushi rolls
      • Smoked salmon
      • Cream cheese
      • Cucumber slices
    • Turkey & ranch
      • Ranch dressing
      • Thin sliced turkey lunch meat
      • Cheese slices
      • Avocado
    • Italian Sub
      • Mayo or mustard (or both!)
      • Salami
      • Pepperoni (for those that like a little spice)
      • Provolone cheese 
      • Lettuce

    Store-bought hiking snacks to keep on hand

    I will admit that some days I just don’t have the time or energy to put together homemade snacks. Sometimes it’s more important for us to just get out the door and I need the quickest easiest snack options. So, I like to keep a stock of our family’s favorite store-bought snacks on hand for easy grab and go. Plus I will often throw a couple of these in my pack to add to our supply or just in case someone is extra hungry. 

    Best Store-Bought Hiking Snacks for Kids

    Fruit & veggies

    We always like to throw in a couple of pieces of fresh fruit (or handfuls of berries) and a baggie of veggie sticks for that fresh flavor. Easy choices are small apples, tangerines, carrots, snap peas, cucumbers, peppers, and celery sticks. Just remember to pack out your cores and peels with you. Another option in this category is dried fruit. We love apple rings and banana chips tossed in a baggie. Fruit leather is another great option that can be bought in bulk and kept on the pantry shelves. 

    Bars

    Please believe me when I say we have tried every energy bar and granola bar on our grocery store shelves. Store-bought bars can be expensive and packed with all kinds of things, so I try to pick those with simple, whole food ingredients that offer tons of flavor. After years of taste testing, we have certainly decided on a few top choices. Our go-to’s are CLIF Zbars, Lara Bars, and Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars. 

    Jerky

    Jerky is an easy snack and always a favorite with the kids. We always keep a few packages on hand. My kids have always preferred jerky sticks, and honestly, I think they are a little easier to pack and open. Some of our favorite brands are Vermont Smoke and Cure, CHOMPS, and Bavarian Meats.

    How to pack your hiking snacks

    Store-bought snacks often come in their own easy, lightweight packages. But when you make your own or buy in bulk it’s necessary to carry your snacks in some sort of container. As a family, we have made a commitment to try and use reusable containers as much as possible. Did you know that Americans throw away enough plastic each year to circle the Earth four times? We’re trying to do our part to cut that number down. We hope you will, too. 

    There are a lot of great options on the market to fit all budgets. These are the top four that our family uses for every outing.

    how to pack hiking snacks

    Snack happy!

    Hopefully, with this list of kid-tested and approved snacks, your family can get out there on the trail and enjoy a great day outdoors building memories and not complaining because of grumbling bellies. We hope this helps you hike happier and longer! 

    More resources about hiking with kids 

    If you’re interested in more great content about hiking with kids, be sure to check out the following posts:

    What are your kids’ favorite hiking snacks?

    About the author

    RyAnn is a mom of four (20, 18, 15, 6) that loves exploring her home in the Pacific Northwest. She works as a youth outdoor program instructor for the Mountaineers Org. in Washington state. RyAnn also loves getting out and adventuring with her family as much as possible. They enjoy traveling around the PNW in their converted Sprinter campervan. On her days off she generally loads up the van and hits the trails for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or climbing. RyAnn is passionate about instilling love and respect for outdoor spaces in her kids and the youth she is lucky to work with.

    You can find more from RyAnn in the following locations:
    Instagram: @mountain_mama4
    Website: Mountain Mama
    RWMC posts: Ryann Peverly

  • FALL, FARM, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Tips for Apple Picking with Kids

    Apple picking in the fall is a time-honored tradition for our family. Each year during apple picking season, we head out to our local u-pick apple orchard and stock up on this delicious treat. The kids love the hay rides to the field and running through the rows of apple trees to find the best fruit. I love making a huge vat of apple sauce and how it fills my whole house with the sweet scent of fall (and a touch of cinnamon). Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, shares all the best apple picking tips for kids, plus a few favorite kid-friendly apple recipes so you can put your pickings to good use. So, get on board the apple wagon, and let’s get picking! 

    Tips for apple picking with kids and kid-friendly apple recipes and crafts

    Apple season

    Nothing says Fall quite like Apples. Their colors, smell, flavors, and orchard experiences are Autumnal staples. They have all the reds, greens, and golds of the changing fall leaves.  The smell and taste of caramel apples and apple pies brings me right back to the happy Autumns of childhood.

    Harvest for these favorite fruits spans the whole fall season from August to November giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the season. Today we are talking about all things APPLE and the many ways you can enjoy them with your kids!

    Benefits of apples

    An apple a day keeps the doctor away. We’ve probably all heard this saying, right? They may not be a cure-all but apples do have many health benefits in addition to being a delicious treat for all ages. Apples are are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. The fiber in apple skins helps to feed the good gut bacteria as well as keeping things moving through the digestive tract as they are supposed to. An apple a day was linked to 28% decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. So while it is a sweet snack, at only 90 calories, it’s one you can feel good about eating and feeding to the whole family. 
    Two boys with bags of apples in front of an apple tree

    Types of apples 

    There are so many types of apples. They vary greatly in their season availability and their taste. Below are some of the most popular varieties, what they are best used for, and when they are in season. Apple season runs from August to November for reference. 

    • Gala – Early picking season. sweet flavor. Good for salads, snacking, and freezing.
    • Red Delicious – Mid to late season picking season. Mild flavor. Good for snacking.
    • Granny Smith – Mid to late picking season. Tart flavor. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Fuji – Midseason picking. Very sweet. Good for snacking and salads.
    • Honeycrisp – Early picking season. Juicy and sweet flavor. Good dessert apple.
    • Macintosh -Mid picking season. Sweet and tart. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Jonagold – Late picking season. Sweet and tart. Good for snacking salads and sauces.
    • Pink lady – Late season picking. Sweet with some tart. Good for baking and applesauce.
    • Ambrosia – Mid picking season. Sweet and Crisp. Good for baking and snacking.
    • Golden Delicious – Mid picking season. Mellow and sweet. Good for snacking, salads and baking.

    Child laying on ground under Apple rainbow

    U-pick apple farms and orchards

    Picking your own apples either at the store or at a local apple orchard is a great family activity. Visiting your local u-pick orchard it’s a great way to support local businesses and shop small. Our local orchard Okaw Valley Orchard grows a wide variety of apples and fresh fruit and veggies, and also carries many products from many other local businesses as well. Letting children pick out their own food items from the farm market can help children try new healthy foods or encourage picky eaters to give things a try. 

    No matter where you live (in the US), there’s a good chance that you have a local apple orchard or pick your own farm nearby. Apples are grown all across the US and are usually available starting late summer through the fall (late October or early November). U-pick orchards are also everywhere. To find an orchard or u-pick farm near you, check out pickyourown.org and search by your state and region. 
    Two children picking app,es

    What to know before you go apple picking

    Before heading out to the orchard be sure to check out the orchard’s website, Facebook page or other social media channels. Different types of apples have varying seasons. Know what’s ripe in your area (and how you’ll use it), so you know what to pick (and how much). If you are in search of a certain variety it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for when they will be available. The orchard may also have specific times or dates for picking your own apples.  Many orchards host school tours and events. Checking their website or social media can help you plan your trip on a less busy day, and ensure you get all the products you are after.

    You’ll also want to know if there’s an admission fee to pick apples, the price (per pound) of apples, whether they take credit cards, what’s available in the farm store, etc. 

    Two boys picking apples

    Apple picking with kids

    Apple picking with kids is a fun and easy outdoor fall activity for the whole family. Every year we make it a point to make a day trip to go pick apples and it’s become a family tradition that we all look forward to. Apple picking is easy enough for little kids (although, they may need some help reaching the high ones) and still fun and enjoyable for older kids (and adults). Apples are available around us from late August through early November, which means we could even go a few times a season in order to get the best varieties for our treats (see below) in a wide variety of weather. Our local apple orchard has a ton of fun activities for the kids that keep us busy all day. 

    What to pack for apple picking with kids

    The good part about apple picking is that you don’t really need any special gear or items. If you have a long drive, pack accordingly for your car ride (toys, entertainment, water, and lots of snacks). Depending on the weather, you may need layers, sunscreen, bug spray, a raincoat, boots, or a jacket. We always pack a change of clothes (because you just never know with kids) to keep in the car. And maybe bring along some cash and/or change for any events, rides, activities at the orchard. 

    For the most part, the only thing you need to pick apples is a container to hold them. Most u-pick farms will provide bags, baskets, or buckets for holding your apple haul. However, check to make sure before heading out the door.

    Finally, don’t forget to bring along a camera! Apple orchards make beautiful backdrops for pretty family photos. 

    Boy in blue shirt picking apple

    How to pick and choose your apples

    When it comes to picking your own apples right off the tree, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best apples and to ensure the tree is unharmed so we have apples for years to come.  Kids tend to want to just pull the apple down until it comes off. Unfortunately, this method can damage or break branches on the apple tree. To pick effectively without damaging the tree remind kids to “twist, then pull upward”. This helps to loosen the stem and preserve the tree branches.  

    Before twisting and pulling check the apple to make sure there are no openings in the skin and give it a little squeeze before picking to make sure it is firm and not squishy. Little ones might be tempted to fill their bags with apples from the easy-to-reach ground so you may want to double-check them to make sure they are free of soft spots. 

    If you plan to do some baking keep an eye out for “seconds specials”. Seconds are apples that may not look great on the outside but are perfectly fine to eat. These ripe apples are best for baking, where their skin imperfections will go unnoticed. 

    Exploring an apple orchard with kids

    Most orchards have more to do than just picking apples, which is great because kids can sometimes be over the picking part quickly. Local apple orchards can offer a wide variety of games and activities, such as hayrides, bonfires, tractor rides, corn maze, pumpkin cannons, pig races, train rides, cider mill tours, pony rides, live music, pumpkin patch, scenic wagon ride, a petting zoo full of farm animals, farm stand, beer garden, wine tasting, food trucks, bounce houses, carnival rides, face painting, and more! The food is usually delicious too – bratwurst and burgers, funnel cakes, ice cream, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh apple cider, of course! 

    Our local orchard has a playground outside and a lot of products to browse through on the inside at the market. Many of these products are made with or pair perfectly with apples like bbq sauce, cinnamon apple jellies, and ciders.  Our favorite thing to get inside our local orchard store is cider slushies and cider donuts! Local orchards are also a great place to start some of your holiday shopping with small gifts like soaps, home goods, and delicious canned goods. 
    Boy looking at apples in store Two boys drinking apple cider slushees

    Kid-friendly apple recipes 

    Visiting the orchard is fun but let’s be honest, the best part is eating! Apples can be sweet, savory, and even spicy. They can be used in so many different dishes. Here are a few recipes that kids will love to help out with and eat!

    Sweet apple treats

    Apple chips– Thinly slice a cored apple. Place slices on parchment paper. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon. Place slices in the oven at 200 degrees cooking low and slow for about 2-3 hours until they are nice and crisp. As an added bonus the house will smell delicious as these cook! 

    Apple roll-ups– Using pre-made crescent roll dough sprinkle each dough slice with some cinnamon and sugar. Place one apple slice in the middle of the dough then roll up and bake as directed on the packaging. These make great afternoon snacks!

    Apple nachos– These are very customizable and fun to make. Use apple slices as you would chips in traditional nachos. Then cover the slices with all your favorite toppings, we used peanut butter, chocolate, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Nuts and caramel would be delicious toppings as well. 

    Apple donut rings– Core and slice apples crossways. Decorate slices using peanut butter, Nutella or marshmallow cream for the “donut icing”. Then have fun with the toppings using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. The “icing” can be difficult for little fingers to spread so it worked best for us if the adults did the spreading and the kids did the decorating. 

    Apple butter– Check out this post on a fun family tradition of making a huge vat of homemade open-fire apple butter outside with the whole family! Apples, red hots, and even some silver dollars make this a really special recipe! Pair with biscuits for cleaning the pot!

    Two boys making apple nachosChild decorating apple slices

    Savory apple recipes for kids

    Turkey apple grilled cheese sandwiches– Spice up the traditional grilled cheese with some deli turkey, cheddar cheese, and some thin-sliced apples. To apple it up even more add some apple butter. Then prepare just like you would traditional grilled cheese. If you happen to have a panini press that would work as well!

    Apple beer bread– This apple beer bread is the perfect combination of apples, honey-wheat, and cinnamon. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy it soon without the long wait. Try it warm with a slathering of butter (or spiced butter!). 

    Apple and pork breakfast sausage– In a bowl combine ground pork, shredded apple, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Form the mixture into small sausage patties. Cook the patties in a skillet for about five minutes per side until golden brown

    Apple crafts for kids

    If eating apples is just not going to happen, don’t worry! Apples can also be used to feed wildlife and for kid crafts. 

    Apple stamping– Cut an apple in half, paint the cut side and use it as a stamp to get a perfect apple-shaped silhouette. Stamp on a paper tree or fill a paper basket with stamped apples while learning about apples at home without going to the store or orchard. 

    Apple suncatcher– Use construction to cut out a large apple outline. In the center of the outline, use contact paper and colored tissue paper to decorate the apple. Hang on windows to let the sun illuminate the tissue paper. This is a fun way to decorate for fall. 

    Apple bird feeder– This is a great way to use apples that may have imperfections or soft spots and aren’t going to get eaten. Cut the apple in half. Hollow out the center of the apple. Fill with peanut butter then coat with birdseed. Then hang in a tree for birds, and probably squirrels, to enjoy. Check out this post for even more fun and simple bird feeders you can make with kids.
    Boy holding apple bird feeder

    A favorite fruit 

    Apple picking is one of those wonderful fall activities that’s fun for the whole family and is sure to be a great time! Hitting the orchards is one of our family’s favorite fall traditions and a fun way to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather and fresh air. Apples are a favorite fruit for kids and adults alike, and for good reason. With all of their uses and their many varieties, they can easily please a wide range of people. There is no shortage of fun and delicious things to do with apples. So get out to your local orchard and start picking today!

    About the author

    Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • Cooking, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER

    Outdoor Pizza Night: Cooking Pizza Outdoors with Kids

    Pizza is almost always a family favorite, even amongst the pickiest of eaters. And eating outdoors is an easy way to get kids outside in the summer! Plus, everyone knows that eating outdoors somehow makes the food taste better, right? If you love the smell of wood-fired pizza and you love eating outdoors, you’ll delight in our ideas for outdoor pizza cooking with kids! Jemma, Creative Team member, high school teacher, and mother of four, shares all about using an outdoor pizza oven and cooking pizza outside with kids! If you are looking for a fun way to change up mealtime,  tried and true pizza topping ideas, or different ways to make a pizza oven, then this post is for you!

    Cooking Pizza Outside - outdoor pizza night with kids

    Cooking pizza outdoors with kids

    If you’re looking for ideas to spend more time with kids outdoors, cooking with kids is a fun way to spend time together outside whilst also doing an activity they love. Making, kneading, and even proving the dough is an outdoor activity idea for the whole family. It can also be a great way to keep kids of all ages occupied if you’re entertaining. Why not even try cooking outdoor pizzas as a party activity or a fun science experiment?

    Why pick pizza?

    Cooking outside with kids can be wonderful and there are many ideas out there! Here are a few other ways you can spend time outdoors cooking with kids. But with so many fun options for meals and foods to make outside, why pick pizza? What’s so great about cooking pizza outside and why should you give it a try? Here are so reasons that may convince you just how fun and versatile pizza can be.

    Pizza is fun and easy

    Pizzas are really easy for kids to make! If your kids love cooking, outdoor pizzas are a great way to get kids to do something different outdoors. Plus, it gets them involved in the cooking process, which is something kids love to be a part of.

    Pizza gets kids to try new foods

    The choice in toppings will likely lead to trying new foods. Kids will love making their own dough and picking their own toppings. The free element of choice means that they are more likely to choose things they may not usually eat. Yes, that even means vegetables (maybe even vegetables from your own garden). Kids that don’t usually try new foods can often be encouraged to try them as a pizza topping because they’re in smaller quantities. See below for our favorite pizza toppings with a ton of healthy ideas for kids too!

    Healthy pizza options

    Pizza makes choosing healthy options easier. While pizza may not automatically sound like a healthy choice, it absolutely can be! It’s easy to get healthy toppings and ingredients into pizza, which makes it a good choice for parents! Try using a cauliflower-based crust or wholemeal flour crust to make your pizza even healthier. Veggies are easy to sneak onto a pizza too, especially things such as peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms! If your kids don’t like seeing their veggies, you can puree them into the pizza sauce for hidden nutrition. 

    Create memorable moments

    Cooking outside is a memorable experience in and of itself! Taking the meal prep, cooking, and eating outside is a simple change, but one that your whole family is sure to enjoy. Changing things up every once in a while can make a regular meal seem much more exciting and will create lasting memories!

    Outdoor Pizza Oven - cooking outside with kids

    Outdoor pizza oven options

    Pizza is one of the easiest and quickest things to cook outdoors if you have a pizza oven. The extreme heat of a pizza oven and its open flames help to produce the unique flavor and texture of a Neapolitan pizza. For anyone looking to replicate this style of pizza, then a pizza oven is what you need!

    There are a few different options for outdoor pizza ovens. You can buy a pizza oven, build your own pizza oven, or even use an existing gas grill! Any of these methods will produce incredibly delicious mouth-watering pizza, right in your own backyard! Here’s a little bit about each option.

    Buying a pizza oven

    If you’re looking to buy a pizza oven, our favorite outdoor pizza oven is the Roccbox from Gozney (also available here from Amazon). Although they are expensive, they’re a great investment for social events and parties because they cook pizzas in just 60 seconds! Yes, you heard that right! You’ll always be able to knock out something quickly to feed hungry guests and an outdoor pizza is a perfect thing to create quickly after a long day out on a family adventure!

    Building a pizza oven

    If you have some time on your hands and are looking for a long-lasting option, you can also build your own pizza oven for your backyard or garden. See here for a great tutorial to help you build your own outdoor pizza oven. If you want to create a temporary and fun family DIY cardboard pizza oven and use the summer sun to cook your dinner, then this Solar Pizza Oven tutorial is for you! 

    Using a gas grill as a pizza oven

    Not everyone has a pizza oven or the time to make one, but many of you may already have a gas grill! Turns out, this is perfect pizza oven equipment! There are a few different ways to convert your gas grill into an easy-to-use pizza oven. The folks over at Baking Steel share one way to use a gas grill as a pizza oven and it is so easy! Or, you can place your pizza dough directly on the grill to par-bake it, then flip and add toppings and finish cooking. Pizza on the grill is simple and fun! 
    outdoor pizza cooking with kids

    Pizza dough recipe

    Making and kneading the dough is my kids’ favorite part of pizza night. Sometimes we’ll buy pre-made dough from a grocery store or even use the dough from a can, but the very best dough is the kind you make yourself. It’s easier to make than you might expect and kids love being involved in the process. 

    Pizza dough ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast or 1 packet of pizza crust yeast
    • 2 cups lukewarm water
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 5.5 – 6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

    Pizza dough instructions

    1. Dissolve the sugar, yeast, olive oil, and salt in the lukewarm water. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step.
    2. Measure your flour by gently spooning it into a measuring cup, then sweeping off any excess (do not pack it down).
    3. Add the flour, starting with 5 1/2 cups and adding more as necessary to make a soft, smooth dough.
    4. Knead the dough with your hands until it’s smooth and elastic, about 7 to 10 minutes.
    5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl or other container, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, whatever fits your schedule.
    6. Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into four pieces, for medium-crust pizza; or three pieces, for thicker crusts.
    7. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece, on a lightly greased surface, into a circle to fit a 12″ pizza pan. Let the dough rest several times to relax it and make it more cooperative. 

    Assembling your pizza

    1. Place the dough on pizza pans, baking sheets, or on parchment (if using a pizza stone).
    2. Preheat your pizza oven to 450°F. While it’s heating, get out your toppings, which you’ve prepared ahead. 
    3. Brush each crust with a bit of olive oil, sauce and toppings of your choice. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese.
    4. Bake the pizzas for 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re golden brown, the toppings are hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted. Remove the pizzas from the oven.
    5. Immediately transfer pizzas to a cooling rack, so their bottoms don’t get soggy. After about 10 minutes (to allow the toppings to set), slice and serve.

    Cooking Pizza Outside with Kids -best outdoor pizza ovens

    Pizza topping ideas for kids

    We asked our Creative Team members what their (and their kids) favorite pizza toppings were. See below for their fun and creative pizza topping answers!  Use these ideas to create some new pizza topping combinations in the future!

    • BBQ chicken with cilantro and red onion
    • Pineapples, chicken, barbecue sauce
    • Pepperoni and olive (a classic)
    • Roasted red pepper and goat cheese
    • Mushrooms and olives
    • Garlic and ricotta cheese
    • Sweetcorn and goat cheese
    • Broccoli and olives
    • Red sauce and olives only (some kids just don’t like cheese)
    • Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella
    • Pineapple and ham (or Canadian bacon)
    • Taco pizza – taco meat, tomatoes, lettuce, salsa, cheese and black olives
    • Feta, sundried tomatoes, and turkey kielbasa
    • Potato and goat cheese
    • Bacon, egg and arugala

    Not seeing your favorite or your child’s favorite topping choices above? No worries! Making pizza with your family is all about having fun! Offer different topping options, including those you know will be chosen by your family members, but also new toppings too! Let each person create their own topping combinations and then share the different outdoor oven-baked pizzas. This isn’t just a meal, it is a way to get outside while making memories!

    Outdoor pizza oven tips and tricks

    For pizza with a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings, high heat is required. This is where purpose-built pizza ovens shine since they can withstand temperatures far greater than those of regular home ovens. How long it takes to cook your pizza will depend upon your oven’s internal temperature, and can vary from as long as 10 minutes to as quickly as just 90 seconds! Once your oven is up to temperature, you’ll need to actually put your pizza in the oven.

    We don’t advise throwing a raw pizza into your oven with your bare hands, so a trusty pizza peel will be a valuable investment in your outdoor baking arsenal. A pizza peel is a flat, wide tool that helps you move pizza pies around. Some pizza peels are better designed to transfer a pizza from the countertop to your pizza oven while others are better for turning the pizza while it’s cooking in the oven. 

    Since the pizza dough can be a bit sticky, you’ll need something to keep it moving freely on the peel. You can use another sprinkling of flour or cornmeal on your pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking and help it slide off the peel and into the oven in one swift movement. 

    You can cook all kinds of other food in your outdoor pizza oven, not just pizza. Try cooking and serving roasted vegetables, focaccia bread, cinnamon rolls, or even peach cobbler, all of which cook up amazingly well in an outdoor oven.

    Make outdoor pizza night a summer tradition

    We hope you’ll enjoy making pizza outdoors with your family  – it may even become a tried and tested household summer tradition. If your kids have got the outdoor cooking bug, then you’ll love our outdoor skills posts. Have a read of this one here giving tips for fire safety to help kids know how to use fires safely. 

    If you liked reading our ideas for pizzas you’ll love our other ideas for camping cookouts with kids! 

    Caution: You must be careful when using outdoor pizza ovens near kids. Pizza ovens are exceptionally hot and you should take extra care when using them around kids.

    Outdoor pizza night for kid - pizza dough recipe and kid-friendly pizza topping ideas

    What pizza toppings will you choose?

    About the author

    Jemma lives in London, England with her husband and kids. Her all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of her family. She’s on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too, one day! She’s a mum to four and an English teacher to many. She loves sharing her passion for storytelling, adventures, and nature crafts on her blog and here. 

    Find more from Jemma in the following locations:
    Instagram: @thimbleandtwig
    Blog: http://www.thimbleandtwig.com
    Facebook: @thimbleandtwig
    Etsy shop: ThimbleandTwig
    RWMC posts: Jemma

  • FALL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES

    Family Traditions: Making Open-Fire Apple Butter with Kids

    If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that family matters more than ever before and we should not take the time we spend together for granted. We’ve also learned that sometimes it’s nice to slow things down and it’s even nicer to do that outside, surrounded by those you love. Today, our Creative Team member and Ohio homeschooling mom of four, Leslie Alvis, shares her family’s tradition of making old-fashioned homemade open-fire apple butter. This is a time-honored tradition that’s been passed down generations, from great-grandparents to the grandkids. It’s a beautiful story of slowing things down, getting everyone involved, and spending quality time together. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy this one!

    Apple Butter

    Good old-fashioned traditions

    The skills of past generations were often passed along verbally and through hands-on experience. Children learned the wisdom of their parents and grandparents as they worked alongside them. Sometimes we call the ways of past generations “old fashioned” because they didn’t have the modern conveniences we use today. But often the slower ways tied people closer to each other and the rhythms of the earth. This fall our family had the opportunity to experience this firsthand as my husband’s grandparents taught us a new skill in an old-fashioned way: making apple butter over an open fire.

    Apple Butter

    Apple butter tradition

    Years ago, my husband’s grandparents would get together with a group of friends every fall to make apple butter. They peeled the apples by hand—five bushels of them. Then, they gathered together for a full day of cooking, stirring, and canning the delicious results. Several years back, Nanny and Grandpa acquired their own equipment and began teaching their grandchildren the tradition of open-fire apple butter making.

    It’s been a few years since anyone organized the event and we all missed it. So, this fall we decided to make it happen. We wanted our children to enjoy this experience, spend time with their great-grandparents, and make these memories together. With practical wisdom, special traditions, and a lot of laughter, they taught us their way of making apple butter.

    Making Apple Butterstirring apple butter

    Old-fashioned apple butter

    Making apple butter over an open fire is a slow process. Even if you precook your apples to soften them, it still takes lots of hours of stirring and cooking. Peeling bushels and bushels of apples takes a lot of time, too! We spent most of a Friday and Saturday on our apple butter project. But, an important part of the experience is the gift of spending time with friends and family, working and visiting together. We had four generations involved with our apple butter making this year.

    Peeling ApplesApples for apple butter

    In my mind, this is the heritage of doing things “the old-fashioned way.” It’s slowing down and spending time with your people, learning from each other, and helping each other. Plus, there really is something about the taste of food cooked long and slow over an open fire. No other apple butter tastes quite the same.

    Making Apple Butter

    Kids helping make apple butter

    Even though making apple butter involves a lot of sharp knives, hot fire, and boiling liquids, our children found plenty of ways to be involved. Even the little ones used apple peelers (with careful supervision) and helped us with the peeling process. Our bigger kids helped stir the apple butter. All of them helped add the cinnamon candies and cinnamon oil into the apple butter as it cooked. Our son is always ready to build and feed a fire, and our oldest daughter also joined the canning assembly line. We found ways to get them all involved.

    Making Apple ButterKids making apple butter

    All four of our kids were all outside with us all day, playing and helping and eating. One of their cousins was able to join us, and they also played in the woods and played board games near the fire. They especially loved getting to spend time with their great-grandparents, since Covid has limited our family activities this year. The time together was a gift, and I think the pandemic has reminded us of just how precious that gift is.

    Making Apple Butter

    Peeling the apples

    The process of making apple butter begins with peeling the apples the day before. We bought several bushels of “seconds” apples from an local Amish orchard. Nanny taught me to get several different varieties of apples to give our apple butter the best flavor. Several family members came over and helped us peel apples all afternoon. I found my children out peeling apples while I made supper, and they filled a half a bucket of apples by themselves. Then my sister-in-law and I picked up our paring knives again that evening and peeled until late into the night.

    Peeling apples

    The apples can sit in covered pans or buckets in a cool place overnight. Nanny assured me that it wouldn’t harm the apple butter if they browned a little. A few of us took some apples home to pre-cook before putting the apples in the big copper kettle. This cuts down significantly on cooking and stirring time over the open fire. We worked off an old photocopied recipe with Nanny’s handwritten notes and instructions on it. She thinks perhaps this recipe is for a 30-gallon kettle, and we only had a 20 gallon one. We modified the ingredients based on the amount of apples we could fit into the kettle.

    Apple Butter recipe

    Weather challenges

    Although the weather was beautiful and warm the day we peeled our apples, a stormy cold front blew in overnight. Saturday morning dawned gray, raw, and blustery. We tried to set up our cooking fire in our backyard and found that the wind made our project impossible. We had the apples all peeled–people invited–cinnamon rolls ready to eat. Somehow we had to save our apple butter making day.

    My husband and I walked across the road and down the farm lane to a small clearing at the edge of my dad’s pine woods. It was a little farther from our house, but the trees gave us just enough protection to start a fire and spend the day in relative shelter from the wind. We were still chilly, but it was bearable. We built a second fire to heat water over for hot chocolate and cooked soup over it for lunch.

    Making Apple Butter

    Apple butter equipment

    A copper kettle is essential for open fire apple butter making because it conducts heat so evenly and helps keep the apple butter from scorching. You can buy a copper kettle new, if you have several hundred dollars for it. They’re a pretty major investment. If you’re really interested in making apple butter this way, I’d recommend watching farm auctions or antique stores. Or go in together with some friends and begin your own apple butter tradition together!

    Stirring apple butter

    Fire it up

    We had a hard time getting the fire the right temperature at first. Too much flame and the apple butter will bubble right out of the pot. When it’s really bubbling, you also need to watch out for it popping out. It can burn if you stand too close!

    The apple butter has to be stirred constantly with a long-handled paddle with holes drilled through it. Nanny and Grandpa bought theirs at Lehman’s Hardware, a local store that has made it big by specializing in old-fashioned equipment. You can find one online at http://www.lehmans.com. Again, buying one new is pretty expensive. If you know someone with rudimentary woodworking skills, you could probably get them to make you one for a fraction of the price.

    Making Apple ButterApple butter

    Apple butter traditions

    One of Grandpa’s traditions is for the children to toss a couple silver dollars into the kettle to help keep the butter from sticking to the bottom of the pan. (Nanny says they use two because only rich people can afford to throw more money than that into a pot.) After putting in the silver dollars, our kids raced off to get their own pennies to add to the kettle. At the end of the day they had some shiny clean copper pennies to remember the day by. They washed off Grandpa’s silver dollars and he slid them back in his pocket for next time.

    Making apple butterapple butter pennies

    After all the apples had cooked down and the mixture was smooth, we got to experience another one of Nanny and Grandpa’s unique apple butter traditions. Their recipe calls for cinnamon red hot candies to be stirred in for color and flavor. So the kids munched on candies while tossing them into the pot by the handful. I think that may have been their favorite part. (Also, I spared myself the angst of running from store to store, trying to find red hot candies at this time of year. I ordered these off Amazon.)

    candies for apple buttermaking apple butter

    Finishing the apple butter

    After the cinnamon candies comes the sugar. 15 lbs of it! (That’s about 1 lb per gallon of finished apple butter, so that’s not quite as alarming as it sounds!). We stirred it in gradually, then cooked it for a couple more hours.

    The girls and my husband took turns stirring, and we drank coffee and hot chocolate while we waited. We also set up a sawhorse table for the finishing assembly line. When the apple butter is finished, it will appear “set up” when you dab a bit onto a glass dish and turn it from side to side. No water runs out from the edges and it holds its shape. At that point, you add cinnamon oil and stir for another half hour while preparing to can it.

    cooking apple butter

    Canning apple butter

    Hot apple butter can be canned with the cold pack (or hot seal) method. We set up our assembly line and Nanny assigned us all our jobs before we moved the kettle off the fire. Then, as fast as we could, we ladled our apple butter into clean canning jars. One person ladled and the next wiped the rims. Another person pulled canning lids out of hot water and set them on top, and the last one screwed the rings on. I moved the hot jars off the table to keep the workspace open. You have to work quickly to can the mixture while it’s still hot. The apple butter will create a vacuum and seal itself in the jars as it cools. 

    canning apple butter

    Cleaning the kettle with biscuits

    It was at this point, as we began filling jars, that I realized I had totally forgotten about another important tradition. Nanny had told me we needed to have hot biscuits ready to eat as soon as the canning was done. Hot biscuits are how we would clean out the copper kettle. I raced across the road to our home and whipped up the fastest batch of biscuits I’d ever made! Then, I set a timer on my phone and ran back to join the assembly line again while the biscuits baked.

    apple butter jar
    apple butter on biscuits

    Thankfully, the timing worked out. There was a tray of hot biscuits waiting when we were ready to scrape the last bit of apple butter out of the kettle. Everyone spooned apple butter onto their biscuits and we got to enjoy the fruits of all our labor. The kids broke off pieces of biscuit and wiped the kettle clean. It was a perfect way to end a long day of work on a chilly fall day. We all enjoyed the experience, the apple butter, and the memories we made together.

    apple butter kettleapple butter on biscuits

    Passing down the traditions

    Thank you for letting me share this experience of passing down our family’s tradition of making old-fashioned apple butter with you. The process and time spent together are so special to us and our family. I hope our apple butter days are a memory my children never forget and may even want to create with their grandchildren someday. Does your family have any special traditions or recipes they’ve passed down generations? 

    What old fashioned skills or traditions
    have you learned from someone special to you?

    About the author

    Leslie is an Ohio farm girl and chaser of light, children, and sometimes chickens. She’s a lover of Jesus, wife to her high school sweetheart, and a homeschooling mom of four wild rascals who love the great outdoors as much as she does. As a family, they love hiking, camping, fishing, and just about any outdoor activity. She and her husband are just beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves. Leslie has a lifelong obsession with writing and capturing everyday life from behind the lens. You can follow along with their homesteading, homeschooling, and everyday adventures on her Instagram account.

    You can find more from Leslie in the following locations:
    Instagram: @c_l_allofus
    Client work: @lalvisphotography
    RWMC posts: Leslie Alvis

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER

    Blueberry Picking with Kids

    Blueberry season is in full swing and U-Pick fruit farms are the perfect place to go with your little ones! U-Pick farms are exactly what they sound like – you pick your own produce. Children will love this hands-on learning experience and will be asking to go back year after year! Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of 3 is here sharing all the tips you need know for blueberry picking with kids. Megan’s family owns a U-Pick farm, so she knows what she’s talking about! Plus, she’s included a great list of blueberry-inspired books to read before you go and an awesome recipe for a tasty treat made by her kids with the berries they picked! 

    Tips for blueberry picking with kids

    Blueberry season

    Blueberry plants (Vaccinium spp.) produce white or pink flowers in spring. The flowers are pollinated by bees and soon after, small, green berries form. As the berries mature, they turn from green to pale blue and eventually to a dark blue or even purple color. How do you know when they’re ripe? Taste them! Ripe berries will be soft and sweet!

    Blueberry season and harvest in the US varies by state, but runs from May to September, starting with Southern states (Florida and Texas) and moving North. Depending on where you live, your blueberry season may have already passed or the blueberries might not be ready! Check your local harvest calendar to find out when peak blueberry picking season is in your state. 

    blueberry bush - how to pick blueberries with kids

    Children’s books about blueberries

    With every adventure, I love to incorporate children’s books because that is just how I roll! It is a good idea to read one before you go blueberry picking with kids so your children can get excited about what’s to come. Keep these books around your house a few weeks after picking, too. I bet your kids will go back to the books to reminisce about all the fun they had at the blueberry farm. Below are just a few of our favorite books about blueberries. 

    The best blueberry books for kids

    Ready for an adventure

    Our family has a U-Pick blueberry field in Harford County, Maryland. When summer arrives,  my children know it’s almost time to pick blueberries at their grandparents’ farm. By the last week of June, the blueberries are ripe and ready!  We read a few of our favorite blueberry-themed books and even wrote about how excited we were to go picking in our summer journals.

    Tips for pick your own blueberries with kids

    Tips for blueberry picking with kids

    Here are a few things to consider when planning a trip to go blueberry picking with kids:

    • Call or check your local farm’s website or Facebook page on the day of picking. Confirm the picking hours and to see if conditions have changed. The farm could have had a lot of people that day or in the days before and there may not be many berries left. Also, weather conditions can change the timing of when berries may be ready to be picked.
    • Plan on going to pick blueberries in the early morning or evening hours to beat the summer heat. 
    • Most farms supply their own buckets for picking and weighing the berries. If you use the farm’s buckets, you will need to transfer them into your own basket or bucket when you leave. I do not recommend bags because berries tend to get squished. 
    • Have your child wear play clothes. The farm could be muddy from summer storms or blueberry juice could make its way onto clothes. 

    u pick blueberry farm tips blueberry picking with kids

    What to pack for blueberry picking with kids

    Make sure you take some time to pack for your blueberry picking trip. Below are things I would make sure to pack in addition to the items already in your diaper bag or purse when you go blueberry picking with kids:

    • Water – Make sure you and your little ones stay hydrated!
    • Sunscreen – it is a good idea to put sunscreen on your children before you head to the farm. This will give the sunscreen time to soak in and then, once you get there, that task is already complete!
    • Insect repellent – it could be buggy out there!
    • Blanket for a rest break – lay a blanket in the shade so that anyone who is with you can take a break
    • Stroller or wagon – a stroller or wagon can be very helpful when hauling the buckets back when finished and also useful for holding water bottles,  snacks, diaper bags and oh… the kids too! 

    what to pack for picking blueberries with kidshow to pick blueberries with kids

    It’s picking time

    When you arrive at the U-Pick blueberry farm, give each child their own bucket. Explain to them to pick the berries that are ripe. They should be blue and will fall off the stem easily. I always tell my children to not eat the berries unless they check with me first, so we can confirm they’re ripe (sweet, not sour). Once they know what to pick and look for, let them go at it! I recommend laying out a blanket in the shade for the children to be able to take breaks if needed. Fill your baskets and enjoy the adventure! 

    blueberry picking with kidshow to pick ripe blueberries with kids

    Blueberry treats

    On the ride home, we love to come up with all kinds of delicious treats that we can make with the blueberries we picked. Blueberries are incredibly versatile, so possibilities are endless. We came up with so many ideas ranging from blueberry waffles, blueberry ice cream to blueberry crumb pie. YUM! We ultimately decided to make blueberry yogurt popsicles with our haul! These are such a cool and refreshing treat after all of our hard work! The best thing about this recipe is that it only calls for a few ingredients and the children can help you make it. 

    blueberry yogurt popsicle recipe

    Blueberry yogurt popsicles

    The recipe for the blueberry yogurt popsicles is easy peasy! You will need only four ingredients- blueberries, honey, milk, and yogurt. My kids couldn’t wait to help with this treat! Measure out 1.5 cups of blueberries and two tablespoons of honey and place them in a saucepan. Cook the blueberries and honey over medium heat until the berries start to burst. Leave them on the stove for about 3-5 minutes and then take the pan off of the heat and allow time for it to cool.

    While the blueberry mixture cools, mix together the yogurt and milk. Then, fold in the cooled blueberry mixture into the yogurt and milk. Make sure not to mix them too much because then the whole thing will turn purple. Instead, fold the two mixtures together just a few times to create a swirly pattern. Finally, pour it into the popsicle molds, add popsicle sticks, and freeze.

    When your popsicles are frozen, it’s time to enjoy! My kids could not wait to try their homemade blueberry yogurt popsicles! They absolutely enjoyed every bite of them and were so proud of all of their hard work! 

    making blueberry yogurt popsicles with kids blueberry treats for kids blueberry yogurt honey popsicles popsicles with fresh blueberries and yogurt

    Benefits of blueberry picking with kids

    There are so many benefits to taking your child to pick blueberries. You are supporting a local farm and getting to spend quality time outside with your kids. Your little ones get to witness the process of how the berries grow on a bush, turn blue when ripe and ready to be picked. Incorporate a few of the recommended books and you’ve got an educational activity for kids of all ages. But, the best part about blueberry picking with kids…turning your berries into something scrumptious and enjoying the fruits of your labor together!

    What are you waiting for?! Start planning your trip to pick blueberries with your kids today!

    blueberry treats for kids u pick blueberries and making treats with kids blueberry picking with kids

    Have you ever picked blueberries with kids?

    About the author

    Megan is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County, Maryland. She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring the farm and going on adventures. Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, camping, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things to do with her family.

    You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
    Professional Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
    Personal Instagram: @megmrigdon
    Website: meganrigdonphotography.com

  • FALL, INFORMATION, OUTDOORS INSIDE, RECIPES

    Five Easy Fall Treats to Make With Kids from the Orchard or Patch

    Chances are, when you envision fall, your thoughts not only include changing colors and cooler temperatures, but incorporate the smells and taste of pumpkins, apples, and spices. Fall brings with it bountiful harvests and some of the most delectable foods of the year. Today, we have California mom of two and cookie-maker extraordinaire, Desirée Macke here sharing 5 easy and fun fall treats to make with your kids from ingredients you pick yourself at your local pumpkin patch or apple orchard. So, get yourself to a patch, orchard or farmer’s market soon and whip up some delish fall-inspired treats with your kids!

    Apple Pumpkin Recipes with Kids

    Fall in the kitchen

    For me, being outside and being in the kitchen are two of the most therapeutic places. In one place you can quite literally get lost amongst the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. In the other, you have ingredients to marry, creating an entirely different set of delights to saturate the senses. This time of year is one of the best times to blend those two worlds, all while including the kids.

    By now you may have had the fortune to visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. If you’re like my family, you can’t walk away from either without a few bushels of the literal fruits of your labor. And, after a few days of your kitchen overflowing with said goods, you’re at a loss as to just what to do with all your fruit.

    That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled a list of five fun, easy, delicious, apple/pumpkin kid-friendly treats that you can make together as a family.

    But first…

    Do a little prep before you get started

    Before everyone is corraled into the kitchen, do just a little legwork at the front end to make the process as smooth as possible for everyone.

    Select a few recipes you think you and your family would enjoy. Read through said recipes to make sure you 1) have all the necessary ingredients 2) it’s not too difficult that the kids (and you) will get frustrated. Pull out your ingredients, measuring cups/spoons, mixers, bowls, baking sheets, etc. and have them ready to go so you’re not wasting precious time. We all know how short our kids’ attention spans can be.

    apple pumpkin recipe prep

    Get the kids in the kitchen

    More often than not, when cooking or baking, I like to go at it alone. But, when it comes to making family treats, I welcome the help of my kids. They are always thrilled when I tell them we’re going to bake together. With some guidance and direction, I’m always amazed at how well they do. Turning a blind eye to the spilled flour, or knocked over salt, comes with the territory. Much like when we go outside to play in the rain, we expect the kids to get wet and muddy. The same concept applies here. It all cleans up in the end.

    Fall Recipe Kids Help

    Know when to fold ’em

    This probably goes without saying, but know when to let them do things themselves and know when to step in. Most kids love being able to do grown-up things (like operate a mixer or use a knife) themselves. Give them as much freedom and independence as you can, but know when to step in. Are the kids losing interest? Is there a step in the recipe that seems too advanced for them to complete? Let them experience as much of the baking process as possible, but step in when needed. You’ll save them from potential injury, serious mishaps, or a botched recipe, as well as saving your sanity.

    Apple Pumpkin Recipe Kids Help - best fall treats to make with kidsFive fall treats to make with kids

    The hardest part of this post on fall treats to make with kids was narrowing it down to just five recipes. I fell down the rabbit hole of autumn-inspired recipes – there are so many good ones! Anything with apples and cinnamon or pumpkins sounded amazing. I wanted to make them all! I decided to let the kids help me choose and they voted on three recipes to try (we bookmarked others to make later).

    Full disclosure, I steered the kids in the direction of baking more traditional fruit-filled treats. I know my kids and know that any recipe involving marshmallow teeth and chocolate chip eyes would result in those items being devoured. The sad-looking apple or pumpkin snack would be left to a fate in the rubbish pile. However, it’s safe to say, anytime the kids are allowed the hand-mixer or apple peeler, they think being in the kitchen is fun!

    Without further adieu, here are five fun, easy, and delicious fall treats to make with your kids.

    Making apple crisp with kids - Best fall treats to make with kids

    1. Apple Crisp

    This apple crisp is easy and comes together quickly, but tastes like you were in the kitchen for hours. The kids shook up our apples and did most of the ingredient dumping and dry-ingredient mixing, which is their favorite part of helping. The layers of cinnamony apples and the more than generous layer of crumble topping are positively drool-worthy. We had enough to share with neighbors, who ended up asking us for more. This is a recipe has been in my fall-recipe wheelhouse for years, and there’s no sign of stopping.

    Easy Apple Crisp

    This apple crisp comes together quickly and easily and uses ingredients you most likely already have on hand.

    This is delicious served alone, or with a scoop of ice cream.

    • 7 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples (Using a variety of apples ups the flavor.)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
    • 1 cup oatmeal (Any oatmeal will work. I had quick oats and old-fashioned oats, so I used both.)
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp baking soda
    • 2/3 cup butter (softened, but not melted.)
    1. Pre-heat oven to 350º.
    2. In the large mixing bowl or gallon-size baggie, add apples, granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour, and cinnamon.
    3. Toss apples until they are evenly coated.
    4. In an even layer, add apples to 9×13 pan.
    5. In the small/medium mixing bowl, mix together brown sugar, oatmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
    6. Cut in softened butter and mix until you have created a crumbly mixture.
    7. In an even layer, distribute crumble mixture to the top of the apples.
    8. Bake for 30 minutes.
    9. Allow to cool before serving.
     

    2. Apple Peanut Butter Teeth

    These adorable apple peanut butter teeth are one of those snacks that look so cute and beyond easy. It involves zero baking and are super fun for the kids to prepare and assemble themselves in only a minute or two. All you need to do is spread peanut butter (sun butter, cookie butter or apple butter) on one side of two slices of apple.  Arrange a line of mini marshmallows on one side of the apple and put them together to make an apple mouth filled with teeth! Easy peasy!

    This is one of those snacks my kids voted to make, but we didn’t (hence, no photo). I already know that my kids would have one-hundred percent picked out the marshmallow teeth to eat and left the rest of the goods to spoil. When I’m feeling brave enough to part with perfectly good apples we’ll make this one. That said if your kids will eat more of this snack than mine, be sure give this cute snack a try. It would be great for hungry after-school tummies.

    Easy & delicious fall treats to make with kids from the pumpkin patch or apple orchard

    3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    I couldn’t put this post together without including some sort of cookie. This pumpkin spin on the classic chocolate chip was so good it did not last long in my house. The kids were central in the creation of the dough, and even more vital in the role of devouring. Though these didn’t stick around long, they made for great after school snacks. It was also fun to slip into the kids’ lunchboxes as a little at-school treat. Since the last morsel has been polished off, I’ve had multiple requests for these to be made again.

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    A pumpkin twist on the classic chocolate chips that will be sure to disappear quickly.

    • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, not melted)
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
    • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
    1. Pre-heat oven to 375º.
    2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
    4. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract until combined, then add flour mixture. Beat on low until no raw flour appears, then fold in chocolate chips.
    5. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
    6. Scoop 1-inch balls onto prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart, and bake until puffed up and golden around the edges, about 12 minutes.
    7. Once baked, transfer to a cooling rack, and allow to cool before serving.

    Prior to baking, note the dough does require refrigeration. 

    pumpkin cookies with kids - fall treats to make with kids

    4. Pumpkin Pie Parfaits

    These awesome little pumpkin pie parfaits are another easy no-bake treat! I was (and still am) itching to make these cute little pumpkin treasures with layers of pumpkin-spiced pudding, whipped topping and cookie crumbs. These are also easy enough for kids to make and you can keep them stored in little jars in the fridge for when hunger strikes. To make the pudding, combine vanilla pudding with a can of pumpkin and some traditional pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. Next, grab some whipped cream and let the kids crush some vanilla sandwich cookies in a plastic bag (why sure, you can use a hammer!). Line up nine half-pint jars and layer the ingredients starting with the cookie crumbs, followed by pudding and whipped topping.

    As much as I wanted to make these, that little voice in my head told me the kids would eat just the whipped cream. Which would inevitably lead to me eating all of the leftovers. While that sounds glutinously glorious, my jeans will likely thank me for opting to wait on these. These parfaits can be altered in multiple ways to fit your desired taste. And, they only take about 10-minutes to make. If you can convince your kids to eat past the whipped cream, please give these a try!

    super easy apple chips recipe to make with kids

    5. Apple Chips

    Last, but certainly not the least of the fall treats to make with kids are these crisp gems – apple chips! Who knew that apple chips would be so mind-blowingly easy to make. I gave the kids the reign of our apple peeler/corer/slicer, and they thought it was even better than the hand-mixer. I swear, it’s the little things…

    This was our first go at these, and my kids ravenously attacked them. We blew through about a dozen apples in two days thanks to this snack. I discovered this is the perfect way to get the kids to eat the not-so-perfect apples, which they tend to reach past. I also found these were great for packing in school lunches. Since our last chip has disappeared the request for these has been made almost daily.

    If you only try one of our suggested recipes, I urge it to be this one!

    Easy Apple Chips

    These easy-to-make apple chips are the perfect fall snack.

    • 2 apples (thinly sliced)
    • 2 tsp granulated sugar
    • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
    1. Pre-heat oven to 200º.
    2. In the large bowl, add sliced apples, cinnamon, sugar. Close lid tightly and toss apples until they are evenly coated.
    3. Place a cooling rack or grilling rack onto a baking sheet.
    4. Lay apple slices onto the cooling rack/grilling rack so that no apples overlap.
    5. Cook for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. (We baked ours for 3 hours for a crispier apple chip.)
    6. Bake until apples are dried out but still pliable. Apples will continue to crisp while cooling.
     

    fall treats to make with kids

    5 easy fall-inspired recipes to make with kids

    There you have it! Five super easy and insanely delicious fall treats to make with kids with goodies you bring home from the pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Let your kids have some fun in the kitchen with the fruits of their labor and create some delicious snacks. Getting them involved in the process from beginning to end not only teaches them about where food comes from, but helps them develop a skill and makes them appreciate the snacks even more.

    Have you tried any of these?
    What are your favorite fall treats to make with kids?

    Desiree Macke

    I’m Desirée; wife to Scott, mom to Marcus and Julia. I’m the domestic engineer (that’s my fancy term for stay-at-home-mom) of the family. Our family loves the outdoors. Our favorite ways to explore are hiking the coastal trails, as well as combing the tide pools for aquatic treasures. To quench our thirst for wide-open spaces beyond the hustle and bustle of our urban jungle we love to visit state and national parks, as well as conservation areas and nature preserves.

    You can find more from Desirée in the following locations:

    Instagram: @desireemacke
    Cookie business: @coolingrackconfections
    Website: Macke Monologues
    Cookie Facebook: Cooling Rack Confections
    All RWMC posts: Desirée Macke