Choosing food for kids that they will actually eat can be a challenge for grandparents. When I know my grandchildren are coming over, I like to go to the grocery store and buy fresh fruit and other foods kids like. But there are those times when you don’t have advance warning of visits. For those times, some kid-friendly items are great to have in your pantry. Every child is different, it seems, in eating habits, but here are some items that don’t have to be refrigerated or frozen that also provide reasonable nutrition. Maybe some of these will work for your grandchildren, too.
For Breakfast
Pancakes. They may not be the most nutritionally complete foods, but my grands love pancakes. I stock both regular pancake mix and the complete pancake mix for those times when I might be low on milk and eggs. Don’t forget the syrup, although some of my grandchildren prefer their pancakes plain, and some like them with jelly. Blueberry preserves are especially tasty on pancakes. A little smear of peanut butter adds protein.For Lunch
Soups and noodles. Tomato soup is a favorite of some of my grandchildren. I make it with milk instead of water for a creamier texture and more nutrition. Lots of soups are very high in sodium; choose one of the lower sodium varieties, such as Campbell’s Healthy Request. Serve with whole wheat crackers instead of saltines. Kids also like ramen noodles, and they can be healthy, with a little work. To reduce the sodium content, use only part of the flavoring package. Add whatever vegetables or meat that you have on hand to boost the nutrition.For Dinner
Pasta. Plain spaghetti with a simple tomato and basil sauce is the safest bet for my grandchildren. Both the pasta and sauce in a jar are simple to keep on hand in the pantry. Boxed macaroni and cheese works too. Pair with plain canned green beans. To make garlic bread in a pinch, mix a little garlic powder in butter or margarine. Spread on hot dog or hamburger buns and toast in the oven.For Sides
Canned fruit. I try to buy only the kind canned in fruit juice rather than syrup. My grandchildren like pineapple and mandarin oranges. I also stock applesauce, which is now available in a natural, no-sugar-added version.For Snacks
Nuts, raisins and popcorn. We like peanuts roasted in the shell without salt and pistachios in the shell. The grandchildren like cracking the shells. Peanuts are messy, so we eat them outside if the weather is pretty. Raisins, microwave popcorn and already shelled nuts are also good to have on hand. Go for the lower-salt versions of popcorn and nuts.For Treats
Baking mixes. Older children will enjoy helping you make treats from boxed mixes. There are hundreds of kinds, but we favor brownies or cupcakes made from plain yellow cake mix. Marble cake is also fun to make. Serve the cake or cupcakes hot from the oven, and they probably won’t miss the frosting, or make a simple buttercream frosting. Baking with kids, even if prepared mixes are used, is a great way to practice following directions, measuring and being safe in the kitchen.
