Cooking with kids can be so much fun! As long as you have patience and plenty of time for accidents, this activity can be a great way to bring families together.
Children are always ready and willing to help in the kitchen, and in doing so, allows them to learn about food and nutrition throughout the process. Also, it helps them to develop an understanding and respect for what goes into preparing their meals and the effort it requires.
For today’s recipe, I wanted to make something that kids love but is typically jam-packed with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. These crackers have fresh sharp cheddar with a secret ingredient of dried apples.
If you have problems getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies, then sneaking them into other dishes can be the solution. You can find dried fruits and vegetables in any grocery store, just make sure you get them freeze-dried with no added sugar.
Any recipe that involves dough is great for getting your kids interested in the meal. This really gives them a chance to do what they love, and that is getting their hands dirty!
Next chance you have free time, maybe on a weekend, spend some time bonding with your children and make these delicious and nutritious snacks!
- 1/4 cup freeze dried apples
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup room temperature unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar, shredded
- 2-3 TBSP ice water
- Pulse your apples in a food processor,blender, or coffee grinder until very fine. In a medium bowl, mix with the flour until incorporated.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the cheese, butter, and salt on low speed until combined. Add the flour/apple mix and mix on low until the pieces are the size of peas. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of the water and mix as the dough forms a ball. If needed, add the additional tablespoon of water a little at a time until the dough forms. Pat the dough into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two pieces and roll each into a very thin 10×12-inch rectangle. Using a pizza cutter, cut the rectangles into 1-inch squares, then transfer them to the baking sheets.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until puffed and browning at the edges.
Tahmina
Saturday 24th of October 2015
Such a gorgeous apple cheddar. I love the heavy spring flavors!