Kid Friendly Recipes For 4th OF July

This blog post was my first post in July 2012 for my blog, "More Broccoli, Please".  I started this blog as a way to share my healthy ideas and experiences with my son in the kitchen.  My son was always willing to try new foods, especially when he helped prepare them!  Below are our healthy 4th of July ideas.

Independence Day:  A special time to celebrate our Country.  The words that come to mind for me when thinking of a 4th of July Celebration are Freedom, Family, Friends, Fun, Fireworks and FOOD!

I am sure many of you have traditions that you look forward to every 4th of July, especially favorite recipes that you prepare.  Why not try something a little less traditional this year, maybe even a little healthier?  Gather your kids and get them involved in preparing the food this year.  Holidays don’t have to be filled with unhealthy and sugar filled foods.  Here are a few kid friendly and fun ideas to try out.
 
First, is a simple fruit salad with only fresh lime juice, a touch of honey and fresh mint.  To make it more festive you can cut the watermelon in star shapes with a cookie cutter.

4th of July  Fruit Salad
Yield:  4 cups
Ingredients:

•  2 cups watermelon, cut into cubes and star shapes
•  1 cup of strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup of blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 limes, zest and juice
• 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup

Directions:

1. Add the fruit to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together lime juice, zest and 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup in separate bowl.  
3. Pour onto fruit and mix all together under well combined. 
4. Sprinkle coconut and mint leaves on top.  

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Next, our fresh Crunchy Veggie-Noodle Lettuce Wraps make a perfect, light summer dish.  These are fun for kids to help assemble also.

Crunchy Veggie-Noodle Lettuce Wraps
Yield: About 10 lettuce wraps

• About ½ lb. thin whole wheat spaghetti or angel hair pasta (or any gluten free thin noodles if preferred)
• 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas, thinly sliced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro or parsley 
• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1 head butter and/or romaine lettuce

Sauce:

• juice of 2 limes, about 1/2 cup
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• optional: red pepper flakes, for spiciness 

Directions:

1. Cook noodles according to directions.  Once cooked, set aside and cool.
2. Cut veggies and mix together in large bowl.  Add cilantro or parsley.
3. Whisk sauce ingredients together and pour over veggies.  Toss veggies and noodles together.  Top with sesame seeds.
4. Peel whole leaves off lettuce and spin  dry.  Fill lettuce cups with noodle/veggie mix.

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​Finally, for your healthy 4th of July dessert, try our no bake cookies.  Kids always love cookies and this recipe is quick and doesn't even require turning on the oven.   We have several variations of no bake cookies, but this one is a favorite.  The kids can also help with this one.

Luke’s No Bake Cookies
​Yield: 12 balls
Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, (we like Enjoy brand, non dairy cacao chips)
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

1. ​In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and stir until evenly combined. The mixture should be a little sticky. 
2. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into firmly packed balls. 
3. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to a week. 

​

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Remember that holidays don’t have to be filled with unhealthy foods.  Try adding these simple healthy dishes to your celebration, and maybe they will become the new traditional recipe that you make every 4th of July.  Wishing you and your family a Happy, Healthy and Safe Independence Day!