5 Kid Friendly Recipes: Carrot

Carrots offer several health benefits for children:

1. Rich in Vitamin A: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.

2. Supports Eye Health: Vitamin A in carrots helps maintain good vision, especially in dim light.

3. Boosts Immunity: Carrots contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help strengthen the immune system and protect cells from damage.

4. Promotes Digestive Health: The fiber in carrots supports healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation.

5. Nutrient-Rich and Low-Calorie: Carrots are low in calories but packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for snacks and meals.

Just like with the watermelon we like to cut shapes into our carrots and cucumbers. This makes it more desirable for kids to eat! Put the kids to work and let them use the shape cutters on their future lunch. Your can prep all the week's lunches this way.

Carrot Sticks with Hummus

• Ingredients:

  1. Carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

  2. Hummus (store-bought or homemade)

• Instructions:

  1. Wash and peel carrots, then cut them into stick shapes.

  2. Serve carrot sticks with hummus for dipping.

Try ranch, try Italian dressing, what other carrot combos and you try?

Carrot and Orange Smoothie

• Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup chopped carrots

  2. 1 orange, peeled and segmented

  3. 1 banana

  4. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

  5. 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

  6. Honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)

• Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender.

  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  3. Add honey or maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness.

  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Increase excitement by serving this smoothie in a fun shaped glass, silly straws or even a fancy collins glass!

Carrot and Zucchini Muffins

• Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup grated carrots

  2. 1 cup grated zucchini

  3. 1/2 cup applesauce

  4. 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

  5. 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey

  6. 2 eggs

  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  8. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

  9. 1 teaspoon baking powder

  10. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt

  12. Optional: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or raisins

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a muffin tin.

  2. In a large bowl, mix grated carrots, grated zucchini, applesauce, vegetable oil or melted butter, brown sugar or honey, eggs, and vanilla extract.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices.

  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

  5. Fold in optional raisins if desired.

  6. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.

  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  8. Let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.