5 Kid Friendly Recipes: Lemon

Lemonade

Kids LOVE to "mix potions" and get involved with mixing any kind of liquids. Set them up for success, demonstrate and let them do the work!

Its ok to get messy! We know human nature is to live and learn the hard way first! Be ready with a towel to clean up a mess, show your child that mistakes happen but as long as your ready to fix it its not so bad and try, try again. 

• Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

  2. 4 cups cold water

  3. 1/2 cup sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

  4. Ice cubes

  5. Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar or honey.

  2. Stir until the sugar or honey is completely dissolved.

  3. Add cold water and mix well.

  4. Add ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.

  5. Serve chilled.

What other combos can you add? Limes? Strawberries? Kiwi? Experiment! Make it a weekly project over the summer!

Lemon Yogurt Parfaits

• Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)

  2. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  3. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

  4. 1/2 cup granola

  5. Fresh berries for topping

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice and honey or maple syrup.

  2. In a glass or bowl, layer yogurt mixture, granola, and fresh berries.

  3. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.

  4. Serve immediately as a refreshing breakfast or snack.

Lemon Chicken Skewers

• Ingredients:

  1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil

  3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  4. 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  5. 1 garlic clove, minced

  6. Salt and pepper to taste

  7. Wooden or metal skewers

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

  4. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.

  5. Grill skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

  6. Serve immediately with a side of veggies and rice.

Lemon Muffins

• Ingredients:

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  2. 1/2 cup sugar

  3. 1 teaspoon baking powder

  4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

  6. 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

  7. 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

  8. 1/4 cup vegetable oil

  9. 1 egg

  10. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  11. 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, vegetable oil, egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

  5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

  7. Let cool before serving.

Lemon Pasta

• Ingredients:

  1. 8 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)

  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil

  3. 1 garlic clove, minced

  4. 1/4 cup lemon juice

  5. 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  6. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  7. Salt and pepper to taste

  8. Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. Add lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet and stir to combine.

  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the lemon mixture.

  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

  8. Serve immediately.