Children Can Cook!

Most Americans agree that the holidays can be a hectic time. If we are not careful, the real meaning of the holidays can get lost in the hustle and bustle. No where is this more cause for concern than with children and families.

It is important to involve our children more during the holidays. They will learn from and take note of how you celebrate the holidays. If you emphasize the religious significance, they will take note. If you emphasize helping others or giving to charity, they will take note. If you emphasize spending family time together, they will take note. If they see you running around in a frenzy and missing the joy of the season, they will also take note.

This holiday season, try discussing the meaningful value of the holiday and not just the hype. Hopefully, this will instill great things they will apply and teach their own children in the future.

Another way to involve them is to bring them in the kitchen with you. Many holiday family traditions begin in the kitchen. In addition to showing them the value of sharing with others, whether its family friends coming to dinner, or taking a dish to someone else’s home, it allows them to create something they will be so-o-o-o proud to share.

Here is a fun recipe you can have your children help you with. Enjoy!

COCONUT CHICKEN FINGERS
Ingredients
• 1/2 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenders
• 1/2 Cup Ian’s Panko Breadcrumbs (whole wheat healthier option)
• 1/4 Cup Shredded Coconut
• 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tsp Dijon Mustard

Dipping Sauce:
• 2 Tbsp Creole mustard
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 1/2 Tsp Crushed red pepper (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. While oven heats, combine panko breadcrumbs, coconut, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper in a cereal size bowl. Whisk together egg and Dijon mustard in a second bowl.
3. Create an assembly line. One at a time, dip chicken tenders in egg and mustard mixture, then dip (and thoroughly coat) with whole wheat coconut mixture. Once coated, place chicken on aluminum foil lined rimmed baking sheet (for easy cleanup). Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
4. Bake coconut crusted chicken tenders at 350 degrees for 25-28 minutes, golden brown.
5. While chicken bakes, make the dipping sauce by whisking together all ingredients listed under “dipping sauce”.
6. Allow chicken tenders to rest for just a couple minutes, and then serve alongside sauce.