Classic Kiwi recipes kids will love to make

As we head towards the end of the year, your family’s social calendar is probably filling up fast! Chances are you’re being asked bring a plate of something yummy to a few of these occasions – so why not put the kids in charge? Our Asteron Life family have put together four classic Kiwi recipes that your little chefs can whip up with ease.

While these recipes are easy for children aged 5 years+ to make, we always recommend keeping a close eye over things. It’s also a great way to help minimise those endless taste-tests before the batter goes in the oven!

Traffic light jelly

You’ll need:

• Clear serving cups 
• 1 packet (approx 85g) each of green, orange and red jelly crystals
• Very hot and cold water – make sure you’re in charge of pouring the hot water!
• Before getting started, they’ll need to decide how much colour jelly to pour in each cup. The goal is to make a traffic light effect of three equal layers of colour.

Method:

1. Empty green jelly crystals into a measuring cup
2. Dissolve the crystals using 1 cup of very hot water
3. Top up with 1 cup of cold water and stir well
4. Set out your serving cups and pour an equal amount of jelly liquid into each cup
5. Refrigerate until set
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 with your orange jelly crystals
7. Finally, repeat steps 1 to 5 with your red jelly crystals
8. Add a spoon to each cup and enjoy!

Pinwheel scones

Inspired by Food in a Minute

You’ll need:

• 3 cups self raising flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup soda/sparkling water

Toppings of your choice – try:

• Tomato sauce, grated cheese, ham and a sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs
• Blueberries with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon
• Marmite with grated cheese
• A layer of raspberry jam with fresh raspberries

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (fan bake).
2. Sift self raising flour and salt into a mixing bowl. If using cheese and herbs, add half of the amount now. Pour in milk and soda water and mix to form a soft dough.
3. Turn dough onto a well-floured surface and roll out to a rectangle about 1cm thick.
4. Spread your toppings over your dough – try to distribute them evenly and avoid your dough getting too wet before it goes in the oven.
5. Gently roll from the long side to make a pinwheel or log shape.
6. Cut into even pieces (12 or so). 
7. Position close together, cut side-up on a greased baking tray.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked. 

Fancy chips and dip

It doesn’t get much easier than this classic and tasty combo! Make the ‘chips’ an hour or two before you want to eat them, so they stay crunchy and yummy.

You’ll need:

• 1 can of reduced cream
• 1 packet of onion soup (approx 30g)
• Dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice or white vinegar
• 1 packet of wraps or mini pita bread
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Sprinkle of salt

Additions of your choice – try:

• For the Dip: A sprinkle of paprika and/or finely chopped chives
• For the Chips: Finely grated parmesan cheese

Method – for the Dip:

1. Combine reduced cream, onion soup and lemon juice or vinegar. Mix well.  Include any additions you may like.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 
3. Method – for the Chips:
4. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees C.
5. Using cookie cutters, cut each wrap into shapes of your choice. If using pita bread, cut in half and into triangle-shaped segments.
6. Position on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
7. Add a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of salt and/or finely grated parmesan cheese.
8. Bake until crisp – check them carefully after 5 to 6 minutes.

Microwave chocolate brownie

This super simple and decadent recipe is inspired fresh.co.nz 

You’ll need:

• 100g butter (once melted, let it cool a little)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature (this helps avoid accidently scrambling them if they are added into the batter with hot butter)
• ¾ cup self raising flour 
• ¼ cup cocoa powder

Additions of your choice – try:

• Dark chocolate chips 
• Fresh raspberries
• Raisins and cranberries
• Almonds (if nuts are permitted, of course!)

Method:

1. Melt butter on a low heat. (If you’re using the microwave, top your bowl with a paper towel to avoid any splatter!)
2. Add sugar and eggs, and combine.
3. Add the other ingredients and gently mix together.
4. Spoon into a microwave-proof dish lined with baking paper.
5. Cook in the microwave on High. Depending on your microwave, it make take a little less time – or a little longer. Check at 4 minutes and then decide if you need an extra minute or two.
6. Cut once cool. Running the knife blade in warm water first can help you get perfectly-cut pieces.
7. If you’d like to make them look even more delectable, before you cut your brownie, drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Chill in the fridge to set and cut. (Keep chilled until just before serving to avoid your guests getting messy hands!)

Add your own flair!

While these recipes have all been tried and tested by our Asteron Life family, your kids may love adding their own variations to create something completely unique. We hope that your eager chefs are just as keen to help clean-up afterwards!