Lineage Food Diaries: 6 Elevated Dishes Both You and Your Kids Will Love
At Lineage, we place a lot of emphasis on making the little moments big - especially when raising a family! It’s in these moments, such as preparing for a meal, that traditions are established, rituals are created, and the bonding amongst your family takes place. These memories are simple, small, and fleeting, but strung together they’re what make up the foundation of your childhood and will continue to impact you for years to come.
When it comes to dinner time, choosing a recipe to satisfy both your cravings, and your kid’s maturing taste buds can be a challenge - and we believe that you don’t have to settle for hot dogs and goldfish crackers every time! We are not suggesting you force your littles to eat sushi or brussel sprouts if it’s just not their thing, but we don’t also think parents should have to cook two dinners each night to please everyone either.
The solution? Classic favourites with an elevated twist! We have discovered some ingenious ways to step up typical kids meals in a way that will guarantee that both you AND your children will be asking for seconds.
On the menu, we’ve made room for extra cheese, sweet treats, and creamy comfort favourites that are healthy, simple, and delicious - the perfect combo!
French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Half Baked Harvest
Do you know anyone who doesn't love a grilled cheese sandwich? Grilled Cheese and tomato soup is a classic menu item that will never get old, but sometimes it’s nice to switch it up a bit. Take a trip to the farmers market and pick up some fresh apples, gouda, prosciutto, onions for caramelizing, thyme and sage and get ready for this lux sandwich to be devoured in mere minutes. Loved by babies to grandparents, a really delicious grilled cheese sandwich can be the mid-day pick-up you need to feel ready to take on the world!
Parmesan Spinach Macaroni and Cheese by Life As A Strawberry
Almost every kid we know claims that macaroni and cheese is a favourite meal - and there’s just nothing comparable to homemade mac and cheese. It tastes and smells like comfort, warms your heart, and makes you feel loved. Using this fan favourite to your advantage, it can be a perfect way to sneak in some veggies and teach your kids that spinach will give you superhero levels of energy! Adding in parmesan and cream cheese like Life As A Strawberry recommends will only enhance the flavour and ensure there are definitely no leftovers.
Banana Bread Pancakes by Healthy Living James
(📸: @healthylivingjames)
Pancakes are often a go-to meal for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner when you have little ones - especially of all ages. It’s not uncommon to have your own family recipe for pancakes, but we urge you to add this new one to the mix. Easy to make with simple gluten-free and vegan substitutes, these Banana Bread Pancakes by @HealthyLivingJames are decadent, delicious, and even relatively healthy. The bananas add such a vibrant flavour and can even be used as an egg substitute if necessary. This is a great one especially for those picky eaters that wouldn’t eat a banana on its own. Don’t forget the maple syrup!
Baked Crispy Chicken Strips by Dinner Then Dessert
Chicken Strips have a bad reputation for being unhealthy and just a quick and easy frozen meal, but these ones are here to change that. These Crispy Chicken Strips are completely made from scratch, from the marinade to the seasoning - did someone say homemade fried chicken? Served with potatoes and vegetables, these are the perfect leftovers for lunch or dinner all-star that the entire family will love. Try out the various seasoning options to appeal to different tastes (italian or cajun for something spicy!) and transform this meal from fast food to deluxe dining.
Baked Burger Sliders by The Cookie Rookie
These versatile sliders can be served as an appetizer, afternoon snack, or paired with salad, fries, and roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal. Sliders are the perfect kid-friendly choice that are easy for those tiny hands to handle, and small enough to not overfill their bellies - but Mom and Dad can help themselves to a couple (we dare you to try eating just one!). Easy to customize with simple or complex toppings, try them with ground turkey or an elevated cheese (gouda is our favourite), these Baked Burgers are sure to become a regular in your home.
Carrot Cake Cookies by Love and Lemons
Step up your cookie game with these ultra-soft, wholesome, delicious Carrot Cake Cookies. Served with or without cream cheese frosting (we’re always here for the icing), these cookies are easily made vegan and gluten-free without compromising taste or quality. Since these cookies are packed with nutrients like flaxseed, carrots and pecans feel free to even treat your kids with them for breakfast, add them to your kid’s lunch box, or serve them as an after-school snack!
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We suggest when trying one of these recipes to get your kids involved with you in the kitchen. This is a timeless tradition that transcends generations, and takes us back to our childhood in South East Asia. Beginning at a young age you can begin including them in the process by setting the table, washing vegetables, mixing ingredients, and even simply choosing the background music!
If you own a set of Lineage tableware, don’t shy away from letting them handle the dishes. Our dishware is meant to be used everyday or the focus of a breathtaking table display, but best of all it’s kid friendly - meaning it can withstand a beginner’s washing and can be put in the dishwasher to get off any extra grime.
We hope these fresh ideas bring some joy into your kitchen and your home. For more recipes and ideas to elevate your everyday, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social!