t’s never too early to begin creating meals and memories in the kitchen. Perhaps you remember the sights, smells and tastes associated with a special relative who taught you how to bake your first cake or knead dough for a loaf of freshly baked bread; now is the time to pass on these memories. You can create a Mother’s Day menu with easy, delicious recipes, all prepared in under 10 minutes.
Before getting started, review these simple tips from the French’s test kitchens:
Always wash your hands; be sure activities are age appropriate; consider the child’s attention span as well as dexterity; demonstrate proper techniques for common cooking terms such as beating, stirring, chopping, dicing, etc.; use this opportunity to introduce new foods–see our recipe for Crunchy Onion Veggies, which makes eating vegetables more appealing; take advantage of the educational messages, from a geography lesson about where certain foods come from to simple science lessons inherent in baking; and measuring skills also teach math, spelling and reading can also be incorporated into the culinary experience.
Crunchy Onion Chicken
Makes 4 servings. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Cook Time: 20 minutes
1 1/3 cups French’s Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg, beaten
Crush French Fried Onions in plastic bag. Dip chicken into egg. Coat in onion crumbs. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in center.
Crispy Onion Veggies
Prepare these crispy veggies for Mother’s Day or anytime holiday appetizers. Make 6 servings. Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook Time: 10 minutes.
1 1/3 cups French’s French Fried Onions or Cheddar French Fried Onions
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 to 2 medium zucchini cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices
1 egg, beaten
Crush French Fried Onions in plastic bag using hands or rolling pin. Place flour into separate bag. Toss zucchini in flour; shake off excess. Dip zucchini pieces into beaten egg; then toss in crushed onions, a few pieces at a time. Arrange zucchini on greased rack set over rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until tender.
Crispy Onion Mushrooms: Substitute one 10 ounce package whole button mushrooms. Proceed as above.
Crunchy Double Onion Rings: Crush 2 cups French Fried Onions in plastic bag and toss with 2 tablespoons flour; set aside. Slice 2 large onions into 1/2 inch thick rings. Coat onion rings in 1/4 cup flour. Dip into 2 beaten egg whites, then into crushed French Fried Onion mixture. Bake according to recipe above.
