Kids get cookin’

Want your kids to acquire healthy eating habits? Start them cooking! Taking part in snack and meal preparation encourages children to develop sound food choices and may even persuade a picky eater to try new tastes. Some of the best items for kids to work with can be found at the supermarket deli counter. Your local deli counter is a great place to find an assortment of fine meats and cheeses for young chefs to make some of their favorite treats. These items are easy for little fingers to work with, plus many of the meats and cheeses you’ll find meet many daily nutritional needs.

Pretzel Stick Roll Ups

2 slices Swiss cheese

2 slices maple honey ham

1 slice American cheese

1 slice bologna

Small pretzel sticks (there are a number of varieties available – make sure to select a sturdy kind)

On a clean work surface (plastic cutting board or plate will do), lay out cheese slices. Place one ham slice on each Swiss cheese slice and bologna on American cheese. Starting at one end, roll up each pair of slices and skewer with pretzel stick. (Grown-up helper may need to assist small hands with pretzel spearing.)

Yield: 3 roll ups

Piggies in Blankets

1 ( 3/4 -pound) package cocktail beef frankfurters

1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated, ready-made crescent roll dough

1 Kosher whole dill pickle, cut in half

1 honey mustard

Lay out individual crescent rolls, then cut into thirds using a dull knife. Wrap each strip of dough around one cocktail frankfurter. Place on baking sheet and cook according to crescent roll package directions, usually at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until dough is golden.

While the “piggies” cook, turn pickle flat sides down. Using the same dull knife, have kids practice cutting and slice pickle halves in two. Make sure to show them where to place their hands to protect their fingers. Use sliced pickles as garnish.

Yield: 8 servings

English Muffin Pizza

2 English muffins

1/4 cup tomato paste or pasta sauce

Oregano (optional)

2 slices Mozzarella cheese, each cut into 4 strips

12 slices pepperoni (can be purchased pre-sliced in a pouch)

Place English muffins on a clean work surface. Halve each, using fork or metal spatula. Spread each half with one tablespoon sauce. Sprinkle with pinch of oregano. Arrange three pepperoni slices on each half, then make large X on each half with mozzarella cheese strips. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350°F, about 10 minutes or until hot and cheese has melted.

Yield: 4 pizzas

Kids Need Calcium

Growing children need extra calcium. In fact, recent reports say that many children today are not receiving the amount that they need. Make sure some of the snacks your kids prepare include cheese to give them the calcium they need.