As the June holidays approach, it is the perfect time to do something fun with your little ones while they enjoy a month-long break from school. One activity that is low effort but highly rewarding is baking or creating something together. These creative, hands-on activities help get them away from their mobile devices, take their minds off homework stress, and encourage them to make something through their own efforts.
Of course, the recipes we will be sharing are perfect for toddlers and young children in primary school. Most importantly, doing something simple with your little ones helps strengthen your bond and creates memories, and food, that can last a lifetime.
Chocolate Cornflake Clusters
These treats are the ultimate indulgence for both young and old. Best of all, they are low effort, require minimal clean-up, and are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. These bite-sized treats also make the perfect party snacks for your little ones’ holiday get-togethers!
What you need (makes 25 pieces):
- 100g cornflake cereal
- 175g dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips (compound chocolate)
- Sprinkles
How to make it:
- Microwave the chocolate for 15 seconds, then stir to ensure it melts evenly. If you do not have a microwave, use the double-boiling method instead, but make sure no water gets into the chocolate.
- [Activate child] Pour the cornflakes into the melted chocolate and mix evenly. This is the perfect step to encourage your child to help out! Just ensure the chocolate is warm and not too hot.
- [Activate child] Scoop the mixture into mini muffin cups and add colourful sprinkles. Your child can help decorate them too!
- Let the clusters cool before serving.
All in all, this activity is delicious, fun, and quick to make. Just be sure to save a few for yourself before your little ones eat them all!
Pre-Mixed Tomato Soup
If you are preparing dinner and your child loves being around you and helping out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for keeping them occupied while you handle the more serious cooking.
What you need (serves 4):
- 2 cans of Hunt’s Stewed Tomatoes
- 2 packets of Del Monte Creamy Tomato Soup
- 1½ packets of Emborg Cooking Cream
- 1 fresh tomato, chopped into quarters (optional)
How to make it:
- [Activate child] Gently pour all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Be careful, as the mixture may splatter.
- [Activate child] Use a hand blender to blend everything together until smooth.
- Heat the soup up, then top with parsley and croutons before serving.
Imagine telling your child that they helped cook a meal for the whole family. This simple dish is a wonderful way to spend time together in the kitchen while creating an easy and delicious creamy tomato soup.
DIY Sushi Rolls
This is the perfect snack or road trip meal, and it is so easy to make with your child’s favourite ingredients. Not only that, but sushi rolls are also a great way to encourage your child to eat more vegetables while enjoying a balanced and nutritious meal.
What you need:
- Nori sheets (thick sushi seaweed)
- Furikake
- Prepared sushi rice
- Cucumber strips
- Fried egg strips
- Chicken strips
- Bamboo roller
How to make it:
- Use a vegetable slicer to cut all the ingredients into thin strips.
- [Activate child] Lay a nori sheet on the bamboo roller and spread sushi rice evenly on top.
- Ensure the sushi rice covers about 90% of the nori sheet, including the corners.
- [Activate child] Sprinkle furikake over the rice for extra flavour.
- [Activate child] Place your ingredients on the rice and roll everything tightly using the bamboo roller.
- Slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces before serving.
The more hands-on your child is in creating their own food, the more excited they will be to eat it. Since sushi includes a variety of ingredients that are great for growing children, this is a must-make for picnics, road trips, or even a fun lunchtime activity at home.
All in all, make the June holidays special by spending quality time with your little ones and creating something together that sparks their creativity and imagination. Children truly cherish quality time with their parents, whether it is cooking together, going on an outdoor adventure, or enjoying a picnic. These are the moments and memories they will carry with them for a lifetime.