Delicious, kid-friendly food is undoubtedly one of the many reasons to plan a family trip to Italy. Italian food is a highlight for many travellers, not just foodies. It is world-renowned for its taste, variety, and genuine ingredients.
Kids like Italian food so much that ‘eating pizza’ and ‘gelato’ is at the top of pretty much any child’s bucket list I have ever encountered, and certainly at the top of every two-year-old’s.
But what can you do if a vacation to Italy is out of the question? Of course, you bring Italy to your home by reproducing those delectable Italian flavours!
We have been keen observers and made a list of some dishes that you can make all by yourself and we are sure that you’ll be all lip-smacking and finger-licking.
Without wasting time, let’s get started.
- Pasta
Even if your child is a finicky eater, he most likely likes spaghetti. And what better way to have some food-related fun than to make some fresh noodles? Pasta dishes are surprisingly easy and practically designed for enjoyment. To prepare a basic pasta recipe, simply combine flour, eggs, milk, olive oil, and a bit of salt until the mixture resembles Play-Doh. Children can roll and shape the dough as they choose. Toppings can also be quick and simple. Kids will enjoy butter, olive oil, or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
- Pizza
Try it the Italian way, with a thin crust (even better, whole wheat or kamut) and a heaping helping of vegetables. In our house, this means yellow and red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and if you have meat snobs, a little pepperoni or turkey sausage. Instead of the main course, use meat as an ingredient. bake it with love and your kids will give you tons of compliments and kisses.
- Panzanella salad
Panzanella is a wonderful summer bread and tomato dish that both children and adults enjoy! Made with simple base ingredients like bread, olive oil, and fresh tomatoes, it is ready in minutes and can be tailored to the tastes of even the pickiest eaters: the possibilities are endless! This meal is popular in central Italy, and we learnt how to cook it in Tuscany using the native no-salt bread, which makes it especially delicate.
Now that we have done the hard work for you it’s time to head towards the kitchen and start preparing these delicacies. Do not forget to involve your kids in the cooking process to make them even more excited and enjoyable while eating the meals.
Happy cooking and eating!