January 2009

Toddler Meal

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Baked Pasta and Cheese

Serves 2 big people OR 4–6 little people.

You'll Need
  • ½ lb (2 cups) short whole wheat or fun-shaped pasta
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • ⅛ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅛ cup chopped onion
  • 1 ¾ cups milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ lb (250 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup chopped cauliflower (fresh or fresh frozen)
Prep and Cook
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente.
  • Drain, rinse thoroughly under cold water and return to pot with a drizzle of olive oil to avoid sticking.

To make the cheese sauce:

  • Melt butter in saucepan.
  • Add onions and cook over medium heat until onions are translucent.
  • Mix in flour and stir for 3–4 minutes.
  • Pour in milk, ½ cup at a time, and whisk constantly.
  • Bring sauce to a boil, reduce heat and then continue to stir until sauce is thick and creamy.
  • Remove pot from heat and add sour cream, shredded cheese and salt and pepper.

  • Combine sauce, cauliflower and cooked pasta, stirring to coat.
  • Pour pasta and sauce into a 9” x 9” buttered casserole dish.
  •  
  • Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pasta.
  • Bake covered (with tin foil or lid) for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil (or lid) and cook for another 10 minutes or until top is crispy and browned.

Good to know: Kids love to eat from individual serving plates so we bake their pasta in ramekins sometimes. It’s easy and they love it.

Tropical Fruit Parfait

Serves 4–6

You'll Need
  • 3 large ripe bananas
  • 2 flavours frozen yogurt
  • 1 cup canned or fresh small pineapple pieces
  • ½ cup chocolate sauce or syrup
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • ½ cup toasted nuts
  • Small parfait or dessert glasses
Prep and Cook
  • Place each of the toppings in a small bowl.
  • Place one scoop each of the two frozen yogurt flavours in a small parfait or dessert glass.
  • Peel and slice bananas lengthwise in quarters.
  • Stand 2 slices of the banana upright in each of the glasses.
  • Serve the toppings and allow everyone to create their own masterpieces with toppings of their choosing.

Good to Know: You might want to add the chocolate sauce yourself to avoid a big mess and chocolate overload. We’ll let you decide.

Did you try the Toddler Meal?
What do you think?

Add your comments, positive or negative, as well as any tips or substitutions, here.

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