Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu
The table looks perfect festooned with all sorts of beautiful Thanksgiving table decorations, china and silver. A lovely cornucopia sits proudly as the centerpiece of the table surrounded by just the right amount of candles. The buffet table is almost groaning with all sorts of Thanksgiving delights. Your family and friends fill their plates and sit down to enjoy dinner when what do you hear, “Uhhhh that’s gross! I’m not eating that!” The universal cry of the picky kid-eater! But don’t despair there is help! Here is your plan on how to make a kid friendly Thanksgiving dinner with recipes included.
The key to planning a kid friendly Thanksgiving is not to have to cook two meals. While you want to please all your guests no matter what age they are, the work of two complete menus is not what you are looking for on a cooking intensive holiday like Thanksgiving. So if you feel you need to plan an alternative for your younger guests, try to focus on dishes that can be combined with the main menu. You may find by using a little creativity that your older guests may want what the kids will be having!
The main stars of the meal may be the ones that need the least altercation for the younger set. Many kids are happy to try sliced turkey and mashed potatoes but in case they are not try the following substitution for those younger finicky palates:
Turkey-Instead of traditional roast turkey offer:
Chicken legs: these can be roasted alongside the turkey in the final roasting hours. Kids love being able to grab onto them. If simple roasting of the chicken legs won’t do, then consider smearing them in honey and coating with crushed corn flakes. Fry the chicken until done for a sweet and crunchy entrée for the kids.
Chicken tenders: Most kids will automatically gobble up these upscale versions of the chicken nugget. Lots of good chicken tenders come already breaded and ready for baking or frying but you can make your own quite simply with a basic egg and flour breading. Frying will give a better crunch but these can then be baked off in the oven for about 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees until cooked through. Offer them with a selection of dipping sauces-kids especially love ranch and sweet and sour sauce.