10.28.2013

Easy 3-Step Chili for Kids

My daughter Abby loves to cook. She's been an eager helper in the kitchen since she was about 2! Last week, she asked if she could plan a dinner that she could make by herself, and I was glad to oblige.

About 6(ish) months ago, I attempted to run a 'Cooking Basics Week' of sorts with my two older girls, because it's really important to me that they be able to at least take care of feeding themselves in the event of an emergency or if Mom is in bed sick for a day. I taught them how to make easy meals - scrambled eggs and toast, sandwiches - PB&J and deli meat, grilled cheese and canned soup, etc.

Now, we're stepping up our game! Abby decided she wanted to make a recipe she'd seen before for an easy, 3 ingredient chili. I stayed close by, but did virtually nothing to contribute to dinner.

 

This recipe was inspired by Pampered Chef's recipe 'Easy Campfire Chili'. I adapted it so it is gluten-free.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey (you could use beef, pork, etc)
olive oil, salt & pepper to taste
16-oz jar salsa (any heat; we used mild)
1 29-oz can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed!
1 15-oz can plain tomato sauce
shredded cheese & g-free tortilla chips (optional)

Step 1: Brown meat completely (the olive oil is to keep the turkey from drying out too much; if you're browning beef or pork, the olive oil should be unnecessary). Season to taste with salt & pepper.

Step 2: Add salsa, beans, & tomato sauce. Stir well; bring to a boil.



Step 3: Turn heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Ta-da!!




Serve with shredded cheese and/or chips crumbled on top. Serves 2 grown ups and 3 little girls with enough leftover for one more bowlful!

It was delicious! Great job, Abby!
Abby is 6, and having a basic working knowledge of the kitchen, she was able to make this almost completely on her own (I needed to help her with the can opener, but that was it!). I stayed close by just in case, for safety, but she really was fine!!

What are your favorite recipes to let your kids make (or help with)?

For His glory!
~Lisha

I may be sharing this post at the following Link-up parties!
{If this post has inspired, blessed, or encouraged you, please comment, pin, or share!}

11 comments:

  1. This is great. Your daughter is so cute. Thank you for linking up with us hope to see you next week!

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    1. Thank you! She had so much fun cooking :)

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  2. It's so sweet when they love helping out with cooking & baking! I'm grateful you are here - thank you for your kind words, Susie!

    ~Lisha

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  3. I try to allow my daughter to help when I can as well. I think it is so important in encouraging servant's heart. Thanks for sharing this with Thrive @ Home!

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    1. You're so right about encouraging the servant's heart attitude - and helping prepare meals is such a great way to lead by example and teach our little ones! :)

      Thank you, Jenni!
      ~Lisha

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  4. This is great! My 8 year old loves working in the kitchen too! (I just finished a series today about the cake decorating course she took!) You are doing a great job to teach her so well that she can do so much in the kitchen by herself by the time she is 6!!! Way to go, to both you and Abby!!!

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    1. Oh, cake decorating - that sounds like it'd be right up my 7 year old's alley (she's the more creative one!)!! It's been important to me the last couple of years that my girls learn how to build these skills alongside me - in the event that I get sick, or have to go away for a few days, or for some other reason...I want them to know that I'm confident in their abilities to handle the basics (eating, grooming, etc). I wouldn't leave them totally alone in the kitchen just yet, but they are doing a great job. :)

      Thanks for the encouragement, Missy!
      ~Lisha :)

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  5. This is so encouraging to hear that other families do this as well still. My father firmly believed to teaching me basic cooking when I was about 5 but when he saw that I had an interest in it he let me cook and challenged me.I don't have any children yet but when I do I plan to be a stay at home mom as well and teach them as my father taught me.

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    1. Cooking with little ones can be so much fun - and they really do well with the responsibility of it if you take the time to teach them how to handle themselves in the kitchen. Kudos to your father for seeing a spark in you and fanning the flame :) Children need that kind of encouragement!

      I'm thankful you visited! Blessings!
      ~Lisha

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  6. What a great idea! Featuring at Family Fun Friday!
    Monica
    http://www.happyandblessedhome.com

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    1. Thank you, Monica! That was such an encouragement, and Abby was tickled to see her face over at the link-up on Friday!

      ~Lisha :)

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