Kids Cuisine

There are a couple things that are certain to make kids more interested in dinner: give them some degree of control, and make it fun. We have a favorite dinner that my oldest requests over and over again, and my 1-year-olds also enjoy. The grown-ups even love it, and it’s quick and easy to throw together. That’s our burrito buffet.

The burrito buffet essentially consists of tortillas and fillers, which is what makes it so simple to make. You can also have a wide variety of healthy options, such as diced fresh tomatoes and bell peppers. You can even go vegetarian by sticking with choices like tofu and beans.

It’s even resulted in our daughter eating ingredients she previously swore she detested. For weeks, she wouldn’t touch fresh tomatoes. For months, she wouldn’t touch meat. She’s never cared for lettuce. But if it’s going into a burrito, she’s all for it.
The diced burrito buffet options make great finger foods for the twins, who love all the color and variety in front of them from the orange cheddar cheese, bright red tomatoes and reddish-brown beans.

Here is our burrito buffet recipe, but feel free to mix and match with your own favorite mix-ins:

Ingredients

• Tortillas
• Ground lean beef (for a vegetarian version, diced tofu) sprinkled lightly with taco seasoning
• Pinto beans (although we have also used great Northern beans, and black beans would be a great choice)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or cubed if that is easier for small hands)
• Fresh diced tomatoes
• Corn
• Fresh diced bell peppers
• Shredded lettuce (Romaine makes a nice choice)
• Mild salsa
• Rice

Preparation

• Brown your ground beef and sprinkle with seasoning
• Prepare your rice
• Dice your tomatoes and peppers
• Strain and rinse the beans
• Place all the buffet choices onto plates or into bowls with spoons
• Heat your tortillas right before serving

Don’t be afraid to put some ingredients out that your children don’t typically eat, whether it’s diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese or lentils. Also consider using seasonal ingredients based on whatever you find at your local farmer’s market. You may be surprised at what your kids eat when all the choices are right there, and the child has the freedom to say no or yes to any of them.