Let's face it kids can be the harshest of food critics as they evaluate your latest culinary creation, but by following a few guidelines you can create and cook recipes that will have them begging for more. Children that are picky eaters usually want something that tastes good, looks cool, and is ready when they are. This can seem like a tall order, but finding recipes that are kid friendly is an easy proposition when you know what to look for in these quick meals. Finding a nutritious meal that tastes great can be an achievement for any cook but with children it is best to keep it simple. If you can, involve them in the process and they will have more appreciation for the time and effort that is required to make their favorite dish. By using simple ingredients and letting them help along the way you are encouraging them to understand their food and the cooking process. They may be more open to trying more foods that they create themselves. Everyone could use with a few more hours in the day and when it comes to meal preparation this is no different. Finding nutritious and great tasting foods are great, but they have to be able to be put together in a relatively short period of time to be effective. Sticking with the criteria of 20 minutes or less for meal preparation and you will find a number of kid friendly recipes. Sticking with a relatively short time period as 20 minutes will also keep their attention span if they are helping in the process. Once you are able to master the nutritious, great tasting, and fast meals you can start to incorporate some fun and play into the process. Making a game out of the process will help the kids to develop a positive attitude towards cooking that can develop into a full blown passion for the culinary arts; although it may just result in a fun dining experience. Either way is a win and by making the cooking process and the food itself fun to plan with and interactive you can better facilitate this process; maybe even enjoying the play alongside them. Simple ingredients help you to determine the kids’ tastes and introduce flavors one at a time. Introducing a new flavor or ingredient once a week or having theme nights will help to broaden your tastes at the same time as you teach your kids about the variety that food has to offer. Simple ingredients also let you teach the kids that are helping with the cooking process about different things related to these ingredients and engage their imagination in the process. Cooking with kid friendly recipes can be a great way to teach your children about food and tastes. Making simple, delicious and fast recipes is possible if you define the criteria and seek out these recipes. The variety and culture that can be expressed through food is incredible and by taking the time to incorporate this into your daily routine with your children you will be opening their eyes to a world of culinary possibilities. What are some of your favorite recipes that work well with your kids? Please let us know in the comments!