Kid Friendly GF Chicken Fingers

Hello and Welcome,

One of the most asked questions I get is, “What can I fix for my child who has a gluten allergy?” My husband and I do not have children yet, but this is a question I work on answering every chance I can get. We are around children a lot and when I'm watching them in my home I have to be creative when preparing meals. So since I have time to research and test what works, I thought I would share the findings.

For all of us who take care of our house hold, time is a commodity. Either we are working full time for a company or are working overtime in our homes or both. Meal time is best served quick, easy, and painless. The chicken nugget recipe is defiantly kid friendly. I have made this for a few picky kids (who we absolutely adore) and they love it.

The smoothie tip can be used for both you and your children. If preparing the smoothie for children you may want to add ½ cup more berries. This will help the smoothie be brighter and more appealing to your children. Of course some kids are not able to have peanuts and the peanut butter can be optional if needed. But remember you and your needs for the day. I find that this smoothie sets me up wonderfully and is quick and easy. With everything our loved ones are counting on us for, it’s important to not run out of steam in the beginning of the race…oh, I mean day…lol. Remember prepping ahead of time can save time later in the week (aka prep smoothies and store in freezer).

Part One: Recipe    

Chicken Nuggets (Kid Friendly)                                      

(created by Anne Abbott-Merriman)

·        5 chicken breast (boneless & skinless)

·        1 cup of 2% Milk

·        1 egg

·        2 cups of gf breadcrumbs

·        1 cup of parmesan cheese

·        3 Tablespoons of Wildtree Rotisserie Chicken culinary blend (optional)

·        1 Tablespoons of dried parsley

·        1 Tablespoon of dried basil

i.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a large casserole dish or cookie sheet.

ii.      Cut thawed chicken breasts into strips (chicken finger size).

iii.     In a medium sized bowl combine gf bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and Wildtree Rotisserie Chicken Culinary blend (optional).

iv.     In a separate medium size bowl combine 1 egg and Milk. Whisk till mixed.

v.      Then dip chicken strips (one by one) into egg & milk mixture, then cover in dry mixture, place in baking dish.

      vi.     Place in pre-heated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
                                             
                                                    Serves 4

Part Two: Tip                                                          

Breakfast Smoothie                                                                                                                         
(created by Anne Abbott-Merriman)

·        1 cup frozen berries (prefer blueberries, blackberries, strawberries)

·        ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt

·        ½ cup of spinach or kale

·        2 tablespoons of peanut butter

·        2 tablespoons of flax seed

·        1 cup of unsweetened Almond Milk

·        ½ cup of water

        Serves 2

Combine all ingredients into blender and turn on. Mix well for about 5 minutes. Please note that I often put all ingredients in a small zip lock bag (excluding liquid) and store in freezer. It takes about 15 minutes to prep 7 bags.

Bonus Tip: Check out Think Thin Bars at thinkproducts.com. These are quick and easy grab on the go snack. My four year old nephew loves the brownie crunch. Kevin, my husband and I pack these for camping/hiking trips and it can be handy to have one in your purse for running errands. Warning, they can be a little pricey, but it can be worth it in a pinch.

Part Three: Educational

Flax Seed contains high levels of dietary fiber as wells as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seed may lower cholesterol levels while stabilizing blood-sugar levels. (wikipedia)

Part Four: New Item

Eat Like a Dinosaur Recipe & guidebook for gluten-free kids, Written by The Paleo Parents:

I found this book one on my Nook. I am so excited about this cook book. It has a fun kid’s story in the beginning, an allergen guide and mapped out where the kids can help cook the meal. Most important this is a gluten free cook book for children. Check it out, it’s worth it!

Part Five: Grocery List
Please note that if you are wanting to try/checkout Wildtree products go to
www.mywildtree.com/164497 . You can order from the website given or check out what all the buzz is about. Thank you :)

·        Chicken: skinless, boneless chicken breast $5.50 at Aldi’s

·        Eggs: One dozen around $1.35 at Aldi's

·        Milk: $2.50 at Aldi’s

·        GF Crumbs: Already in Pantry

·        Parmesan Cheese: around $8.00 at Sam’s Club

·        Wildtree Rotisserie Chicken Blend 4.5oz $10.00

·        Dried Herbs: $1.00 each at Aldi’s

·        Frozen Berry Mix: around $8.00 at Sam’s Club

·        Peanut Butter: $10.44 for 2, 4oz jars at Sam’s Club

·        Unsweetened Almond Milk: $1.99 at Trader Joes

·        Kale or Spinach: From garden

·        Plain Greek Yogurt: Fage 35.3oz around $3.00 at Aldi's

·        Milled Flax Seed: 2lbs 8oz $12.00 at Sam’s Club

Please note that prices may very with locations different then Central Ohio.

Thank you for visiting! Have a rocking day and remember to enjoy those around you.