Kids in the Kitchen!

Summer is in full swing—and for many of us moms, that means we’re deep in the chaos of unpredictable routines, big feelings, and the daily challenge of keeping the kids entertained. While summertime isn’t always as “sunny” as we’d hoped, there are simple ways to keep it fun, engaging, and even a little healthy—for everyone.

One of my favorite ways? Bringing the kids into the kitchen and making a “mess” of the amazing CT Grown fruits and veggies available this time of year. When I let my kids get a little messy and adventurous with food, they’re so much more likely to try (and enjoy!) what we make together. 

Cooking with kids isn’t just a great way to pass the time—it helps them build lifelong skills, encourages them to try new foods, and creates special moments of connection. In this post, I’ll share easy, kid-friendly ideas that bring CT Grown goodness into your kitchen—and help make snack time a celebration of family fun and creativity!

Here are some fun snack recipes that I’ll be trying out with my kids this summer. I love that most of them involve “creating” something (like flowers, snakes, caterpillars, and snails). Let’s allow kids to “play” with their food…literally!

These ideas are inspired by a bunch of adorable Pinterest recipes I’ve seen floating around—they’re not only tasty but also a hands-on way for kids to learn about colors, shapes, and healthy eating without any pressure. Plus, using local CT Grown produce supports our farmers and makes the experience even more meaningful. You can even make a little adventure out of visiting a farmers’ market to pick out ingredients together!

So if you’re looking for a way to add a bit of fun (and sanity) to these long summer days, grab those fresh fruits and veggies and invite the kids into the kitchen. Here’s to sticky fingers, big smiles, and memories that will last long after the summer sun sets.

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CT Fresh: Your Guide to Summer Farmers' Markets!