As we live in a fast-paced life, many families including children tend to have a very busy schedule. And when it comes to preparing meals especially for the kids, time is becoming an issue, making it hard to cook quality homemade meals every day- and even harder if your kids are picky eaters. As a result, many kids’ diets and food choices involve a lot of processed and takeout food. In short, JUNK FOODS. We all know that these are unhealthy and could have a negative effect on your child’s health in the long run- even for parents.
Since children are still in their growing years and are very active, proper nutrition and healthy food selection is very important for them to grow properly and reach their full potential. Parents should encourage and provide their kids healthy, hearty, and tasty meals or snacks. One example is the highly nutritious superfood, the potato.
KNOW MORE ABOUT POTATOES:
- Potatoes are packed with vitamin C (boosts immunity), vitamin B6 (improves cognitive function) and potassium (important for healthy growth and building muscles). It is also rich in other minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Potatoes are filled with “quality carbs” that help optimize mental and physical performance.
- Potatoes are also naturally fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free making it a good and healthy choice for your kids.
Potato may look simple as it is and you may think meals that can be prepared are limited…You are wrong. In fact, there are several ways to serve kid-friendly meals using potato as your main ingredient.
There are potato-based soups, appetizers, salads, main dishes, and even desserts (yes, desserts!) that use potatoes. It could also be a good substitute for other main ingredients. For example, some native delicacies or kakanin can also be made using potatoes. You may experiment on any dishes and be creative. And much better if you will involve your kids during the preparation, cooking and even plating. It would be a fun and nice bonding experience for you and your kids too.
On the other hand, Potatoes USA, an organization that has brought US frozen, US tablestock and US dehydrated potatoes in the Philippines, offers a lot of options for potato meals. And just recently, Potatoes USA visited The Raya School’s culinary club in Fairview, Quezon City to demonstrate the potato’s versatility through a cooking workshop and discuss about potato’s benefits.
Each student was given a mashed potato kit containing US Potatoes products U.S. Dehydrated Potato Standard Flakes, milk, butter, and salt. Guided by Chef Kristine, the kids were taught how to rehydrate the dehydrated potatoes and turn it into two tasty snacks. The students were also challenged to try their own potato dishes at home so they may share what they have learned during the workshop.
If you want to know how they did the rehydration process for the above products, here they are:
A. For the US Dehydrated Potato Flakes (US Standard Potato Flakes 500 gm), you will need the following ingredients:
- Milk 700 ml
- Butter 200 gm (1bar)
- Salt 16 gm
- Water 2,000 ml
- Combine water, salt and butter.
- Heat to a boil, remove from heat.
- Add cold milk, gently stir in potato flakes. DO NOT WHIP.
- More flakes can be used if a heavier texture is desired.
B. For the US Dehydrated Standard Potato Granules (US Standard Potato Granules 500 gm), you will need the following:
- Milk 200 ml
- Butter 200 gm (1bar)
- Salt 16 gm
- Water 2,200 ml
- Bring water, milk and salt to a boil.
- Pour into mixing bowl.
- Add potato granules to the liquid slowly, while mixing on low speed using a wire whip attachment for 1 minute.
- Add butter.
- Scrape down bowl and whip on high speed until fluffy – 5-7 minutes.
So here are their finished products. The Broccoli Cheddar Potato Puffs and Chocolate Mashed Potato Truffles. Wow! That potato puff looks so yummy as well as the potato truffles! Great job kids! Job well done!
If the kids can do it, so can you. Make your potato dishes with a twist. Like what I said earlier, experiment, be creative and explore other recipes. And oh before I forget, consider keeping the skin on because it contains nutrients too.
US potatoes are available in all major supermarkets and groceries nationwide.
For more information on US potatoes, visit www.potatogoodness.com/ or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines/.
