Tempting Kids with Picky Palates

Add French Toast to a Picky-Eater's Menu

 Families can add French toast to eggs, egg sandwiches, pancakes, and fruit smoothies in their search for nutritious recipes for picky eaters.   Since a traditional breakfast is now served as any meal, French toast is a good choice to get protein, fruit, and even vegetables into young children.

  The basic recipe to keep in your bag of childcare tricks is three slices of bread (whole wheat, nine grain or other nutritious bread), one egg and ¼ cup milk, soymilk, or almond milk. Some people add a half-teaspoon vanilla or pumpkin spice. Whisk the eggs and milk until well combined. Children will enjoy helping.

   Dip each slice of bread on both sides until the bread is soaked with the egg/milk mixture. Spray a nonstick fry pan with a pan spray and preheat the pan on medium to medium /high heat. Cook in the pan 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and they separate easily from the pan.  The edges should be a little crispy.

  Serve plain or with a little butter or powdered sugar.  

Healthy Ingredients for Cooking Ease 

Children can make a little puddle of syrup for dipping pieces of French toast.

Getting Fancy

  Add fresh whole or mashed blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black berries, bananas, peaches, jam, jelly, a few chocolate chips, any nut butter, cinnamon sugar, vanilla yogurt, or a little canned whipped cream for sleepovers or other special occasions. As with many foods French toast can metamorphose into a sugary dessert that leaves nutrition behind.

  Some children like their French toast as long sticks for easy dipping. You may also cut day old French bread into large cubes.  They are a bit fussy to cook, but can be stacked on a plate like building blocks or pyramids for toddlers who like finger food.  It is a great way to get eggs into very young children. Bread can also be cut into circles, hearts, and triangles before soaking.

Being Creative

  To make French toast Nutella sandwiches.

Add Spices and Toppings for More Appeal

 Use eight slices of ay old bread, three eggs, and ¼ cup milk. Spread 4 slices with Nutella and top with the remaining slices. Whisk and soak as above. Fry in butter or a spray coated pan and serve when slightly cooled.

  To make French toast rollups cut off crusts and flatten bread with a rolling pin or plate. Cover with peanut butter or Nutella, roll, and soak in the egg mixture. Add a raspberry or strawberry piece at each end of the roll. Fry and turn until golden brown on all sides. Sprinkle with more berries.  

  Grated cheese, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables may also be sprinkled on soaked French toast before frying for an interesting and delicious veggie version.  For more ideas for young children see grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot.com or wnmufm.org/ Learning Through the Seasons live and pod casts.
photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Vocabulary Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’

website: Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube