Chef Alekka Sweeney is a culinary expert and private chef with a passion for creating accessible and delicious food. Her repertoire showcases a wide range of recipes, from gourmet meals to everyday delights. As a self-described “big kid,” Alekka is able to understand the importance of getting children excited about what they eat. With her “big kid” philosophy, she develops recipes that are not only nutritious and easy to make but also fun for the whole family to cook together. We’re recapping some of the best kid-friendly recipes she’s developed for TABLE. They offer parents and caregivers a fresh perspective on how to make mealtime an adventure that every kid will love.
Kid-Friendly Recipes for Lunch, Dinner, and Beyond by Chef Alekka Sweeney
Chicken Satay with Cucumber Salad
Skewering meat and making a sauce from peanut butter are two of the most interesting things to a child. Get the kids involved with this recipe by showing them each step along the way. The inclusion of coconut milk, curry powder, and soy sauce also gets kids trying new ingredients without making it a big deal.
Turkey and Granny Smith Apple Sandwich
Lunch doesn’t have to be a complex soup or pasta dish. Instead it can be as simple as a Turkey and Granny Smith Apple Sandwich. Encourage your children to make unique food choices by pairing the crunch of apple slices with soft bread and turkey. Who knows what combinations they’ll be making on their own after.
Paleta Popsicles
There’s no need to pack popsicles full of sugar whenever they can come from natural ingredients instead. Simply pick the family’s favorite fruits and transform them into something no member of the household will refuse. These Paleta Popsicles also work well in an adult cocktail hour: just pour yourself a very light vodka and soda, and pop a paleta into it.
Homemade Sweet Potato & Black Bean Empanadas
This homemade version of an empanada allows for store-bought pie crust, making the special recipe easy-as-pie. Crispy shells hold a warm and delicious filling of sweet potatoes and black beans that’s nutritious too. Throw them in a sandwich baggie for your child’s lunch or maybe even make a few extra for your own lunch bag too.
Strawberry Pineapple Agua Fresca
Slightly sweet and utterly refreshing, Agua Fresca is another great way to get the kiddos asking for fresh fruits over soda. This fruit water is perfect for those warmer days. You can also use this recipe as a chance to teach the kids how to use the blender so that they’ll be making their own smoothies and shakes before you know it.
Chili-Lime Popcorn
Snacks can be enjoyed without guilt whenever you upgrade healthier options like popcorn. This Chili-Lime Popcorn is a little spicy with hints of citrusy lime from your own spice mix. Plus, all you need is two ingredients: lime juice and chili powder to make this late-night treat.
Peach and Corn Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Another healthy snack is to opt for a freshly made salsa. For this recipe, Chef Alekka chops peaches, tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro, combining these ingredients with corn fresh off the cob and lime juice. In case you want to make this recipe even better for you, try this salsa with whole wheat tortilla chips.
White Bean Tuna Salad Wraps
Tuna salad sandwiches don’t have to be the same each and every day. Shake things up by making this White Bean Tuna Salad Wrap instead. These White Bean Tuna Salad Wraps don’t get soggy, provide a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and are just all-around-appealing. You can’t go wrong with something that’s handheld for kids either.
Alphabet Soup
Every child loves a lunch of Alphabet Soup where you can spell whatever word you please with your noodles. Rather than rely on the classic canned version, Chef Alekka uses fresh produce alongside the most delicious spices. You can even have a spelling competition at the table to make dinnertime fun!
Recipes by Chef Alekka Sweeney
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