<![CDATA[Cooking With Dianne Morin - Kids and Teens Recipe]]>

<![CDATA[Cooking With Dianne Morin - Kids and Teens Recipe]]>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:31:36 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Fresh Chunky Marinara Sauce]]>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:20:39 GMThttps://www.cookingwithdiannemorin.com/kids-and-teens-recipe/fresh-chunky-marinara-sauceMakes: About 4 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Why You'll Love This!
Making marinara sauce from scratch is easier than you might think! Using fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs creates a bright, flavorful sauce without unnecessary added sugars or preservatives found in many store-bought varieties.
This versatile sauce is perfect for homemade pizzas, pasta, dipping breadsticks, or even serving alongside roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt, to taste

Optional:

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring spoons

Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and oregano, stirring frequently for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Tip: Watch the garlic carefully—it cooks quickly. Burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt.
Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer
Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce becomes thicker than you'd like, stir in a small splash of water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Finish
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
For extra freshness, stir in chopped basil or parsley just before serving.

Serving Ideas
Enjoy this homemade marinara sauce with:

Homemade naan pizzas
Whole wheat pasta
Mozzarella sticks
Breadsticks
Chicken Parmesan
Meatballs
Roasted vegetables
Lasagna

Kitchen Skills You'll Practice

Knife safety
Chopping vegetables
Measuring ingredients
Sautéing
Simmering
Tasting and adjusting seasoning

Food Safety Tip
Ask an adult for help when working around the stove. Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot cookware, and be careful of steam when removing the lid from the pan.

Nutrition Spotlight
Fresh tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene, while olive oil provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Preparing marinara from scratch is a simple way to enjoy wholesome ingredients and control the amount of sodium and added sugar in your meal.

🍅 Cooking with Dianne Tip
Homemade marinara is one of my favorite kitchen staples because it's simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Make a double batch and freeze extra portions for quick weeknight meals—you'll always have a delicious homemade sauce ready to enjoy!]]><![CDATA[Homemade Naan Flatbread Pizzas]]>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 18:27:43 GMThttps://www.cookingwithdiannemorin.com/kids-and-teens-recipe/homemade-naan-flatbread-pizzas
Servings: 4 (1 pizza per person)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
Pizza Base

4 naan breads (whole wheat if available)
2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce

1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce

Cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Healthy Toppings
Choose your favorites!
Vegetables

Bell peppers, diced
Mushrooms, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Spinach
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Black olives
Corn
Zucchini, diced

Protein Options

Turkey pepperoni
Cooked chicken breast
Lean turkey sausage
Cooked ground turkey
Ham
Plant-based crumbles

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Measuring cups
Spoon
Oven mitts

Directions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Naan
Brush each naan lightly with olive oil if you plan to use oil.
Sprinkle with:

Garlic powder
Italian seasoning

This creates extra flavor and helps keep the crust crisp.

Step 3: Add Sauce
Spread about 2 tablespoons pizza sauce over each naan.
Leave about a ½-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle each pizza with:

½ cup mozzarella
Parmesan if using

Step 5: Add Toppings
Let everyone create their own pizza!
Encourage using a balance of:

Colorful vegetables
Lean protein
Moderate cheese

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:

Cheese is melted
Edges are golden brown
Crust is crisp

Step 7: Cool
Allow pizzas to cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm.

Healthy Pizza IdeasVeggie Lover

Spinach
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Tomatoes
Parmesan

BBQ Chicken

Cooked chicken
Red onion
Mozzarella
Drizzle of BBQ sauce after baking

Hawaiian

Ham
Pineapple
Mozzarella

Supreme

Turkey pepperoni
Mushrooms
Peppers
Onions
Olives

Mediterranean

Spinach
Tomatoes
Red onion
Feta
Grilled chicken

Kitchen Skills Learned

Knife safety
Measuring ingredients
Building balanced meals
Reading a recipe
Safe oven use
Food presentation

Food Safety Tip
Always wash your hands before cooking and after handling raw meat. If using raw chicken or turkey as a topping, cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before adding it to the pizza.

Nutrition Tip
A healthier pizza starts with a nutritious foundation. Build your pizza by including:

Whole grain naan (when available)
Plenty of colorful vegetables
Lean protein
A moderate amount of cheese

This helps create a delicious, balanced meal that's full of flavor and satisfying.
Cooking with Dianne Tip: There are no "right" or "wrong" pizza toppings—have fun, be creative, and enjoy trying new flavor combinations! 🍕

]]><![CDATA[Homemade Granola Bars]]>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:18:16 GMThttps://www.cookingwithdiannemorin.com/kids-and-teens-recipe/homemade-granola-barsMakes: 16–20 bars (depending on size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Why You'll Love These! These homemade granola bars are crunchy, chewy, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients. They're perfect for breakfast on the go, after-school snacks, hiking, or a healthy energy boost before sports.
When my son Marcus was on his high school wrestling team, these were one of my go-to snacks to make for him. They were easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and provided a convenient snack he could enjoy before or after practice and competitions. They quickly became a family favorite, and they're still one of my favorite recipes to make today.
One of the best parts? You can create your own flavor combination! Swap the cereal, nut butter, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to make a recipe that's uniquely yours. Every batch can be a new delicious adventure!

Ingredients
Dry Ingredients

3 cups Nature's Path Organic Ancient Grains Cereal (or your favorite low-sugar granola)
½ cup raw almonds or cashews, roughly chopped
¼ cup unsweetened dried apricots or your favorite unsweetened dried fruit, chopped
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
2 tablespoons hemp hearts (optional)

Wet Ingredients

⅓ cup almond butter
½ cup agave syrup

For the Pan

Avocado oil or nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

8-inch square baking pan
Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Oven mitts

Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with avocado oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:

Almond butter
Agave syrup

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add:

Ancient Grains cereal
Chopped nuts
Chopped dried fruit
Chia seeds (optional)
Hemp hearts (optional)

Mix until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Press into the Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Using a rubber spatula (or the back of a spoon), press the mixture down firmly into an even layer.
Tip: The more firmly you press the mixture, the better the bars will hold together after baking.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges begin turning lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool
Allow the granola bars to cool completely before cutting.
This helps them firm up and makes slicing much easier.
Cut into 16–20 bars or squares.

Build Your Own Granola Bar
Try mixing and matching ingredients to create your own favorite combination!
Choose Your Base

Ancient Grains cereal
Low-sugar granola
Rolled oats
Crispy brown rice cereal

Choose Your Nut or Seed Butter

Almond butter
Peanut butter
Sunflower seed butter
Cashew butter

Choose Your Nuts or Seeds

Cashews
Almonds
Walnuts
Pecans
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds

Choose Your Fruit

Dried cranberries
Raisins
Chopped dates
Unsweetened dried cherries
Apricots

Add Extra Nutrition

Chia seeds
Hemp hearts
Ground flaxseed
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Cinnamon

Kitchen Skills You'll Practice

Measuring ingredients
Mixing wet and dry ingredients
Knife skills (chopping dried fruit and nuts)
Baking basics
Food safety
Reading a recipe

Food Safety Tip
Always wash your hands before preparing food.
If chopping nuts or dried fruit, keep your fingers curled under ("the claw grip") and always cut on a stable cutting board.
Remember—let the bars cool before cutting to avoid burns.

Nutrition Spotlight
These homemade granola bars provide a balance of:

Healthy fats from nuts and almond butter
Fiber from whole grains, fruit, and seeds
Plant-based protein from nuts, chia seeds, and hemp hearts
Natural sweetness from agave syrup and dried fruit

Making your own granola bars lets you control the ingredients and reduce added sugars compared to many packaged snack bars.

💡 Cooking with Dianne Tip
There are endless ways to customize these bars! Try a new combination each time you make them and discover your family's favorite. Homemade snacks are a fun way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients while learning valuable kitchen skills.

]]><![CDATA[Teen Cooking: Global Street Food]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:17:02 GMThttps://www.cookingwithdiannemorin.com/kids-and-teens-recipe/teen-cooking-global-street-food
One of the best ways to explore different cultures is through food. Street food is enjoyed around the world because it is flavorful, affordable, and made with simple ingredients that come together to create delicious meals. In our Teen Cooking: Global Street Food at Home class, students learn how to prepare fresh, homemade versions of popular street-food-inspired dishes while building confidence in the kitchen.

This menu combines fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a simple homemade dessert, teaching teens that cooking at home can be fun, creative, and just as satisfying as ordering takeout.

Chicken Street Wraps with Fresh Tomato Salsa and Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dressing. Our Chicken Street Wraps are packed with flavor and easy enough for beginner cooks to make. Using rotisserie chicken helps save time while allowing students to focus on learning essential cooking techniques such as seasoning, flavor building, and meal assembly.

The wrap is topped with a fresh tomato salsa made from ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice. This simple salsa teaches students how fresh ingredients can create bold flavors without relying on processed sauces.

To bring everything together, we prepare a creamy garlic Greek yogurt dressing made with yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and seasonings. The dressing adds richness while introducing students to the basics of making homemade sauces and dressings.

Wrapped in a warm tortilla, this meal is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a balanced and satisfying dish.

Mediterranean Cucumber-Tomato Salad Cups. Fresh vegetables are an important part of any balanced meal. For this recipe, students prepare a Mediterranean-inspired salad using cucumber, tomato, and red onion.

The vegetables are tossed with the homemade garlic yogurt dressing and can be topped with feta cheese for additional flavor. This recipe helps students practice knife skills while learning how to combine fresh ingredients to create colorful and nutritious side dishes. The individual salad cups also introduce simple plating and presentation techniques that make meals more visually appealing.

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups. Every great meal deserves a sweet ending. Our No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups are easy to prepare and require no oven. Fresh strawberries are chopped and mixed with creamy yogurt before being spooned into dessert shells. This simple dessert teaches measuring, mixing, and ingredient preparation while showing students that desserts can be both delicious and simple to make.

Building Kitchen Confidence: The goal of this class goes beyond following recipes. Students learn practical kitchen skills they can use every day, including knife safety, measuring ingredients, preparing fresh produce, mixing homemade sauces, and assembling balanced meals.

By making these street-food-inspired recipes from scratch, teens discover that cooking at home can be fun, affordable, and full of global flavors. Most importantly, they leave with the confidence to continue exploring new foods and creating their own meals at home.

We hope you enjoy recreating these recipes and continuing your culinary journey one delicious meal at a time.

Chicken Street Wraps
Fresh Tomato Salsa
Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dressing
Mediterranean Cucumber-Tomato Salad Cups
No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Dessert Cups

Before starting any recipe, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Set up your cooking station with:

Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons
Spoon or spatula
Small skillet or pan
Plate for assembling wraps
Serving cups or bowls

Recipe 1: Fresh Tomato Salsa
Ingredients

4 medium ripe tomatoes
½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup red onion, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 large lime
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon cumin powder
⅛ teaspoon chili powder
Optional: chopped jalapeño pepper and black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place one tomato on your cutting board.
Carefully cut the tomato in half across the middle.
Dice both halves into small pieces.
Add the diced tomato and any tomato juice from the cutting board into a medium mixing bowl.
Repeat with the remaining tomatoes.
Add the chopped green bell pepper to the bowl.
Add the chopped red onion.
Add the chopped cilantro.
Add the finely chopped garlic.
Cut the lime in half.
Squeeze the lime juice into the tomato mixture.
Add the salt, cumin, and chili powder.
Stir gently until everything is combined.
Taste and adjust if needed.
Set the salsa aside until we are ready to build our wraps.