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Kids Get Cooking!

Pretzel Stick Roll Ups
Piggies in Blankets
English Muffin Pizza

Kids can learn to cook at just about any age.

(Family Features) - Want your kids to acquire healthy eating habits? Start them cooking! Taking part in snack and meal preparation encourages children to develop sound food choices and may even persuade a picky eater to try new tastes. Some of the best items for kids to work with can be found at the supermarket deli counter. Boar's Head, makers of premium deli products, offers an assortment of fine meats and cheeses for young chefs to make some of their favorite treats. Plus Boar's Head products meet many of a child's daily nutritional needs.

Pretzel Stick Roll Ups

2 slices Boar's Head Gold Label Swiss Cheese
2 slices Boar's Head Maple Honey Ham
1 slice Boar's Head American Cheese
1 slice Boar's Head Bologna
Small pretzel sticks (There are a number of varieties available - make sure to select a sturdy kind.)

On clean work surface (plastic cutting board or plate will do), lay out cheese slices. Place 1 ham slice on each Swiss cheese slice and bologna on American cheese. Starting at one end, roll up each pair of slices and skewer with pretzel stick. (Grownup helper may need to assist small hands with pretzel spearing.)

Yield: 3 roll ups

Piggies in Blankets

1 (3/4-pound) package Boar's Head Cocktail Beef Frankfurters
1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated, ready-made crescent roll dough
1 Boar's Head Kosher Whole Dill Pickle, cut in half
1 Boar's Head Honey Mustard

Lay out individual crescent rolls, then cut into thirds using a dull knife. Wrap each strip of dough around 1 cocktail frankfurter. Place on baking sheet and cook according to crescent roll package directions, usually at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until dough is golden.

While the "piggies" cook, turn pickle flat sides down. Using the same dull knife, have kids practice cutting and slice pickle halves in two. Make sure to show them where to place their hands to protect their fingers. Use sliced pickles as garnish.

Yield: 8 servings

English Muffin Pizza

2 English muffins
1/4 cup tomato paste or pasta sauce
Oregano (optional)
2 slices Boar's Head Mozzarella Cheese, each cut into 4 strips
12 slices Boar's Head Pepperoni (can be purchased pre-sliced in a pouch)

Place English muffins on clean work surface. Halve each, using fork or metal spatula. Spread each half with 1 tablespoon sauce. Sprinkle with pinch of oregano. Arrange 3 pepperoni slices on each half, then make large X on each half with mozzarella cheese strips. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350°F, about 10 minutes or until hot and cheese has melted.

Yield: 4 pizzas

Kids Need Calcium

Growing children need extra calcium. In fact, recent reports say that many children today are not receiving the amount that they need. Make sure some of the snacks your kids prepare include cheese to give them the calcium they need. Boar's Head cheeses are made of only the freshest, finest ingredients, and many have won national and international awards. The American Cheese, a favorite of children everywhere, is made with 100% Minnesota Barrel Cheddar.

For Food-Sensitive Children

The Feingold Associations of the United States are nonprofit volunteer organizations whose purposes are to raise awareness of the potential role food and synthetic additives may have on behavior, learning and health problems.

Visit www.boarshead.com or call 800-352-6277 for nutritional information on all Boar's Head products or for a listing of products included on the Feingold food list.

Boar's Head products are available at select supermarkets and fine delicatessens. For more product information, visit www.boarshead.com.

SOURCE: Boar's Head