Mom's Night Off

May 03, 2010
Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
You deserve a break! Take off that apron and let your little ones give cooking a go with these easy-to-follow recipes from Real Simple.
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Kids Cooking

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
The following kid-tested dinners and desserts from Real Simple are tasty enough for adults and foolproof enough for the junior members of the family to make. Now, if only they'd learn to load the dishwasher...
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Ham and Pineapple Pita Pizzas

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
Using pitas gives your family freedom to top the pizzas to each person's liking. Have Dad help get these tasty treats in and out of the oven.

Recipe: Ham and Pineapple Pita Pizzas

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Pinto Bean and Cheese Tacos

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
Taco night is a family favorite. Give the kids full responsibility for this dinner–all it takes is 5 ingredients and 20 minutes total to prepare.

Recipe: Pinto Bean and Cheese Tacos

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Peanut Butter and Chicken Noodles With Carrot and Cucumber Ribbons

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
Teach kids how rewarding it is to work as a team by giving them specific tasks (peeling vegetable ribbons, shredding chicken, soaking noodles) for this Asian recipe.

Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chicken Noodles With Carrot and Cucumber Ribbons

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Sweet Pea Lasagna

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
No-boil noodles make this hearty meal safe for kids to create. While the lasagna cooks, let the children play "restaurant," serving you salad and something to drink.

Recipe: Sweet Pea Lasagna

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Shrimp, Artichoke, and Olive Salad

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
Familiar flavors and fun colors are the family-friendly combo that makes this meal a hit.

Recipe: Shrimp, Artichoke, and Olive Salad

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Baked Potatoes With Broccoli and Sour Cream

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
This loaded baked potato gives a whole new (and tasty!) meaning to microwave meals. For a boost of protein, add shredded rotisserie chicken.

Recipe: Baked Potatoes With Broccoli and Sour Cream

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Chocolate-Banana Sundae

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
Mmm–what could be better after a meal prepared by the kids than a sweet chocolate sundae? Add a bubble bath while Dad puts your little chefs to bed, and you've got the perfect evening!

Recipe: Chocolate-Banana Sundae

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Yogurt Parfait With Crumbled Gingersnaps and Honey

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
Parfaits are easy to assemble and easy to customize. Add the family's favorite fruit to this dessert for a pop of fresh, healthy flavor.

Recipe: Yogurt Parfait With Crumbled Gingersnaps and Honey

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Nutella and Raspberry Sandwiches

Photo: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Sara Quessenberry
You've heard of breakfast for dinner, now try breakfast for dessert! Plus, this is one sandwich your kids would love to pack for lunch the next day.

Recipe: Nutella and Raspberry Sandwiches

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