Some of my favorite memories during the Easter festivities are of helping my Mom in the kitchen, as a child. It’s funny that I didn’t enjoy the aggressive hunts with kids scrambling and pushing for the prizes. I was most content in the kitchen creating the “prizes.” Children need and crave kitchen exposure. It sets the basis for coming to table, participating in camaraderie, and providing sustenance. Decorating Easter eggs is entertaining and educational; but, there are other opportunities for children’s participation. Additionally, to enhance the interaction for youngsters to stay away from video stimulus on this family day, prepare an interactive décor table to fully impact this memorable family moment. Let the smiles begin with some of my favorites and who knows, you may be setting the stage for a budding future chef du cuisine! Happy Easter – Joyeuses Pâques! © Kelly McBride Loft

Peaches and Pear Pinwheels – Utilizing fresh cut ripe peaches and ripe Bartlett pear slices that an adult has prepared, allow the children to create Easter pinwheels by arranging the slices in a spiral on salad plates. Sprinkles can be offered of shredded coconut, Maraschino cherries and caramel from a squeeze container.

Egg Hunt in a Garden – Utilizing shredded coconut colored with green food coloring and multi-hued jellybeans, allow the children to create edible Easter hunt dessert scenes.

It’s a Daisy of a Day – Utilizing boiled eggs sliced into thin wedges by an adult, thoroughly washed green chives (pre-cut into 3 to 4 inch lengths), shredded lettuce and basil or mint leaves, allow the children to create edible daisy flowers growing in a “lettuce” garden. The daisies are formed by arranging the egg wedges into a pinwheel shape. The chives are the stems and the leaves can be placed next to the chive stems. A dab of cream cheese will adhere the leaves to the salad plates.