Ep 2. Secret to a Healthy Kid's Menu

In Secrets of a Restaurant Chef season 5 episode 2, titled "Secret to a Healthy Kid's Menu," Chef Anne Burrell shares her tips and tricks for creating kid-friendly and healthy meals. As a chef and a parent, Burrell is passionate about making sure kids are eating nutritious foods that they actually enjoy.

The episode begins with Burrell explaining that she has a personal mission to create tasty and healthy menus for kids. She believes that it's important to teach children about the importance of nutrition from a young age, and she wants to make sure that parents have access to healthy options when they're dining out.

To start, Burrell makes a kid-friendly version of mac and cheese using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt, and a blend of cheeses. She also adds in some pureed butternut squash for extra nutrition. Burrell points out that this dish is a great way to sneak vegetables into a meal that kids are sure to love.

Next, Burrell moves on to creating a healthy pizza. She starts with a whole wheat crust and tops it with homemade tomato sauce and lots of veggies, including bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. She also adds some lean ground turkey for protein. Burrell emphasizes that making your own pizza at home is a great way to get kids involved in the cooking process and to help them learn about healthy ingredients.

In addition to main dishes, Burrell also shares some healthy snack ideas for kids. She makes a batch of homemade granola bars using oats, nuts, and dried fruit. She also creates a tasty fruit salad with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi.

Throughout the episode, Burrell emphasizes the importance of using fresh, whole ingredients and avoiding processed foods. She also shares her techniques for making healthy meals taste delicious. For example, she suggests using lots of fresh herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt or sugar.

Overall, "Secret to a Healthy Kid's Menu" is a great episode for parents who are looking for inspiration and ideas for creating nutritious meals that their kids will actually enjoy. Burrell's recipes are simple and easy to follow, and she provides lots of helpful tips and tricks for cooking with kids. Whether you're a busy parent or a professional chef, this episode is sure to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and to prioritize healthy eating for your family.