I thought putting together a waffle bar for kids would be a kind of a pain. But it wasn’t.
Yes there was set up and clean up but let’s face it, even sandwiches don’t make themselves.
For a fun lunch (and an amazing idea for a kid-friendly dinner party), I set up a waffle bar for the rascals in 3 fairly simple steps.
The Instructions
To avoid mayhem introduce decorum, I wrote out the steps on a piece of butcher paper, taped down on the kids’ table. I love butcher paper (or wrapping paper) on our tiny table any time we do a project like decorating cookies, cupcakes or pretzels. Clean up is just a snap. This is the first time I’ve written out instructions and I’ll do it again!
The kid-sized table is great (and I’ve also used our coffee table) so preschool-aged diners can see and reach everything easily. Here’s what today’s instructions said:
- Take 2 waffles
- Choose 1 (spread) for each waffle
- Try a topping
I cut the waffles into quarters for two reasons:
- So the kids could try as many topping combinations as possible
- Each waffle was small enough that no silverware was required. These little wedges made great finger food!
Before I turned them loose, I gave a quick explanation of how it worked, since only one of our diners can read. Guess what? They totally paid attention. And took turns. And followed the instructions. And had a ball.
Seconds, thirds, fourths were all encouraged, following the same simple instructions.
The World’s Easiest Eggs
Phoebe was dying for a couple of eggs to go with this breakfast-for-lunch meal, so I buttered the inside of a coffee mug and cracked two eggs into it. Whisked with a fork then added a pinch of salt plus a piece of salami that I sliced on the spot with my kitchen shears. Into the microwave for 2 minutes and you practically get a soufflé (with the same withering effects, so serve quickly). The whole thing is done in a flash with almost no cleanup.
The Waffles
Confession: I did not make these waffles. Because I don’t have a waffle iron. They’re just whole-grain waffles from the store. But they worked like a charm.
The Toppings
Trying to stay fairly healthy and use what we had on hand, here’s what we offered at today’s waffle bar:
- Butter
- Strawberry Jam
- Whipped Cream
- Apple Butter
- Raisins + Chocolate Chips
- Diced Fruit (Pear + Kiwi)
- Maple Syrup
Everyone mixed and matched, told each other their favorite combos and encouraged each other to try something new. Who knew frozen waffles could create such an adorable scene?
And Don’t Forget
To have at least one wet rag on hand. This is my mantra for cooking with toddlers and preschool aged kids, and really just eating dinner with them. This meal is a sticky one, especially if you go the Finger Food route.
What a fun idea for birthday parties, Christmas or really any time we just want to spice things up. You could easily add bacon or a whole pan of scrambled eggs to round out a real meal. I’m keeping this one in mind.
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