Parents everywhere are struggling with the “new normal” that has them working at home, learning to be a teacher, trying to keep the family entertained, and providing structure and routine to everyone’s day. The next time your child comes to you asking for advice it’s time to teach them the culinary arts creating sweet and savory recipes.
Many children love peanut butter and why not introduce them to the wider world of nut butters. There are so many options from walnut butter to pecan and pistachio butters and a further range of flavors for a variety of recipes. You children are sure to love the taste, not to mention that nut butters are incredibly healthy. Nut butters are packed with protein, fiber and vital vitamins and minerals. They’re also a strong source of antioxidants, which help combat stress and anxiety, something that we’re all facing during this difficult time.
So, why not teach them a simple recipe they can whip up and have a fun time creating!
Learning how to bake and cook is an essential tool they will need when they leave home, so take this opportunity during quarantine to teach them the importance of being their own chef.
Bakers have been using nut butters in recipes for some time, but nut butters also lend themselves to savory dishes. Have your children join you and make a nutritious Thai inspired family dinner. It’s great for family bonding time and to educate them about proper nutrition.
Here’s one recipe to get you started:
Walnut Butter Soba Noodles with Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients:
Garlic Shrimp:
1 ½ t. vegetable oil or other oil
20 shrimp peeled, deveined and cleaned (can tofu)
2 garlic cloves minced
½ t. salt
¼ t. black pepper
Nutty Gourmet Walnut Butter Sauce
¼ cup Nutty Gourmet Walnut Butter
2 T. ponzu sauce
2 T. honey
1 ½ T. rice wine vinegar
1T. plus 1 t. soy sauce
2 t. sesame oil
Assembly
8 ounces soba noodles cooked and chilled
1 carrot peeled and julienned
1/3 hothouse cucumber julienned
3 leaves savoy cabbage shredded
1 t. toasted black sesame seeds
1 t. toasted and crushed walnuts
Preparation:
- Prepare soba noodles according to package directions. Refrigerate to chill.
- Place all garlic shrimp ingredients in bowl and let shrimp marinate at least 30 minutes.
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat and sauté shrimp for 5-6 minutes or until pink. Remove from heat and refrigerate.
- Add all Nutty Gourmet Walnut Butter Sauce ingredients together in a bowl and whisk until fully combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
- In large bowl toss chilled soba noodles and sauce until fully coated. Place half of cabbage onto plate and top with noodles. Add carrots, cucumbers and shrimp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and crushed walnuts.