Fun Recipes to Cook with the Kids to Save Time and Money

Cooking with the kids has many benefits. Shocker of shockers - you can even save time and money when you let the kids get involved in cooking. Here are some fun recipes you can cook with the kids that will save you time and money.

Homemade Pizza

You really can't go wrong with kids when it comes to pizza. Let them put their own toppings on it and they will be more likely to eat it. But why not let them make the whole thing, dough and all? Here's a super easy recipe.

Dough
* 2 � cups flour
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup warm water
* 1 tbsp yeast
* 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
* 1 tbsp oil

Toppings
* Pizza sauce
* Mozzarella cheese
* Pepperoni
* Ham
* Meatballs
* Sausage
* Pineapple
* Pepper
* Mushrooms
* Olives

Dissolve yeast in warm water and add a dash of sugar. In a mixing bowl add salt, flour, Italian seasoning, and oil. When yeast is bubbly, pour into flour mixture to make dough. Form into a ball and place in lightly greased bowl. Allow to rise 30-60 minutes.

Roll out dough on a floured surface and stretch into pizza pan. With multiple children you can make individual pizzas so they can add the toppings they desire. Spread sauce, cheese, and any other toppings over crust and bake in a 450 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese bubbles.

Potato Pierogi

Pierogis are a great kid recipe to make. It teaches them a lot of skills and it's something they enjoy eating. Plus it's way better to make your own pierogis than to buy them from the store - a huge money savings right here.

Pierogi dough
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cake flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1/3 cup water

Filling
* 3 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (about 4 cups)
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 cup finely chopped onion
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
* 3 to 5 tablespoons milk
* Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the flours and salt in a mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add the eggs and water. Using a fork or whisk, mix just the liquids. Now with a spoon stir the flour into the liquid from the sides of the bowl.

When you have made a dough, knead it for 7-8 minutes on lightly floured surface with lightly floured hands. Put the dough aside in a bowl covered with a plastic wrap while you prepare the filling.

Put the potatoes in a pan with just enough water to cover them. Heat to a boil. Cook 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Meanwhile melt butter in a saut�e pan and add the onion, stirring until it's a light golden brown.

Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, 3 tbsp milk and about � tsp salt. Mash adding salt and pepper to taste. If mixture is a little dry, add more milk.

Roll dough out very thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut with 3-inch circle cookie cutter. Place 1 tablespoon of potato filling in center of dough cut-outs. Moisten half the edges with a finger dipped in water and fold the moistened end over onto the dry end to seal. Press the edges firmly together.
 
Bring a pot of water to a boil and place pierogis into the boiling water. Let them boil for 7 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Chicken Cutlets and Fries

Kids love chicken, but you might not be so crazy about having them fry chicken fingers. All that grease spraying everywhere. But baking them like in this recipe is not only healthier, but also not as dangerous for the kids.

* 2 large baking potatoes
* � cup zesty Italian dressing
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* 1 lb boneless chicken breast, pounded and cut into strips
* � cup bread crumbs

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Cut potatoes into �-inch strips and place in a bowl. Toss with dressing and � cup cheese until coated. Spread evenly into a lightly greased baking dish. Bake 12 minutes.

Meanwhile mix bread crumbs and the rest of the cheese together. Wet chicken and dip in breading mixture.

Add the chicken to the baking dish with potatoes. Turn the potatoes. Bake 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is done. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

These recipes are all great to get kids cooking with you and to save money. It's all stuff they'll love so they will not be throwing any food away, especially since they helped make it.

What are your favorite recipes to cook with kids?