Meals for Kids: Winter Edition

We're in the middle of winter, so we don't mind standing over a hot stove or opening a warm oven. But no matter what we're cooking, we want our kids to happily scarf it down. Check out these meals for kids that will make everyone feel warm and cozy and pleasantly full.

Meals for Kids: Slow Cooker Quinoa, Chicken and Kale Soup

This soup from Cooking Classy is so healthy we can hardly believe our kids like it, but they do. You can scale back on the chicken, and add more kale and another can of beans if you're trying to get more plants into your diet. Whatever you do, don't leave out the lemon juice. It really does make a difference in the flavor.

Meals for Kids: Pesto Pasta With Chicken Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Perfect for weeknights because it comes together so quickly, this recipe from Gimme Some Oven is one of our favorites. Roast the Brussels sprouts, and you can even toss them in balsamic vinegar (as in a recipe we featured last month). Balsamic goes well with pesto, and it will add more moisture to the finished dish too. We've also made it with only two sausage links and a greater proportion of sprouts -- adjust according to your own family's tastes.

Meals for Kids: Slow Cooker Louisiana-Style Red Beans and Rice

Not only is this a wonderful recipe to simmer in the slow cooker all day, it's an easy one to bring to friends and family who need a hot meal. On Kalyn's Kitchen, she suggests making it with lean ham, but we usually use Andouille sausage. Either one would be delicious though. Another reason this recipe is a winner: you can tweak the type of Tabasco and the amount used, and even add more to your own bowl after serving.

Meals for Kids: Cauliflower Soup

Here's another soup we can hardly believe our children like, but they do. We've even served this soup to their friends and to adults who claim to hate vegetables, and everyone happily finished it. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised though, because pretty much everything The Pioneer Woman makes is delicious. We'll admit we've never added the sour cream at the end, but let us know if you do.

Meals for Kids: Beef Orzo Skillet

We found this recipe on the Cozi Family Organizer site several years ago, and it's become a classic. Not only is it cooked in a single skillet, it's perfect for leftovers the next day. While the recipe only makes four servings, we usually double all of the ingredients except the beef. That way it's got more vegetables and pasta, and there are more servings to go around. Don't forget to add some freshly shredded parmesan before serving.