Family Menus

Kids are more likely to eat food they've helped to prepare. And they love pizza and pasta. With that in mind, we've come up with five Italian-inspired dishes that even the littlest ones can have a hand in making.

By Laurie L. Dove

Panna cotta may seem like a fancy dessert, but it's actually quite simple to make. And with these five tips, your Italian desserts will come out just right -- every time.

By Maria Trimarchi

It's a flaky pastry tube with a creamy delicious filling. But what's that filling supposed to be made of, and is there room to experiment?

By Maria Trimarchi

Few things cause more joy in young children than eating. Sometimes, though, overzealous (and clumsy) hands don't quite know how to handle certain foods, and healthy snacks and sweet treats alike can be hazardous.

By Christine Venzon

Kate and her kids prepared these dishes with chef Emeril Lagasse. Now you can try these delicious, kid-friendly recipes with your little ones.

School lunches used to be notoriously unhealthy, but recent concerns about childhood obesity have encouraged cafeterias to offer healthier menu items. Discover new food preparation techniques schools are implementing.

For over a generation, school children have been taught that the tongue could distinguish four tastes: salty, sweet, bitter and sour. But can kids taste one of these more than adults can?

By Sara Elliott

Your child may not like to eat spinach but loves gulping down smoothies. So why not puree the dark greens with blueberries for a covert nutrition operation? That's not the only sneaky idea we've got.

By Gallagher Flinn

The lunch box was born in the 1800s. But it wasn't until the 1950s that it became the ultimate accessory for school children. How has this lunch container evolved over the decades?

By Debra Ronca

Who would have ever imagined that the best way to get kids to eat their vegetables would be to make them grow their own -- at school? It turns out that a trowel, some seeds and a little soil are great tools for budding veggie lovers.

By Sara Elliott

Some kids prefer sandwiches without crusts, while others only like plain hamburgers. Kids can be picky eaters, but there are several meals that always seem to be winners. And you can make them healthy to boot.

By Jessica Brown

When school lunches consist of nuggets, French fries and other fried products, it makes you wonder who's deciding what kids eat. What kinds of rules do schools have to follow when they feed students?

By Debra Ronca

If your elbows creep onto the table or you hijack the salt and pepper as it's being passed to one of your dinner companions, you're breaking etiquette. Sounds like you need to learn some manners.

By Amy Hunter

Kids normally outgrow their narrow eating habits, but that doesn't mean their picky taste doesn't frustrate their parents while it lasts. What are some good ways to help coax a child out of a food rut?

By Julia Layton

As obesity rates in children and teenagers continue to rise, many school districts are trying to combat the problem with healthier options in the cafeteria. But the worst items can still be found in many schools.

By Julia Layton & Emilie Sennebogen

Lunch at work doesn't need to be dull or unhealthy -- it just takes some planning. With careful planning, you can avoid fast food, vending machines, or a sandwich you put together at the last minute. Learn how to pack a healthy lunch you'll look forward to eating.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine