Nursery foods is a unique concept to most people. However, if you think about it, this concept has been around for generations. We just never gave it an official title. But, with the inception of daycares, the US department of Food had to regulate what was provided for our kids. Hence, the Nursery Foods food list.
But what we want to do is to be able to enjoy our nursery foods without hiding the fact that we love them. So, we are going to adult-style one of my favorite Nursery Foods: Mac and Cheese!!!
What is nursery foods
Well let’s try to explain exactly what is deemed Nursery Foods. In a nutshell, nursery foods are foods that are nutritious, easy to prepare and can be eaten by most kids. As a result, the list is quite extensive. But, due to allergies and other childhood issues, daycares limit their menus.
But for me, there are always the staples. Foods like Mac and Cheese is always a pleaser. Let’s not forget the ever popular chicken nuggets. Then you have the standard Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. Pizza to me any time of the day or night is always a great choice. However, the daycares are a little picky about that.
Healthy Kids Snacks
Now for snacks, that is another endless selection of foods. Leaving out the choice of nuts, there are still several options to use as a great snack. Fruits are always great for a snack. My youngest grandson loves bananas. He can eat them just about any time of the day. My oldest grandson loves apples, grapes and oranges. My granddaughter isn’t really a fruit person. But, if she wants to eat some fruit it is usually an apple or grapes.
Something sweet is always an added bonus for kids snacks. But you have to be careful. Too many sweets can cause issues. But there are solutions out there for healthy kids snacks. This cookie is almost a meal in its self. It is vegan-friendly, plant-based and tastes amazing. Great way to give your kids a healthy, sweet snack.
My favorite Nursery Foods
Now, as an adult we sometimes don’t want to admit that we still secretly enjoy these nursery foods. Who wants to admit to it. With the wide variety we have to select from as an adult, eating nursery foods just doesn’t make sense.
But if you are like me, I have a way of Adulting up these nursery foods. With the right ingredients, spices and meats, you can make any nursery food adult style. My Favorite is the classic Mac and Cheese. But not just any old mac and cheese. We have to adult it. By adding some hamburger, peppers and onions, mushroom soup and extra cheese and some veggies, you have a Cheeseburger mac and cheese casserole that you will be proud to display on any table.
Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese recipe
Here is my official recipe for Cheeseburger Mac and cheese Casserole.
- 2 boxes of Mac and Cheese
- 2-lbs of hamburger
- 1 can of mushroom soup
- 1 jar of cheese
- 8-oz bag of sharp shredded cheese or your favorite shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped onions
- 1/2 cup of chopped mixed peppers
- 3/4 cups of Italian bread crumbs
- 16-oz bag of mixed veggies
Directions:
Now, make the Mac and Cheese as the box instructs. But, 5 minutes before you remove from heat, add your veggies, onions and mixed peppers. This will help season the noodles. Then make the mac and cheese as per instructions, leaving the veggies and peppers and onions in.
While noodles are cooking, brown your meat. Drain off any excess grease/oil. When everything is done, mix in a large bowl or pot. Remember, save a 1/2 cup of cheese to add to top after cooking. Stir well to get everything coated. Then pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove and immediately sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Adulting Nursery Foods
As you can see, this recipe is perfect for adults. But, kids may love it too. Paired with the right heavy, bodied red wine and you have an adult meal fit for any grownup to enjoy. The thing about this recipe is you can add your own unique twist to it. If you enjoy shrimp, just substitute shrimp for the hamburger and cream of celery for the mushroom soup. Chicken seems to be your meat of choice? Again a simple change of meat and soup. From hamburger to chicken and cream of mushroom to cream of chicken.
But this page is just to show you that no matter what you like, pairing it with the right wine and can turn your basic nursery foods into an adult gourmet meal. So go experiment with some of your favorite nursery foods. Spice them up. Add a little something extra to it. Then find the right wine to pair it with and see what a difference your experience will be.
