Family fun night is a great way to bond as a family. What would a family fun night be without great food? The menu for a family fun night can revolve around a certain theme, include new recipes or consist of family favorites. Kids love to help in the kitchen, so choose recipes that allow little hands to assist.
Homemade Pizza
Pizza is a classic dish popular with both kids and adults. Making a homemade pizza can become part of the entertainment of family fun night. Even the youngest family members can get their hands dirty with homemade pizzas. Each family member can make his or her own individual pizza so everyone gets to eat what they like. Prepared pizza dough is available in the refrigerator section or you can make a homemade crust.
Ingredients:
Prepared pizza dough
Pizza sauce
Shredded cheese
Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, onions, peppers, mushrooms or olives)
Directions: Divide the dough equally so each person has a piece. Shape the dough into round pizza crusts or get creative with the shape. Top with sauce, cheese and other toppings. Bake according to the directions on the pizza dough package.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
While frozen chicken nuggets may appeal to the kids in the family, a healthier homemade version will please the adults as well.
Ingredients:
1 to 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
Plain yogurt
Bread crumbs or crushed corn flakes
Salt, pepper, other seasonings to taste
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dip the chicken pieces into the plain yogurt and then in the bread crumbs. Place the chicken pieces on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Additional seasoning can be added to the bread crumbs if desired.
Pita Chips
Pita chips are easy to make at home and compliment many dips. You can customize your pita chips by topping with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients:
4 pita rounds
2 tbsp. cooking oil
Seasoning of your choice
Cut each pita round into six wedge-shaped pieces. Split the pieces in half. Brush the pita pieces with the cooking oil. Sprinkle the pita pieces with your choice of seasonings. Bake the pita pieces on a baking sheet at 325 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. The pita chips should be crisp and golden.
Layered Taco Dip
Dips are a good option for family fun night. This layered taco dip is easy to assemble, keeps well and is always a hit. The kids can help assemble the dip.
Ingredients:
Large can of refried beans
16 oz. sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can sliced black olives
1 cup chopped green onions
1 cup chopped tomatoes
Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a 9-by-13 inch pan or serving dish. Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning together in a small bowl. Spread the seasoned sour cream on top of the refried beans. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with the olives, green onions and tomatoes. Refrigerate until serving.
White Chocolate Popcorn
A family fun night isn’t complete without popcorn. White chocolate popcorn is a sweet twist on a regular bowl of popcorn. It takes only a few ingredients and comes together quickly.
Ingredients:
5 cups popped popcorn
12 oz. bag white chocolate chips
1 cup mixed nuts
Lay a piece of foil over a baking sheet or cutting board. Stir the popcorn and nuts in a large bowl. Cranberries or other ingredients may also be added based on your preferences. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir until smooth. Continue microwaving the chocolate at 30 second intervals until it is melted. Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn mixture and stir until it is evenly coated. Pour the coated popcorn on the foil. Allow the chocolate to set.
Ice Cream Mousse Pie
A creamy dessert is a sweet way to end any family fun night. Any flavor of ice cream may be substituted for the vanilla ice cream in this recipe. This recipe is simple and delicious but far from healthy!
Ingredients:
Chocolate cookie pie crust
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 package chocolate mousse
Toffee chips or chopped candy bar pieces
Allow ice cream to soften slightly. Spread the ice cream in the bottom of the pie crust. Sprinkle toffee chips or chopped candy bar pieces on the ice cream layer. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set slightly. Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate mousse according to the package directions. Spread over the frozen ice cream layer. Top with the remaining toffee chips. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until set.
