By Lindsay

My toddler is in his “big helper era” so I love simple recipes that he can help with. Unfortunately, he is also still putting things in his mouth more often than I would like, so right now I only let him help with recipes that do not include raw eggs or meat for his safety. This recipe is great for him to help with & safe for him to prepare!

Supplies

• 1 cookie sheet
• 1 grater
• 1 plastic plate or paper plate
• 1 sheet of parchment paper
• 1 knife

Ingredients

• 2 zucchinis
• 1 (8 oz size) wedge of Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• Italian seasoning
• Rosemary

Instructions

• Parent: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Parent & toddler: wash hands.
• Toddler: wash the zucchini.
• Parent: cut any damaged parts off the zucchini.
• Parent: cut zucchini into sticks the size of your preference. Alternatively, you could cut them into coins shapes, but if your toddler will be eating them, sticks are best. If you choose to cut into coins, slice coins in half to reduce the choking hazard.
• Toddler: Set the parchment paper on the cookie sheet.
• Toddler: Lay the cut pieces of zucchini on the parchment paper.
• Toddler with Parent’s help: place the grater on top of the paper or plastic plate to collect the cheese. Using the grater, shred the Parmesan.
• Toddler: sprinkle the Parmesan on top of the zucchini as evenly as possible.
• Toddler: Top with bread crumbs, then Italian seasoning & rosemary to taste.
• Parent: Bake until the Parmesan is a light golden brown (approximately 20 minutes).
• Parent: Let cool for 5 minutes then serve.
• Parent & toddler: Enjoy! Great as a solo appetizer or as a side to spaghetti or chicken Parmesan.

Note: the baked zucchini will be very soft so ideal for the whole family to enjoy. To serve to a baby, mash thoroughly with a fork.