+ IN THE Kitchen
Adult Twists on
Classic Kid Dishes 10
Next time you get a craving for one of your favorite
childhood meals, shake it up with a flavor profile fit
for adults. Here are some ideas.
Think back to your favorite
childhood foods. Maybe
chicken fingers, macaroni and
cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
came to mind.
You’re not alone if you still crave
these classic kid dishes (and a bit of
nostalgia). We’ve come up with some
ways you can rework them for your
adult taste buds while still feeling like
a kid at heart when you take a bite.
1. Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Amp up the flavor by using
cheese you would find on your
charcuterie board, such as a creamy
Gouda or funky bleu cheese, or mix
in nutrient-rich veggies like broccoli.
Make it decadent with chunks of
crab or lobster.
2. PBJ Milkshake
For a twist on this classic combo,
blend grape jelly and peanut butter
with vanilla ice cream and a splash of
milk. Consider sprinkling some sea
salt on top to shake up your childhood
favorite.
3. Styled Popcorn
Go from boring butter to an explosion
of flavor by drizzling salted caramel
on top of your popcorn. Or add some
spice by tossing it with Nashville hot
sauce or dusting it with cayenne pepper
and ranch powder.
4. Adult Chicken Tenders
Alternative cook methods, such
as grilling, baking or air-frying, can
put a low-calorie twist on this dish.
Mix parmesan and garlic into your
breadcrumbs or whisk up a remoulade
or flavorful aioli for dipping.
5. Pigs In a Blanket
Trade the hot dog for Italian sausage
(with mozzarella cheese and an
onion/pepper mixture) or chorizo before
wrapping it. Then pair the chorizo
with a chimichurri dipping sauce
and the sausage with a spicy marinara.
6. Boozy Popsicles
Add a fun kick to an ice-cold treat
by spiking a homemade raspberry, strawberry
or lemonade popsicle with a splash
of vodka. Use colored sticks to differentiate
them from the kid version.
7. Adult Pop-Tarts
Why eat the processed stuff when
these can be easily made at home? For a
sweet take, use homemade fillings like
apple compote or raspberry jam. Or go
savory with ham and brie or make a jalapeno
popper version with jalapenos,
cream cheese and pepper jelly.
8. Adult Grilled Cheese
Don’t go basic between the bread!
Instead, amp up your flavor profiles
with brie or goat cheese, and add in
extras like truffle oil, arugula or sundried
tomatoes. Try it sweet with brie
and blackberry jam or go savory with
mozzarella, pepperoni and a spread of
marinara.
9. Styled Fries
Watch this simple side dish come
to life with varieties like Thai Fries
with peanut oil, lime juice and cilantro;
Cuban Fries with ham, pickles,
cheese sauce and a drizzle of mustard;
or Nacho Fries with all your favorite
nacho toppings.
10. Adult Lunchables
This kid lunch was basically
our first introduction to charcuterie
boards. Cut ham, salami or turkey
slices, as well as your cheeses, into
circles so they can fit on top of your
cracker of choice, and you’re all set.
Pair with wine.
By Kelly Gilmore
8 Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2020