These delicious sushi alternatives will get your kids in the kitchen.
I love sushi and all things yummy in this delectable category of culinary delights! That being said, my kids on the other hand, not so much. But what they do love are PB&J’s, veggies, and candy! So, we compromise. I eat the real sushi and they help me make and then eat their own, extremely easy, and kid approved “sushi”.
PB&J Sushi
Probably the easiest and a favorite for the kiddos are the Peanut Butter & Jelly Sushi Rolls. The best part is that you can use any kind of jam or jelly. Our favorites are strawberry and guava – yum!
For this recipe all you need are two slices of bread, jelly or jam, and peanut butter. You can also use almond butter or your favorite spread.
Remove the crust from each slice. With a rolling pin – or as in my case, I used an empty wine bottle because I couldn’t find my rolling pin (hey, it worked) – flatten the bread slices.
Once they’re flat, spread jelly on one slice and peanut butter on the other slice. Place the jelly slice on the peanut butter slice and roll it up. When it’s all rolled up, cut the roll into slices.
You’ll have round PB&J sushi that the kiddos will love! The best part is that they can help make these with you for a fun snack. It’s quality fun time, in no time at all.
Cucumber Sushi
Another easy-peasy and equally yummy “sushi” alternative for the littles is Cucumber Sushi. I must admit, I enjoy eating these as much as making them. All you need are a cucumber, your littles’ favorite cheese slices, sliced deli meat, and matchstick carrots. For kiddos who love veggies and not so much the deli meat, you can always substitute the deli meat for celery or any other of their favorite veggies.
With all of your ingredients ready, slice the cucumber into thick, ¾ – 1-inch long slices, and then hollow out the center using a melon baller. Make sure to leave just a little bit of cucumber at the bottom to hold the veggies in, otherwise the veggies will fall out of the other end.
Now, the rest is creative and easy! Stuff the cucumbers with rolled up cheese, carrots and deli meat. Bacon bits also work great for this. Mix it up, get the kiddos involved and have fun with it. There is no right or wrong way to stuff the veggie sushi. At the end, both you and your littles can sit back and enjoy a tasty little treat.
Candy Sushi
I saved this one for last because it’s an absolute favorite at my house. There are so many possibilities for this one. To start, you’ll need Rice Krispies cereal, Marshmallows, Fruit Roll Ups or Fruit By The Foot, and candy for the inside sour straws (gummy bears or candies you can bite through easily are best).
We’re going to use Rice Krispies treats for our base for the rolls. Start by making your usual Rice Krispies treats. Before the mixture hardens, use a rolling pin, wine bottle, or your hands – whatever you have – to form a long, flat rectangle.
Open the Fruit Rolls Ups and lay them flat on your work top and place the flattened Rice Krispies treats on top. Now comes the best part. You and the kiddos place your favorite candy treats down the middle of the rectangle. When you’re done adding the candies, roll everything up and cut it into slices!
This will win you Momma of the Year award for sure and it takes no time. Perfect for movie nights and sleep overs.