Yummy Chicken Balls

What kind of foods are toddlers drawn to? Something they can feed themselves? the right texture? sweet? salty? Whatever YOU are eating??! Every child has different preferences and temperaments- who are we kidding, each child has a little Jekyll and Hyde in them! Your sweet child's favorite today may be tantrum-worthy tomorrow.

Why I like this recipe:

• It's loaded with produce and protein, which can be the hardest to get my boys to eat
• It's relatively lean and low in salt
• It's sweet and savory
• It freezes well so if it's not a hit you can try it again next week
• It's not messy- my 15-month old easily can throw them directly into my dog's mouth:)
• Mommy and daddy will happily eat it too

With so many positives, it is definitely worth a try.

I hope you enjoy them as much as most of us did!

Yummy Chicken Balls

adapted from Lunch Boxes and Snacks by Annabel Karmel

1 Large Granny Smith Apple, grated

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 medium Carrot, grated

1 Tablespoon fresh Parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 tsp dry thyme

1 lb ground chicken breast or turkey

1/2 cup bread crumbs (Garlic/herb works well or you can make your own)

1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 Tbsp boiling water

salt/pepper

Flour for coating

Vegetable Oil for frying

Using your hands, squeeze out the excess liquid from the apple.

Saute the onion in a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. Add the carrot and apple and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper and add the thyme and parsley and stir.

Use an emersion blender or a food processor to chop the veggie/apple slurry further if you think your child will be bothered by the chunks. Mix in chicken, bread crumbs, and chicken stock till combined.

Form into about 20 balls. I used a Tbsp cookie scoop which worked perfectly. Roll in flour, and fry in shallow oil for about 10 minutes, turning until golden and cooked through.

Serve with ketchup or other dipping sauce. Eat with pasta and marinara or Alfredo sauce.

Num, num, num.

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