Please note: This post is sponsored by Mabel’s Labels. To check out the full version of the recipe, click here

I just love cooking with my kids! I always try to get them involved in meals, even if it is the simplest task such as adding ingredients, stirring or setting the table. My girls are now 5 and almost 3 and they just love helping in the kitchen, pulling up a stool or chair to reach the mixing bowls!

There are so many benefits of getting kids involved with their food, especially since cooking is such an important life skill. Plus, picky eaters are more likely to try food they actually help make! Cooking with kids can also improve literacy and communication skills (reading recipes and discussing ingredients and techniques), develop math skills (measuring and counting ingredients) and overall advance a child’s fine motor skills (stirring, sifting, cracking an egg, etc.). For more information about the benefits of cooking with kids, check out the Halton Parents blog article.

This recipe was inspired by my recent trip to California where tacos are king! They have fish tacos, meat tacos, veggie tacos, hard tacos, soft tacos, big tacos, small tacos, sushi tacos, etc. It literally goes on and on! A huge fan of Mexican food, I was at a loss for what to cook for dinner one night when I looked in the fridge and saw some loose vegetables and tortillas. And so my Veggie and Bean Tacos were born!

I am always trying to find meat-free alternatives that my kids will love and these vegetarian tacos are super simple and easy to make. I let my kids get creative with their toppings and customize their tacos according to their unique tastes. For their delicate palates, I held off on any chilli powder for the taco seasoning, but feel free to add it for some spice!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Taco Recipe (makes approximately 4-6 tacos)

Prep and assembly time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: about 45 minutes

 Ingredients:

• Soft or hard tortillas (we prefer whole wheat)
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• Taco seasoning (see recipe below to make your own or buy a pre-made one)
• Assorted toppings – grated cheese, guacamole, sautéed onions, peppers, chopped spinach, sour cream, etc.

To check out the full version of the recipe, click here

Getting kids into the kitchen early introduces them to the wonders of cooking, working together and encourages a healthy relationship with both food and family.  Check out the EatRight Ontario site for some great ways kids can be involved with food at every age and stage. Bon appétit!