Event Child Recipe
includes host's choice of one plated children's entree, scoop of ice cream, milk, juice, or non-alcoholic beverage. available for children up to 12 years old.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Children's Plated Entrée (choose one)
Ice Cream & Dessert
Beverages (choose one)
Garnish & Service
Method
Children's Plated Entrée (choose one)
Bake or Heat Chicken Tenders
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 mini breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and exterior is golden and crisp. If using frozen pre-cooked tenders, follow package instructions for time/temperature.
Cook Pasta
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup uncooked macaroni and cook 7–9 minutes until al dente. Reserve 2 tbs cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Make Simple Mac & Cheese Sauce
In the same pot over medium heat, melt 1 tbs butter. Whisk in 1 tbs flour and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce slightly thickens (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. If sauce is too thick, stir in up to 2 tbs reserved pasta water.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Ice Cream & Dessert
Scoop 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream into a small chilled dessert bowl or cup. Drizzle 1 tbs chocolate syrup over the scoop if desired. Return promptly to a cool service area to prevent melting.
Beverages (choose one)
Garnish & Service
Set the plate and dessert bowl on a tray or table with a napkin and the child-size utensil set. Confirm the child's beverage choice and place the beverage to the upper right of the plate. Ensure the meal is slightly cooled to a safe temperature before serving to children under 12.