No matter how old we get, I think we can all agree that there are some childhood recipes, meals, snacks, and drinks that we can’t seem to quit. However, just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we have to let go of our favorite foods. So here are some updated and adultitfied recipes for our favorite things we indulged in as kids.
1. Grown Up Lunchables
We loved opening our lunch boxes and finding a Lunchable. In recent years, charcuterie boards, aka “adult Lunchables,” have been trending in many households. Making the perfect board is pretty simple. Here are some things to add to your grocery list to make an “adult Lunchable:”
- Fruit: Fresh or dried fruit works perfectly. Grapes, berries, and melons are some of the most popular choices.
- Cheese: There are so many cheeses you can pick from depending on the type of board you want to create. Many include a few sliced cheese options, for example, cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss. A dipping cheese is also very common.
- Meat: Salami, pepperoni, and parma ham are some of the best and most delicious picks.
- Crackers/bread: To bring everything together, add something like crackers or a sliced baguette. Then, you can put the cheese and meat on top or dip them.
There are so many options to create a charcuterie board that it’s nearly impossible to mess it up. It also fulfills the Lunchable goal, and the ideas are all over the internet.
2. Pizza
We all loved it when mom ordered pizza for dinner. As a kid, pizza was for sure my favorite food. However, now that I’m older, I have certain standards and requirements for a good pizza. For example, choosing a cauliflower crust is a great healthy alternative that still satisfies our adult taste buds. Here’s all you need to make a delicious yet healthier pizza.
Crust:
- Riced cauliflower (you can opt for store-bought)
- Garlic
- Shredded mozzarella
- Egg
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
In a nonstick pan, cook the cauliflower rice, following the directions on the package. Combine the rice and all other crust ingredients in a bowl and mix. Line the pizza pan with parchment paper and grease with olive oil.
Spread the dough evenly across the pan; you’ll want it to be about ¼ inch thick. Bake the crust for 25-30 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and add desired toppings. Then, change the oven setting to broil, place the pizza back in, and broil for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let it sit for a few minutes, then cut and serve!
3. Sunny D
When I was a kid, Sunny D was a big part of my childhood. I even had it every day with breakfast — I guess you could call me a Sunny D kid! But now, there’s something you can make to be a Sunny D adult. You guessed it: a Sunny D screwdriver. The Sunny D gives it a way sweeter and tangier flavor than regular orange juice. This recipe is perfect for brunch dates with the girls.
Ingredients:
- Punch bowl
- Bottle of champagne or 1 fifth vodka
- 2 liter of 7 Up
- 2 liter Sunny D
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve cold. You can use less of each ingredient if you just want to make one glass. It’s all up to you.
4. Coffee Popsicles
I grew up in the midwest, so the summers were pretty toasty. As a result, we lived off popsicles to cool down. Then, as I grew up, I developed a major coffee addiction. So what a better way to cool down and get some mid-day energy than a coffee popsicle!
- Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh brewed coffee
- ¾ cup half and half cream
- ½ cup sugar
The steps are as simple as you may think. Simply mix all ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved. Then pour the coffee mixture into the popsicle molds and freeze until solid (about 2 hours).
These are just some ways that you can adjust your favorite childhood recipes to your adult needs. After all, who says we have to grow up? Enjoy these adult versions of some of our favorite recipes growing up.
Featured image via Mike Mozart on Flickr
