Gerald the Giraffe Bananas

Alright… it has snowed for the millionth time in the suburbs of Chicago and I am going CRAZY!!! I feel so bad for our kids because things have started to get pretty boring indoors and we could all use some fresh air and sunshine.

Sure, we can get out of the house and run around Target, but it’s a hassle and I’m also so afraid to bring them anywhere because germs this time of year are like a pack of wild dogs ready to attack – strong and vicious! I’m serious!! Our poor Emmy boy can’t seem to catch a break with keeping his immunity up.

I’m always looking to other moms or mom bloggers for inspiration for things to do with the kiddos during these dreadful winter months and it’s been great racking up a list of ideas to keep the kids and I sane while we’re stuck inside. Give me all of the fun activities!! Preferably the ones I can observe while sipping my coffee – ha!

These days, I’ve been keeping our oldest, Peyton, occupied by helping me in the kitchen. I think cooking with your little ones is such a fun way to get them excited about food, but also a great interactive activity.

That’s why this week, I’ll be sharing recipes you can put together easily with your kiddos. I’m starting with these fun and silly giraffes! I created this recipe for Kids Night In, a subscription box just for kids! Below, I’ve included ways your child can help and a recipe for “tropical toast” that you can make with the bananas. I hope you have fun with your littles in the kitchen!

If you end up making these giraffes, don’t forget to tag #marinamakeseats.

Giraffe Bananas & Tropical Toast

Makes four banana giraffes and two tropical toasts

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Giraffes

• 2 bananas
• 1/4 cup of hazelnut spread (if allergic to nuts, please feel free to use a cookie butter or nut-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup of peanut butter (if allergic to nuts, please feel free to use a cookie butter or nut-free alternative)
• Candy Eyes
• Almond slices
• Raisins
• 1 green apple

Tropical Toast

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 10-12 banana slices
• 1 teaspoon of shredded coconut

Directions

If your children are old enough, have them help you peel the banana and slice it once lengthwise and once crosswise (making four equal pieces). Place the slices on a serving plate or wax paper, whichever is easier. Peel an additional banana and slice four pieces to make the giraffes’ mouths.

Now it’s time to make those pretty spots. Place the hazelnut spread in a small plastic bag and the peanut butter in a separate plastic bag. Using scissors, snip a tiny hole at the corner of each bag to create a space for the spreads to come out. Have your children help place dots along the giraffe using the plastic bags. Have your child help place a dollop of one of the spreads near the top of each banana slice and place the “mouths” on top to stick. Do the same for the candied eyes and ears (almond slices). Add little tusks at the top using the hazelnut spread. Let the kiddos add raisins for a nose and make a cute smiley face using the hazelnut spread.

Now, these giraffes are pretty hungry, so last but not least, thinly slice the green apples to give them some leaves to munch on.

To make the tropical toast, place each piece in the toaster or toaster oven to heat it up slightly. Spread each piece of bread with peanut butter. Top with bananas and a sprinkle of coconut.