The New Kid's Menu

The average dinner at the average house on the average day: Dinner's ready, but the kids don't want grilled cheese after all, now that it's sitting on their plates. And Mom and Dad, well, they would have vastly preferred a real meal anyway. The kids go to bed hungry. The parents go to bed hungering for more.There's a better way. We asked five professional chefs who are also parents how they find a culinary happy medium in their homes. The five recipes they shared puts the style in family-style cooking: They're modern, sophisticated spins on foods kids love. Plus, they're quick to prepare and made from high-quality, natural ingredients. That means more flavor and less guilt for you. So stop settling for average. Cooking for kids never tasted so good.If Your Kids Like: Macaroni and Cheese Try: Mac & Cheese (2) By Carlito Jocson, executive chef and owner of the Yard House Restaurants chain"Kids love chicken, bacon, and macaroni and cheese," Jocson says. "But the other great ingredients in the dish elevate it to something adults will enjoy."What you'll need: 1 lb dried pasta (like Barilla whole-grain penne) 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp butter 1 c sliced crimini mushrooms (optional) 1 lb pulled rotisserie chicken or sliced grilled chicken breast 8 slices cooked applewood bacon, cut into 1/2 -inch pieces 1 c half-and-half 1 c 2 percent milk 2 c grated cheddar cheese 1/2 c grated Parmesan 1 c mix of half panko bread crumbs and half grated ParmesanHow to make it:1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water, drain, toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F.2. Heat remaining olive oil and butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and saute until brown. Next, add chicken and cooked bacon and saute for 2 minutes. Take pan off heat and add half-and-half and milk. Set aside.3. Mix pasta and contents from pan in a large bowl with cheddar and Parmesan. Dump into a 14-inch casserole dish and top with bread-crumb mix.4. Bake in oven for 30 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Serves 4.Once you master this recipe, try out this other way to make Great Mac 'n' Cheese for the kids.