Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys-Getting Kids Involved in the Kitchen

Get the kids involved in Thanksgiving prep by making these adorable Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys for a fun sweet treat. Scroll for more ideas on how to get kids involved in the kitchen this holiday season as well!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys

Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients 

Directions

1. Rinse and pat your Strawberries dry and set aside.
2. Break about 1/4th of the top of the pretzel sticks off…you will use the piece that is about 3/4ths length.
3. Cut your mini marshmallows in half, long ways. There will be two insides of the marshmallows that are sticky.
4. Stick the cut side of the marshmallow to the top pretzel stick (make sure you use the broken end so the feat that stick out are rounded and not jagged)
5. Place your chocolate almond bark into a deep, microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir and continue heating for 15 seconds each time, stirring in between until your chocolate is fully melted.
6. Dip the top of the pretzel stick with the marshmallow lightly into the melted chocolate bark then stick the pretzel/marshmallow leg to the right side of your strawberry and hold it there for about 30 second until it adheres. Repeat with the left side!
7. Place your strawberry with legs attached on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper, then repeat the process with all your strawberries. (each will cook and harden as you continue to work)
8. Once the strawberry turkey legs are set, poke a fork into the top of the strawberry then dip the whole strawberry, up to the stem in chocolate, shake off excess and place back on parchment paper.
9. Repeat this for all your strawberry turkeys, then place your baking sheet into the fridge for 10 minutes to harden the chocolate.
10. While those are cooling, melt your white almond bark the same way as before.
11. Remove the baking sheet from the fridge.
12. Pick up the strawberries by the stem and lightly dip the bottoms of each leg into the white chocolate park to make the turkey’s feet.
13. Return each one to the baking sheet and then back to the fridge until set.

Ways to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen for Thanksgiving

All Ages

• Homemade Table Decorations: Encourage kids to get creative and make homemade table decorations. This could include making Thanksgiving-themed place cards, creating a centerpiece with fall leaves and pinecones, or designing custom tablecloths.

• Gratitude Activities: Discuss the importance of gratitude during Thanksgiving with fun activities like making “thankful” jars where kids write down what they’re thankful for, creating gratitude banners, or putting on a mini Thanksgiving skit that highlights the holiday’s meaning. 

Ages 3-6

• Setting the Table: Teach them how to set the table with utensils, plates, and napkins. It’s a simple task that young children can handle with guidance. 

• Decorating: Engage them in making simple, kid-friendly Thanksgiving decorations. They can create paper turkeys, colorful placemats, or handprint turkeys to add a festive touch to the dining area. 

• Stirring and Mixing: Under close supervision, kids can help stir and mix ingredients for side dishes or desserts. Allow them to assist with simple, no-bake recipes like fruit salad. 

Ages 7-9

• Measuring and Pouring: Older kids can assist with measuring ingredients for recipes. Teach them to level off dry ingredients and pour liquids accurately. 

• Washing and Chopping: Show them how to wash vegetables and fruits for salads or side dishes. Let them chop softer ingredients under close supervision with child-safe knives.

• Dishwashing: Kids in this age group can help with post-cooking cleanup by washing dishes or loading the dishwasher.

Ages 10-12

• Preparing Side Dishes: Supervised by an adult, they can help prepare side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or vegetable casseroles. They can assist with peeling, cutting, and mixing ingredients.
• Basting and Roasting: Teach them how to baste the turkey or other roasted meats, ensuring they are aware of safety precautions. Older kids can help monitor the temperature of the oven. 
• Setting Up Appetizers: Kids can arrange appetizers, cheese platters, or fruit trays and make them look appealing.

Ages 12+

• Cooking Side Dishes: Older kids can take on more responsibility in cooking side dishes. They can make cranberry sauce, prepare a dessert, or cook stovetop dishes with less supervision.
• Carving the Turkey: Teach them how to carve the turkey, a skill they can use for future Thanksgiving dinners.
• Managing Timing: Older kids can help coordinate the timing of dishes, making sure everything is ready to be served together. They can use timers and assist with keeping track of the cooking process.
• Hosting Guests: Encourage teenagers to be gracious hosts, welcoming and serving guests, taking drink orders, and engaging in polite conversation.