It's Ramadhan. Muslims all over the world are fasting from dawn to dusk. This fasting period is also known as Ramzan, Ramadan, or Ramathan), observed by the faith's adherents and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Now that families are quarantined at home, kids can help out with the Iftar meal preparations (the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset)
Here are simple iftar snacks/drinks your kids will enjoy making.

Dates & Almond Milkshake

Fasting is traditionally broken with dates and milk. Here's a delicious milkshake that is healthy and tasty. Your kids will love it. Remember, dates are rich in iron and are sweet so you don't need extra sugar for this recipe.  
Ingredients
  • 10-12 Dates -pitted and chopped
  • 6-8 Almonds - soaked and peeled
  • ¼ Cup Hot Milk
  • 1 ¾ Cup Cold Milk
Method
  • Soak the almonds and dates in the hot milk.
  • Grind the almonds, dates and the milk to a puree. Make sure it's not coarse.
  • In a  blender, put the cold milk and date-almond puree and blitz till you have a smooth consistency.

Mkate wa Sinia (Rice Bread/Cake)

A favorite Ramadhan special, mkate wa sinia is a staple this season. With guidance and supervision, kids can join in on the fun of making this tasty delicacy.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups rice soaked for a night
  • 1 tbsp yeast
  • Cardamon 1/2teaspon
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar (you can add more or less to suit your taste)
Method
  • Drain the rice and place the rice in a blender along with all the remaining ingredients.
  • Blend well into a smooth batter, and pour in a medium bowl. Cover and place the mixture in a warm place to rise.
  • Once risen, mix the mixture well with a wooden spoon.
    Take your oven dish, add the mixture into the oven-dish and a tablespoon of butter/margarine and place the dish on a low to medium heat.
  • Let the mixture cook on top of a medium low heat stove for about 10-15 minutes or until you see the mixture is coming together and cooking well.
    Make sure the heat is not high or else the cake will burn.
  • After 15minutes, place the cake in the oven to finish cooking.Bake at 200c for 25-30 minutes till golden-brown.
  • Once the mkate is ready, remove from the oven and cover it until it cools down.
  • Once cooled remove from the oven-dish and cut into pieces.
    Serve with tea.

Muhallabia (Milk Pudding)

A favorite Ramadhan Dessert, Muhallabia, is a delectable after-meal treat. It's simple to make and your children will enjoy helping you make this classic.
Ingredients 
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch 
  • 1 tablespoons orange blossom water (or 1/2 tsp rose water)
  • Toppings: nuts/dried fruit 
Method
  • Pour 2 cups of cold milk in a saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
  •  Mix with a wooden spoon until all the lumps are dissolved.
  •  Set your stove to medium heat, and bring the milk to a boiling point while stirring constantly. You will notice that the milk mixture gets thicker as it gets hotter.
  • When the milk mixture reaches a boiling point, add 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water. You can also substitute it with a ½ teaspoon of rose water.
  • Continue cooking the mixture for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour the milk mixture in canisters, bowls, or even tall classes. Let the pudding sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature, then place it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. 
  • Top with nuts/dried fruit

Katlesi (Stuffed potato cutlets)

It's not Ramadan if Katlesi isn't on the table. These tasty, stuffed potato cutlets are a delight to make
Ingredients
  • Pre-boiled, mashed potatoes
  • Pre cooked, seasoned mince meat
  • 2 Chopped onions one diced garlic, coriander
Method
  • Mix the onions, garlic, coriander and mashed potatoes in a bowl.
  • Take 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mashed potato and form a disk shape. Cup your hand slightly. and shape the potato mix by gently pressing it into your cupped hand.
  • Grab a tablespoon of the meat mixture and add it to the mashed potato.
  • Bring the sides of the potato together and form a ball. Press gently to flatten it ever so slightly.
  • In a bowl add two eggs and 1 tsp salt, whisk well.
  • Dip the shaped potato patties into the egg then shallow fry for 2 min each side

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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