Baking With Ben

When Ben was 2, a good friend who I grew up with was telling me about classes her son started taking when he was 2...cooking classes!  I was so surprised.  I didn't realize a little one could pay attention so well and would actually do good in the kitchen.  So I tried it out.  You know what?  Since we tried it out, he has been my little helper ever since.  He loves to bake. 

Try it with your kids. 

First, get everything set up like they do on cooking shows that you watch on TV.  Get everything pre-measured and in containers that little fingers can grab.  I even crack open eggs and put them in a plastic mug so it will be easy for him to dump. 

Next, get your child so they are at a level that is easy for them to work. Here, I have Ben set up on a high stool up against the counter top. It may be easier to put them in their high chair or at the family dinner table. 

Then, I point to whatever the recipe calls for and let him put it in the bowl.  He likes to stir the mixture too. 

The best part is licking the spoon afterward, but make sure there aren't any raw eggs in your mixture.  Raw eggs can contain salmonella and make you sick.  

When it comes to putting things in the oven or taking it out, that is for grown ups or big, big kids to do.  Always be cautious with little people around an oven...and teach them to not play with the door.

Have you tried to cook with your little person?  How did it go?  Do you have a favorite thing that you make together?  

What to do this summer

Having a 3 year-old at home, I am always looking for something to help us get out of the house.  But during the summer, it can be super hot and not so great to get out.  I tried to jot down a few fun activities that we can do together where the heat wouldn't get to us.  Please add to the list!  By the way, my friend Sara at  Happy Brown House has a great list of Chattanooga area parks.
Here is my list:
Library (Most have summer reading programs right now)
Sprinkler/kiddie pool at home
Petting zoo at local farm
Baseball game
Aquarium
Boy tea party (dress up like super heroes, firefighters, etc).
Wash my car
Concerts/movies in the park
Zoo
Feed ducks
Picnic in the park with friends or grandparents
Local amusement park that is kid-friendly (Called Lake Winnie)
Make no bake cookies
Visit church shut-is

If you have older kids, Family Fun's Website is a great place for ideas. T hey have all kinds of crafts for kids to do.
What do you and your kids like to do during the summer?

What's for dinner

This week is going to be so great because I really only have 4 days to cook!  But here's what I have planned

Monday: Memorial Day - Friend's BBQ (Don't you just love it when people invite you over?!). She fixed baked BBQ pork chops, green beans, beats, homemade mashed potatoes, sliced tomatoes and homemade ice cream. 

Tuesday: Grilled chicken with grilled veggies (squash, tomatoes, onion and mushrooms) over rice. Strawberries for dessert.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with Allen's green beans. More strawberries.

Thursday: Chicken stir-fry (made with zucchini, mushrooms, frozen veggies and canned bean sprouts and water chestnuts). Watermelon

Friday: Turkey burgers with baked beans and corn on the cob (don't you just LOVE summer food?!). More watermelon.

Saturday - Out of town

Did you fix anything special for the holiday weekend? 

Fruit Pizza

This recipe is one of my favorites.  I love it when others bring it to meetings.  Tonight, I have L.I.F.T. (Ladies in Faith Together) at church.  We always bring a snack to share.  When I was making it, I thought it looked very patriotic.  So, if you wanted, you could use it for Memorial Day coming up!
If you have a recipe like this, but it's different a little, I'd love to hear how you fix yours.  I'm always tweaking recipes that I find.
Ingredients:
* sugar cookie dough package (18 oz)
* 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla
* 1 Tbsp. lemon juice (it was too sweet for me, so I used the lemon juice to cut it a bit).
* small can crushed pineapple, try to get out the juice.
* berries and other fruit like kiwi, grapes, oranges (I don't use oranges because I'm allergic to them)

1. Roll out cookie dough onto pizza pan and bake to the directions on the package.  Let cool completely.

2. Mix everything but the fruit together. I used a folk to really mix it well. Place in frig until ready to use. 

3. After the cookie is cooled, smooth mixture on top. 

4. Now, mix in your pineapple

5. Top with fruit

6. Refrigerate to set.  My mom taught me to use toothpicks before placing plastic wrap on food so that the wrap doesn't stick to the food.  Enjoy!

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