Kids Cooking 411

How do you say Happy New Year in Chinese?

2012-01-23T10:50:00.000-08:00

The kids will have fun learning a little Mandarin Chinese and greeting their friends and family with Happy New year... Here's how to say it in Mandarin Chinese:

"Xin [sing] Nian [nee-an] Kuai [kwai] Le [ler]"

Please keep in mind that there are more than 150 dialects in China so there are many different greetings that mean the same thing. When I was in China, people in Northern China didn't understand people from other provinces in China!

Auspicious Fortune Cookies!

2012-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

Fortune cookies are fun to make and a sure way to get the creative juicesrunning in the kids as well as some good laughs making memories in the kitchen.

Chinese New Year is all about “good fortune” for the coming year so whatbetter way to celebrate than to make your own fortune cookies!

Here’s a recipe that will make 12 fortune cookies:

1 egg white
Tiny amount of vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar

Have the kids write their fortunes on strips of white paper (pieces about 4 inches x 1/2-inch).

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Grease two cookie sheets and set aside.

Adult helper, please beat the egg white and vanilla until foamy but not stiff with an electric mixer. Have the kids do the measuring and left them sift the flour,salt, and sugar and fold gently. Then they can fold the dry ingredients into the egg white mixture. Kids love learning the "folding" skill!

Place a teaspoonful of the batter onto one of the prepared cookie sheets,and tilt the sheet to encourage the batter to form into a nice round shapeabout 3 inches in diameter. Repeat, leaving at least 2 inches between thecookies, and sticking to no more than 2 or 3 per sheet as you will need to workwith them quickly while they are hot. DO NOT let the kids work with the hot cookies!

Put the first sheet into the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, watchingcarefully, until the cookie has turned a golden color around the outer edge ofthe circle (the center should remain pale.

Note: Have the kids sit on the floor and watch the cookies closely as they caneasily burn on the edges! They will love it!

Remove cookies from the oven and very quickly lift one of the cookieswith a spatula and turn upside down onto a wooden board. Adult needed here, please!

Place the fortune inthe middle of the cookie and fold the cookie in half. Place the folded edgeacross the rim of a cup or glass and pull the pointed edges down, one on theinside of the cup and one on the outside. Stand the folded cookies in the cupsof a muffin tin or egg carton until they cool so that they hold their shape.

Be sure to mix the cookies up for the kids to make their choices. If you want more cookies, just double the ingredients!

May your Year of the Dragon be blessed and propserous,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Year of the Dragon Coloring Fun...

2012-01-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a great link for a coloring sheet to celebrate Chinese New Year! It dovetails right into the kids learning about the history of the Year of the Dragon and kinda brings it to life for them to color it!

Now let's head for the kitchen and stir up a couple really simple recipes to add to the learning and celebration of the Year of the Dragon!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Chinese Noodle Cookies

2012-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

These are sooooo easy and the kids will love them. In celebration of looking forward to a year of prosperity food is very important on Chinese New Year... the are drop cookies but because of the Chinese noodles, they resemble "nests." The Chinese prepare some foods in the resemblance of nests as a sign of prosperity for the New Year!

Here's what you'll need for the cookies (please substitute the "chips" for your favorite whether it be white chocolate, milk chocolate... whatever the kids choose):

1 bag (12 oz.) butterscotch chips

1 can (5 oz.) chow mein noodles

1/2 can dry roastedpeanuts

2 cookie sheets

Waxed paper

Line both cookie sheets with wax paper; set aside.

Melt the butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl untilsmooth or in a bowl on top of a simmering pot of water. Fold in the chow meinnoodles to coat completely.

Gather scant tablespoons of the mixture and drop onto theprepared sheet pans. Refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes.

Have fun cooking for Chinese New Year with the kids!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the "Year of the Dragon." Celebrating Chinese New Year can be a blast for kids as well as a grand learning experience!

They can learn the appreciation of deep Chinese history as well as a lot about the culture while having a great time. There are special foods that are eaten during Chinese New Year and I'll be back with some recipes for you and the kids to prepare for your celebration!

Meanwhile, here's a little about the Year of the Dragon...

The Year of the Dragon begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. The Dragon isthe fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac which consists of 12 Animal signs.

The Dragon is a creatureof myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestialDragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is theultimate auspicious symbol signifying success andhappiness. May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck toeveryone.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Come back in the next few days for some fun recipes for celebrating and head to the kitchen with the kids!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

New Year's Slushies!

2011-12-29T22:39:00.000-08:00

Kids adore fancy glasses and if you pop one of those little umbrellas in "anything" they are thrilled... add a garnish of a slice of fresh pineapple or a strawberry on the side of the glass and... wow... they feel very grown up!

So let's make New Year's Eve special and get the kids back in the kitchen. Here's what you'll need for a tasty and fun slushie..

1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 pint pineapple juice
3 ripe bananas

Ginger ale

Little paper party umbrellas

Fresh strawberries or fresh pineapple for garnish (or an skiiny orange slice)

Combine ingredients in a pitcher. Freeze until mixture is slushy, stirring with a wooden spoon.

Spoon2 or 3 tablespoons (or more) into a party glass and add ginger ale... bubbles are fun for New Year's no matter your age!

Add some fun New Year's hats and noisemakers (from the $store) and you have celebrating kids!

2012 Blessings and Happy, Happy New Year,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

A Recipe for Christmas Joy!

2011-12-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and God Bless you every one!

Here's a special little recipe for stirring up some Christmas Joy... I hope you've enjoyed our fun in the kitchen with our kids during this blessed holiday season. Please come back "next year" as 2012 promises to be filled with lots more Kids Cooking!

Here's a Recipe for Christmas Joy (please feel free to add any of your own special ingredients :-)...

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Hugs
4 teaspoons Kisses
2 cups Smiles
4 cups Love
1 cup Special Holiday Cheer
1/2 cup Peace on Earth
3 teaspoons Christmas Spirit
2 cups Goodwill Toward Man
1 Sprig of Mistletoe
1 medium-size bag of Christmas Snowflakes (the regular kind won't do!)

Mix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles and Love until consistent.
Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth,Christmas Spirit and the Good Will toward Men. Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart, where it can be stored for a lifetime. (It never goes bad!)

Serve as desired under mistletoe, by the Christmas tree... or just when the mood strikes! Be sure to sprinkle liberally with special ChristmasSnowflakes of Love.

It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas Carols and familyget-togethers.

Serve cheerfully to one and all.

May you have the Merriest Christmas Ever!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Finger Painted Christmas Wreath Cookies!

2011-12-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Finger paint with frosting... it doesn't get much more fun than this!

If you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe and want to go to the trouble of preparing it, then please do... If not, use a roll of refrigerated sugar cookie dough.

Make sure the cookie dough is very firm... pop it in the freezer for about 20 minutes before beginning to work with it. Be sure to check as you don't want it frozen just really cold!

Place dough on waxed paper and slice in rounds. Use a small cookie cutter (actually a bottle top will do) and cut out the middle of the wreath. Have the kids cut this center of dough in half with a plastic knife and place the 2 halves at the bottom of each wreath. Shape the halves slightly forming what will look like a bow on the wreath.

Bake according to your own recipe or according to directions on the cookie dough package. Don't overbake.... let the cookies get golden and just begin to brown!

Remove immediately from the cookie sheet to a wire rack for cooling (If you leave them on the cookie sheet, they will continue to brown). Cool for about 30 minutes until completely cool.

While the cookies are cooling, stir up the "finger-paint icing."

Here's what you'll need:

1 tub of Vanilla (white, white) Rich and Creamy frosting

1/4 teaspoon green food coloring

1/4 teaspoon red food coloring

1/4 cup red hots

Reserve 1/2 cup of the frosting (just white) in a small microwavable bowl and set aside. Let the kids spread the remaining white frosting on the cookies.

Spoon 1/4 cup of the reserved frosting into another small microwavable bowl. Microwave each bowl of frosting uncovered on High for only about 5 seconds until just warm. Stir until frosting can be poured. Stir in the green food coloring into one bowl and the red into the other bowl.

Now for the fun! Let the kids use their fingers to create the wreaths by dipping one finger into the warm freen froting and lightly pressing onto the wreath part of the cookie. They can slightly swirl it so it looks like the greenery on a wreath.

Note: The color will appear watercolor-like and a bit transparent.

Create a red bow by dipping another fingertip into the warm red frosting and lightly coating the bow part of the wreath cookies.

Note: A "light touch" is the secret to making these cookies really special!

If the frosting gets too stiff in working with it, simply pop it back into the microwave and re-heat.

Press at least 4 red hots onto the wreath to look like red berries on the wreath.

The kids will love these and they taste great too!

Merry, Merry!

'Tis the Season to Get Kids Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Very Merry Red Velvet Whoopie Pies!

2011-12-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

Red velvet cake is one of my long time favorites. I have made them from scratch for years! But there's been an amazing addition to boxed cakes... Yep, there is now red velvet cake mix and it's delish and very moist!

And... Whoopie Pies are one of the hottest new things for a sweet tooth! Here's, quick, easy, festive and yummy.

All you need is a whoopie pie pan... Hint: Use your 40% off or 50% off coupon at Michael's and get a great Wilton whoopie pan that you'll use over and over!

Pick up a Red Velvet cake mix (I know Wally World carries them)... you'll need oil and eggs to make the batter. And get some peppermint ice cream and some candy canes for garnish.

Follow the directions on the cake mix... please let the kids get out all the "stuff" and do the measuring and dumping of ingredients. And the adult helper should operate the electric mixer as in ALWAYS!

When I use this cake mix, I mix it on a higher speed and for longer than 2 minutes... the more air in the batter the lighter the cake.

Bake as directed in the whoopie pan at the correct oven temperature. Do not over bake! Remove from oven and cool on cooling rack.

While the whoopie pies are cooling, place 3 or 4 candy canes and place them in a heavy duty zippy bag. Let the kids pound them with a small rolling pin or rubber mallet (they really love this part)!

Let ice cream sit on counter for at least 5 minutes to begin to soften so it will spread easily. Spread ice cream on one side of a whoopie pie and then top with the second one. Put crushed candy canes on waxed paper and roll the whoopie pies in the crushed candy cane peppermint on the ice cream for a very festive touch!

Either wrap in waxed paper or put in individual zippy bags until the kids devour them! Enjoy!

Merry, Merry!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Santa Tip!

2011-12-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

Let the kids do as much as possible! Baking and Christmas cooking is "hands-on fun!" The adult helper needs to be at the helm with anything electric... like the mixer... however, let the kids measure everything out and dump it in the mixing bowl. Stop the mixer and scrap the sides... this is a good time to taste the dough... one of my favorite things!

Even the youngest kids can help stir up batter and do a bit of measuring and they will be thrilled!

Some kids are great "egg breakers" and after they've broken the eggs in a small bowl, do the old-fashioned thing of handing them a salad fork and whipping them up a bit... .is it really necessary to the recipe? Maybe not... but it sure makes them feel important and a real part of the process... and that's what counts!

This is a great time to be able to show kids the "right way" in the kitchen... you'll find them SO eager to learn. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect!

Let them stir and roll out dough, shape and press dough flat with a glass or a fork... bring out the cookie cutters... and then the frosting and decorating is the icing on the cake (pun intended)!

'Tis the season to get kids cooking! Merry, Merry!

Happy Holiday Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Ho Ho Ho... Reindeer Cookies!

2011-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

Do these look like a ton of fun or what? The kids are gonna love 'em! Let's put these reindeer together... 'Tis the season to get kids cooking!

1 (18-ounce) refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough (you can use sugar cookie dough if you'd rather... the peanut butter just makes them "look more" like reindeer)

38 small pretzel twists

48 brown M&M's

24 red M&M's

Put the cookie dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes before calling the kids into the kitchen (just so it is good and firm).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the chilled cookie dough on a piece of waxed paper and the adult helper needs to cut the roll into 24 slices. Place the slices on a large ungreased cookie sheet.

Now for the fun... let the kids "pinch" the cheeks of each reindeer (see photo) to make a reindeer face! Carefully place 2 pretzels at the top of each slice to form the reindeer antlers. Create the eyes and red nose (it must be Rudolph!) with the M&M's. The kids will love this part!

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until just golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely.

Merry, Merry!

Happy Christmas Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Santa Tip!

2011-12-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a little "Santa Tip" for you in the upcoming days before Christmas...

Keep it Simple!

Save the elaborate holiday cookie recipes for another day. Reduce stress and do quick and easy peasy... so the kids don't get bored and restless...

Make quick and FUN memories in the kitchen! If you're going to do cutout cookies... consider making the dough ahead of time (without their help) and make the cooking adventure the cutting out and icing of the cookies!

"Tis the Season to Get Kids Cooking!

Merry, Merry!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Christmas Cookie Pizza!

2011-12-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

This is quick, fun and festive! Merry, Merry!

Note: The photo is not an "exact" of this recipe... just a visual to get you going :-)

Warning: Do not serve this right before bedtime :-) This is a very special treat and loaded with sugar but, hey.... 'Tis the season for "Cooking with Kids!" This one will bring rave reviews and wide eyes from the little chefs in the kitchen.

If sugar is allowed at the school Christmas party, this is another kid's culinary delight that will bring... yup, I made it with a bit of a swelling chest and a smile. On a serious note, you'll begin seeing that when your kids cook, their self-image and self-confidence builds... we'll get "serious" after the holidays... Let's get to the kitchen and create!

Here we go... you'll need two ungreased 12-inch pizza pans. You can buy the disposable ones if you don't have them in your pantry (ALWAYS check the $ store first)!

1 (18-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough

Please note: You can substitute chocolate chip or your choice of cookie dough

2 cups (12-ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporated milk!)

2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 cups red and green M&M's

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

The kids will have a blast pressing out the dough onto the pizza pans!

Bake from 10 minutes or until just a light golden brown (will depend on your oven). Remove from oven and set aside.

Have the kids measure the remaining ingredients and dump it into a medium-sized saucepan. The adult helper will melt the chips with the condensed milk, stirring constantly. When melted, pour over the baked cookie pizza crusts.

Have the kids sprinkle the mini-marshmallows and the M&M's evenly over the crust.

Return to oven and bake 3 or 4 more minutes until the marshmallows puff up and are just lightly toasted (watch the marshmallows closely as you know, they just keep cooking when you take them out of the oven).

Let cool and cut into "pizza wedges" for serving. Tah Dah...

Happy Holiday Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Fudge-Filled Cookie Cutters!

2011-12-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

All righty... these are so much fun to make and easy, peasy! More great gifts that the kids will be so tickled to give with a big grin and "look what I made!"

You can pull out your own favorites fudge recipe but I've got a "Peppermint Fudge" recipe here for you that looks soooooo festive and tastes yummy... Here's a sneak peak... Does this look like Christmas or what? Just imagine "this fudge" in the cookie cutters at the top of the post... pretty cool, huh?

Let's get started... first of all buy Christmas cookie cutters... they are on sale every where right now. You can even find some large copper ones at some of the dollar stores. Or, you can buy a couple dozen of different shapes and sizes too!

Here we go...

2 (10-ounce) packages vanilla baking chips

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (add more if you want it more minty!)

1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes

Just a quick dash of red food coloring

Let the kids... Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the inside of the cookie cutters with non-stick cooking spray. Line the cookie cutters up on the parchment paper and set aside.

Let the kids do the measuring and crushing of the candy canes (they love doing this)! Combine the vanilla chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan. We need the adult helper to cook over medium heat. Stir frequently until almost melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth. When chips are completely melted, stir in the peppermint extract, food coloring, and crushed candy canes.

Remove from heat and pour into the cookie cutters and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Now the kids can place the cookie cutters in plain or decorative Christmas cellophane bags and tie at the bottom.

If you use clear cello bags, let the kids decorate them with Christmas stickers... again, I encourage you to let the kids use their imagination and creativity... ALWAYS!

Merry, Merry!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Santa Tip!

2011-12-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

When you're cooking with kids one of the secrets to success and tons of fun is to "allow plenty of time!" If you're rushed, no one will enjoy this very creative time together.

Be sure that you have all of the ingredients on hand before you start to avoid disappointments... and check for the proper baking pans. The more organized you are with the little details, the more fun everyone will have... and, it doesn't take much time to check the recipe and set everything out on the counter including the measuring cups and spoons!

Cooking with Kids makes Christmas an even merrier time! 'Tis the season to get kids cooking!

Merry, Merry!

Happy Holiday Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Window Pane cookies

2011-12-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

The kidswill literally sit on the floor with the oven light on and watch these cookiesbake as the candies melt. Let the magic begin as dough is transformed intocookies with colored window panes!

The kidsare gonna love it!

Here's theingredient list:

18red and green clear hard candies

2/3cup butter, softened

2/3cup shortening

1/2cup granulated sugar

2teaspoons baking powder

1/4teaspoon salt

2eggs

1teaspoon vanilla

4cups all-purpose flour

Siftedpowdered sugar

Cookie cutters of the kids' choice Note: You'll needa large cookie cutter and a matching smaller cookie cutter for some cool Christmas trees, bells, stars... let them use their imagination.

Line cookies sheets with foil and set aside.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Have the kids put the red and green candies inseparate small "heavy" plastic zippy bags. Crush candies, leavingthem coarse. Place each color in a small bowl.

Now let's mix up the cookie dough...

Let the kids measure the ingredients usingseveral measuring cups (just like on the cooking shows)! And, please stop themixer and let them dump ingredients into the mixing bowl. DO NOT keep the mixerrunning while those little fingers are near, please.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter andshortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds (anadult helper is needed here, please). Add granulated sugar, baking powder, andsalt.

Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides ofbowl occasionally (if the kids want to scrape, please stop the mixer).

Beat ineggs and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stirin any remaining flour. Divide dough in fourths.

Now the kids can jump in... the kids will lovetrying to roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll a portion ofthe dough 1/4-inch thick. Using 2-1/2- to 3-inch cutters in desired shape, cutout dough. Place cutouts about 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Repeatwith remaining dough.

Using smaller, 1/2- to 3/4-inch hors cutters, cut out two, three, or four shapes from each larger cutout.Note: The key here is to not let the kids cut out too many shapes so thedough won't hold together... I know, details!

Fill cutout openings with crushed candy. Bakein preheated oven about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned (have thekids watch carefully so they don't burn). Cool completely on foil. Whencompletely cool to the touch carefully peel foil away from cookies.

The kids will like this part... using a smallbrush, dust the edges of cooled cookies with powdered sugar. Makes about 4dozen.

Thesemake great gifts and the kids will be SO proud of them!

Merry,Merry!

HappyCooking with Kids,

JanMcCracken, Culinary Coach

Homemade Christmas Dough Ornaments

2011-12-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

Turn an evening at homewith your family into a miniature Santa's workshop making dough ornaments. Who knows... this could become one of your favorites Christmas traditions!

These easy little ornaments bring out the creativity in everyone and add to the whimsy of celebrating this blessed season.

The kids can make them all ornaments for the tree or glue on an inexpensive pin from the craft store for a special gift for a teacher, grandma or friends at school and they make really cute "tie-ons" for Christmas gifts... adding that very special "it's homemade" touch!

Let's get started...

Here's the easy recipe:

1 cup salt
1 cup water
2 cups flour

Christmas cookie cutters (plus trains, teddy bears... anything in the "favorite department")!

Pins for back

Hot glue gun

Mix all ingredients together. Consistency will be pretty stiff. Add extra flour or waterif needed. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cutand shape ornaments. Lift onto a cookie sheet with a cookie spatula. Straightened paper clipswork great for poking eyes or adding details .Either take a toothpick and make a hole in the top of the ornament before baking so a red ribbon can be strung through or insert asmall loop of flexible wire into the top before baking. Ribbons are great for attaching to Christmas gifts!

Bake at 325 degrees for severalhours or until hard. Cool on wire racks.

Paint with acrylic paints. When dry, spray with anacrylic sealer or melt paraffin in a double boiler and dip the ornament in it.

These are great fun... let the kids use their imagination and roll candy canes or add special touches to their Christmas creations.

Merry, Merry!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Santa Tip!

2011-12-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Plan on a mess so be ready... If you have a small table that can be set up as a temporary work station for the kids that is just at the height for them to stand and work, that is great.

I use a small 30" x 30" table and then cover it with a Christmas plastic flannel back tablecloth from the $ store... it adds to the festivity and makes for easier clean-up!

The floor can get pretty sticky sometimes... if you're concerned buy a cloth paint "drop cloth"... I would advise you to wash it a couple of times and even throw in some bleach as they are a bit stiff when they are new. Spread the drop cloth on the floor and tape it down with blue painter's tape (it won't damage the floor)... and then you pick it up and shake it out and throw it in the washer!

A really fun thing to do is to have the kids actually paint on the drop cloth and personalize it!

Keep the waxed paper handy during your creating... it's magical stuff!

'Tis the season to get cooking with kids! Merry, Merry!

Happy Holiday Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Surprise Snowballs!

2011-12-08T20:29:00.001-08:00

The kids are gonna love these... They are so much fun to make and really fun for the kids to share with their friends... Have them offer a Snowball cookie to their friends when they can watch the friend... wait for it... bite into it... Let's get started!

Here's the ingredient list:

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugr

2 cups white flour

6-ounce bag of chocolate kisses

2 candy canes, crushed

Powdered sugar for dusting

Yield: 24 cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar with mixer until smooth (adult helper needed here, please... do not leave children alone with an electric mixer!). Slowly add flour, mixing well.

Wrap cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. While the dough is chilling have the little elves remove the foil from the chocolate kisses (24 of them). Also, place the candy canes in a zippy plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin... the kids really like this part!

Remove dough from the fridge and roll into 1-inch round balls... an easy way to do this is rolling the dough in palms of hands. The kids love getting their hands into it! The balls don't have to be perfect at this point.

Insert a chocolate kiss into the center of each ball making sure it is completely covered by the dough. If necessary, do another quick roll between palms.

Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 10 to 12 minutes (be careful not to get too brown or burn!

Put down waxed paper under a cooling rack to catch excess powdered sugar and candy cane sprinkles. Either sift powered sugar over the top of cookies or roll cookies in the powdered sugar. Sprinkle the tops with the crushed candy cane peppermint. Gently have the kids push the cane cane sprinkles with their little thumbs into the cookies so it doesn't fall off!

These are great little gifts. The dollar store sometimes has clear little plastic boxes that would hold maybe 6 cookies... tie with a bright red Christmas bow and attach a candy cane!

Are we having fun yet? Merry, Merry!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Santa Tip!

2011-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

A little "Santa Tip" for you while you're creating wonderful holiday memories with your children by spending an hour or two with them in the kitchen!

You say you don't have kids at home any more? Well, then, rustle up a grandchild... a niece... a nephew or borrow one of the kids in the neighborhood... I guarantee being in the kitchen with kids will be some of your most treasured memories ever!

What ages, you ask? Kids from pre-school to teenagers love baking and stirring stuff up in the kitchen! You will just need to do a bit of planning and prepping and reach out for a lot of holiday spirit!

'Tis the season to get kids cooking! Merry, Merry!

Happy Holiday Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Christmas is Coming...

2011-12-06T18:52:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it's December and Christmas is just a few short weeks away?

It's time to spend serious time in the kitchen stirring up candies and baking goodies for family and friends. All of the spills, laughs and smiles in the kitchen with kids create something that lasts forever... sweet memories!

In the next few weeks, I'll be posting easy recipes for you and the kids to make together during this fun and festive time. So get those mugs out and stir up some serious hot chocolate using candy canes instead of spoons!

Merry, Merry!

Happy Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Chef

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T20:38:00.001-08:00

A Blessed Thanksgiving to all... count your blessings!

Pumpkin Pancakes for Thanksgiving Breakfast

2011-11-23T09:44:00.001-08:00

What a great way to kick off the blessing of
Thanksgivingmorning!

These Pumpkin Pancakes with a splat of Cinnamon Brown Sugarare delish… let’s get started so you’ll be sure to have all of the ingredients onhand.

Ingredients:

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tablespoons brown sugar (packed)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 1/3 cups 2% milk

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

½ cup ricotta cheese

Let the kids get all of the ingredients together and measureit all out. Use a small heavy bottom saucepan and ask the adult helper to cookthe butter over medium heat for about 8 minutes while stirring constantly. Thenadd the maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let the kidsdump in the pecans. Stir and set aside.

Now the fun for the kids… In a small bowl, combine theflour, brown sugar and salt. Using another bowl whisk together the eggs, milk,pumpkin and cheese. Note: Kids love to whisk! Let them dump the wet ingredientsinto the dry ingredients (I know you’re supposed to stir it in… but we’recooking with kids and that’s difficult for them :-)!

Let them stir the wet and dry ingredients together untilmoistened.

Drop the batter using a 1/4 cup measuring cup onto a butteredgriddle. Turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until second side is golden brown.

If you are right there at the stove and the child is oldenough to flip the pancakes, they will love it!

Serve while hot with the yummy Maple Cinnamon Butter pouredover the pancakes. For a special treat, add a dollop of whipped cream.

Happy Thanksgiving Morning! The fun has just begun!

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Fun Facts

2011-11-22T11:29:00.001-08:00

Fun Facts!

There is a legend that when the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, they stepped onto a huge granite boulder jutting out of the sand. This boulder became known as "Plymouth Rock."

Although the boulder was in the area in which the Pilgrims landed, no one knows if the Pilgrims ever actually stepped on it. Plymouth Rock can be visited today in Plymouth, Massachusetts!

P.S. "Fun Facts" are a new addition to KidsCooking411 that hopefully will add to the "flavor" of your cooking with the kids. I'm going to try to provide you with tidbits of history and other related facts that you can have fun with in the kitchen while you're cooking!

Enjoy! Please tell your friends about KidsCooking411 and follow us on Twitter. I'm hoping to get a new Kids Cooking book out in 2012. Stay tuned!

Thanks for dropping by... I'd love to have some input from you!
All the best... and keep those kids in the kitchen cooking!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins!

2011-11-22T11:01:00.001-08:00

All righty… since we’re into cranberries at the moment let’swhip up some Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins! These are super easy breezy too and thekids will love them.

If you’re up for it, let them decorate the tops of themuffins after they cool. The dollar store has cute turkey and pumpkin picks that make the muffins very festive!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 (15-oz.) can of pumpkin (that would be the real pumpkin,please)

1 cup oil (not olive oil)

3 cups sugar

3 cups flour

1 1/12 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 Tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 eggs

1 large bag fresh cranberries

Cupcake papers (maybe some fun Thanksgiving ones?)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Have the kids rinse the cranberries and drain them in acolander. Look for bad berries and toss them.

Crack the eggs in a small bowl or cup and beat slightly witha fork. Set aside.

Get out a big mixing bowl (this is a fun recipe because youcan dump it all in at once)! Prepare the cupcake tins with the papers. Yep,teach them the right order of all things cooking!

Have the kids measure everything first. In doing this whenmeasuring ingredients like baking soda and baking powder, they can measure anddump it in a little shallow bowl (this makes the whole process easier and goalso go more quickly).

Take all of the measured ingredients and dump it ALL intothe large mixing bowl EXCEPT for the cranberries. With a large wooden spoon,mix really well. Then fold in the cranberries (another lesson in folding here).

Fill each of the cupcake papers 1/2 full with the batter.This can easily be accomplished without a lot of mess by using a cookie scoopor a measuring cup… the cookie scoop is much more efficient.

Bake for 30 minutes. This recipe makes a lot…. About 44muffins!

P.S. This is a great recipe for the kids to make and thencolor on some brown paper bags and decorate them and give a few muffins away tosome of their friends for Thanksgiving… teaching them not only to prepare foodwith love but to share their food by blessing other people.

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Easy Cranberry Sauce

2011-11-22T10:35:00.001-08:00

We can’t have Thanksgiving without Cranberry Sauce!

Oh my…

I have a super easy recipe but it uses canned wholecranberries and I’d prefer that the kids experience the “real thing”… So herewe go, starting from scratch with a real bag of cranberries!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound bag of fresh cranberries

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

The kids can prepare this one by themselves with an adulthelper doing the cooking and stirring on the stove.

First rinse the cranberries and drain in a colander. Look tosee if there are any bad berries and toss them.

Put the water and the sugar into a heavy bottom saucepan.Have an adult put the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Add thecranberries and cook until tender.

Sit aside to cool and then put in a bowl and refrigerateuntil serving time.

Happy Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

2011-11-21T13:22:00.001-08:00

One of the things that we are thankful for every day is thisgreat country of ours! Becoming aware of the freedoms that we enjoy areimportant for us all and I’ve found that there are lots of kids that really love theAmerican flag!

If the kids would like to add a dash of patriotism to yourThanksgiving table, here’s a really easy, yet very symbolic fruit salad thatthe kids can quickly whip up! And, it’s a healthy addition too!

Ingredients:

Strawberries

Bananas

Blueberries

Whipped cream (optional)

Utensils:

Colander

Plastic knife

Cutting board

Clear glass salad bowl or individual glass serving bowls

Just put on your Culinary Coaching hat and let the kids dothis one! Just guide them through… it might be fun to sing some patriotic songswhile the kids are stirring the red, white and blue!

Let the kids wash the strawberries and blueberries in thesink using a colander. Then turn them out on a paper towel. Gently pat dry.Keyword: Gently!

Cut the green stems off the strawberries (yes, this can beaccomplished with a plastic knife that the kids won’t get cut on). Peel thebananas.

Slice the strawberries and bananas with the plastic knife ona cutting board. Combine all of the ingredients in a clear glass (or plastic)bowl so the red, white and blue shines through.

Chill and serve! It might also be fun to serve in individualbowls, add a dollop of whipped cream and stick tiny American flags in each bowlas an added small tribute to our flag!

Here's to Thanksgiving fun in the kitchen cooking with the kids!

Happy Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Tasty Pilgrim Hats

2011-11-21T11:12:00.001-08:00

These tasty Pilgrim Hats are easy breezy and
really fun tomake!

While the kids are gathering the ingredients and making the treats whynot take turns telling stories about the Pilgrims.It doesn’t matter if thelittle ones don’t get the history just perfect… it’s their perceptions of whatPilgrims and Thanksgiving means to them that’s important and precious!

Have some fun with these…

Ingredients you’ll need:

Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Oreo cookies

Candy corn or yellow jelly bean

Yellow or orange fruit roll-up

Chocolate frosting (a store bought can will work just dandy)

Decide how many Pilgrim Hats you want to make and then havethe kids take the foil off of the peanut butter cups and set aside.

Separate the two halves of the Oreo cookies… you’ll needonly the half without the icing so you can be gobbling up the other halveswhile you work! Or, set them aside and read the PS for a later project.

Take a small spoon of frosting and place it in the center ofthe plain chocolate cookie half.

Turn the peanut butter cup upside down and stick it in thecenter of the cookie in the dab of frosting. Then, frost over the entire cookieand the peanut butter cup so chocolate frosting covers all and is smooth.

Slice a thin strip of the fruit roll-up and wrap it aroundthe base of the peanut butter cup, forming a band around the Pilgrim Hat. Ithink it’s more likely that you have some candy corn around rather than yellowjelly beans… so slice off the yellow part of the candy corn and dip it into thefrosting. Stick the yellow slice onto the band of the hat, forming the buckle.

These are so cute displayed on a platter for a special Thanksgivingtreat for the kids with some hot chocolate.

Happy Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Thanksgiving is a Time of Gratitude...

2011-11-21T08:52:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time for us to really look around andcount our blessings. It’s a wonderful thing for children to become aware of thethings they have to be thankful for and be appreciative… a time for sharing family traditions,stories and recipes.

Do some fun things like have a toast with some cranberrypunch (yep, the recipe is coming)… Click glasses together with, “Here’s to manyhappy days in the kitchen cooking together!”

Getting kids into the kitchen is fun all year ‘round but canbe a very special and memorable time during Thanksgiving week…. Don’t be “toobusy” to let this precious time slip by…

Happy Cooking with Blessings,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

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2011-11-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

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Offer good today thru midnight on Sunday, November 27th!

Sautauthig (Sawf-taw-teeg) Cornmeal Blueberry Mush

2011-11-17T17:59:00.001-08:00

We're stirring in a bit more history while we're cooking with the kids. They will enjoy this recipe as it's an oldie and was a favorite dish of the Native Americans of the Northeast.

It's a very simply pudding made with cracked corn (called samp), crushed dried blueberries and water. As time went on, the settlers would add milk to make it rich and yummy!

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups low-fat milk (or your milk of choice)
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cups cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon sugar

Utensils:
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon
Colander
3-quart heavy bottom saucepan with lid
Wire whisk
Small bowl

Put the blueberries in the colander. Rinse under cool running water. Gently shake and dump onto a paper towel. fold paper towel over and gently pat blueberries dry.

Combine the milk and the water in the saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat with the wooden spoon. Bubbles will begin to form around the edges of the pan.

Grab the wire whisk and slowly stir the cornmeal and salt into the hot liquid (an adult helper may want to do the whisking as liquid is very hot). Stir the hot mixture until there are no lumps.

Reduce the heat to simmer and cover the pan. Set the timer for 10 minutes and simmer. Mixture will thicken.

Remove from heat and fold in the blueberries and the maple syrup (a great opportunity to teach the difference between "folding" and "stirring"). Be patient as it sometimes takes the kids to get the rhythm of folding.

In a small bowl mix the sugar and nutmeg together. sprinkle on top of the mush and serve right away.

Not only is this tasty but it's a very hearty dish!

Happy Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Frosty Pumpkin Pies!

2011-11-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

Talk about Thanksgiving FUN! The kids are gonna love making this pie and will be SO proud when it comes time for serving family and friends.

So get the kids in the kitchen and grab your aprons and your spatulas!

Here's what you'll need:
Pre-made graham cracker pie crust (or let the kids make it from scratch... your choice)
1 cup plain canned pumpkin (this is the real pumpkin not filling)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 quart of vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Note: While the kids are getting prepared and getting their aprons on you might want to set the ice cream out on the countertop so it can begin to soften.

All righty... here we go... man your mixing stations!

Using a large bowl (or dividing between a couple of bowls... depending on the number of kids cooking)... soften the ice cream... Do this with a large spoon or large spatula... yes, the size of the spoon or spatula is "relative" to the size of the child's hand! Set the ice cream aside (we don't want soup... just "softened").

Combine the pumpkin, sugar and spices together. You have a choice here... you can use an electric mixer and closely supervise it's use or you can let the kids stir it up! Kids would rather stir it up!

Make sure the ice cream is well mixed and softened. Then add the pumpkin mixture to the ice cream... yep, just dump that pumpkin stuff in there! Now, stir, stir, stir until very well blended... you'll be able to tell because it will all be the same color! As the "adult helper" if you need to give the mixture a few shots with the electric mixer when the kids have stirred their little hearts out... just do it!

Now let the kids spoon the mixture into the pie crust. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Pop the pie into the freezer for several hours until it is firm.

When it's serving time, remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes. Let the kids add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each piece and have the kids serve the pie to the guests... they will be so proud... and so will you!

Happy Cooking with Kids!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Maple-Nut-Berry Popcorn Balls

2011-11-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

What a treat! Another recipe using ingredients that the Pilgrims and the Indians had at Thanksgiving and these popcorn balls are yummy!

Here are the ingredients you'll need:
Popcorn (you can use a store bought bag or fresh air-popped... I don't have to tell you which one I prefer... homemade, of course)!
Chopped walnuts
Dried cranberries
Butter
Maple syrup

Utensils:
Large bowl
Large wooden spoon
Serving plate

Here we go... pop your fresh popcorn or open that store-bought package of popcorn. Put the popcorn in the big mixing bowl.

Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts and dried cranberries (as many as you think will make it yummy). Pour some melted butter over all and stir with the big wooden spoon until well mixed.

Pour some maple syrup over the [warm] popcorn... you notice I said "warm popcorn"... you want enough maple syrup to just coat the popcorn so it will stick together nicely. Please ask your grown-up sous chef helper to help you judge how much to use.

Stir all together until the popcorn, nuts and berries are well coated. Shape the "sticky popcorn" into small balls on the serving plate. Place in the fridge until the syrup hardens and you have a Thanksgiving treat!

Note: This is a great exercise for kids to begin learning about getting the "real feel" of cooking without measuring everything! They can begin to use their good judgment and eye what looks about right... this comes with the true joy of cooking!

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Old English "Sallet"... History & Cooking!

2011-11-13T22:45:00.001-08:00

This recipe comes from a very old book that was read by the Pilgrims. It's a recipe for a great "sallet" or salad as we call it today.

It's fun for the kids to learn just a little bit of history along with the fun of cooking!

Here's the list of ingredients:

1 cucumber

Raw spinach

Lettuce

Cabbage

1 red onion

1 Tablespoon mint (chopped)

1 teaspoon sage (chopped)

1/4 cup walnuts

1/4 cup almonds

1/4 cup raspberries

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

Utensils:

Measuring cup and measuring spoons

Cutting board and knife

Colander

Salad Bowl

Salad tossing fork and spoon

Do some of the ingredients look a bit strange for a salad today? Let the kids know that there were nuts and fruits available in the wild as well as fresh sage and mint.

Okay, let's make this "Sallet!"

Have the kids peel off enough leaves of spinach, lettuce and cabbage to fill about half of the large salad bowl of choice. Wash and drain the leaves well in the colander.

Put the greens in the big salad bowl and toss together with the salad fork and spoon.

Now it's time to ask for your adult sous chef's help. Ask your grown-up helper to please chop the onion, cucumber, wanuts and almonds.

Add the freshly chopped ingredients to the salad greens. Toss again.

In a smal bowl, mix the sugar, oil and vinegar mixing well. Pour mixture over salad, toss and serve.

Wasn't it fun learning about something the Pilgrims ate while actually making it yourself?

More Thanksgiving recipes are coming soon so stop back by!
Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Thanksgiving & Watermelons?

2011-11-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Watermelons at Thanksgiving? What is up with that?

Well, this is a very different kind of post than what you're accustomed to on my blog so I had to dig up something 'off the wall' to get your attention... Hmmmm... how about a text color to match the watermelon? Well... here we go...

Yes, it's almost Thanksgiving! We see so much going on in our world today and I don't offer advice very often... but my heart says to "go for it!" Thanksgiving means many things to many people in this great land of ours... and this Thanksgiving is very different for so many... I won't go there as I'm certainly not a financial analyst... I'm a Culinary Coach... grins...

Here's my advice for this upcoming Thanksgiving... no matter what you have this year, be thankful... be thankful for your family, be thankful for those little things that you're beginning to realize mean so much, be thankful for the memories you're making this year... no one can ever take your memories away from you!

Try really, really hard to begin operating with a "thankful heart" not just one day of the year but every day! If you're one of my regular blog visitors, you're here because you have precious children to cook with... be thankful... even in times that seem bleak, being thankful for what we have as we begin each and every day with gratitude will bring hope and healing to you and those around you.

So count your blessings this Thanksgiving and continue to count your blessings every day! Okay... end of lecture... LOL... Have fun and get your kids into the kitchen to help you cook Thanksgiving dinner! What fun memories you'll be making!

Stop back by... there will be more fun things to cook with your kids for Thanksgiving! What blessings!Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Don't Eat ALL of That Halloween Candy!

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Create some "ART" with your Halloween Candy!

Keep candy out of your kid's tummies and stay away from all of the sugar that you know is not good for them!

Use the "stacks of sweets" to create fall and Thanksgiving art!

Grab a cardboard box and jump online and go to: http://coloring-page.net/thanksgiving.html

This is a FREE site where you can download coloring pages. There are a bunch of different turkey ones. So let's get started... the kids are gonna love this!

Here's what you'll need for this project:

A pattern of a Thanksgiving turkey (or anything else that strikes your fancy!)
Can of white frosting (cheapest you can find!)
Leftover Halloween candy
A butter knife or spreader (one for each child)

Trace the pattern of choice onto the cardboard and cut out. Keep the pattern nearby so the child can have a "visual" of what the little artist is about to create (the cardboard won't have all of the markings on it... it will be... well, just a piece of cardboard)!

Remove all wrappings from the candy and put all of the candy on a cookie sheet with sides so it is spread out but not all over the table!

Spread frosting on the cardboard cutout... are we having fun yet? Let that frosting be lumpy... lumpy is creative and fun. Now... just add candy!

If you really want to "plan" with your kids... you could create an entire Thanksgiving or fall scene with pilgrims, turkeys, pilgrim hats, Plymouth Rock... the list is endless... the kids will help you with the creativity!

Have fun and let them "lick the glue"... the icing!

Creatively Crafty,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Pumpkins are On Sale!

2011-11-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's Fall Fun!

All righty... Halloween is over but the pumpkin patches are still bursting with pumpkins. It doesn't matter why... the main thing is that fresh pumpkins are ON SALE!

Note: If you don't have a pumpkin patch near you... the grocery will work!

Okay... you have picked out a pumpkin and the kids are going to learn some old-fashioned "punkin' stuff!" A lot of kids these days think that pumpkins are just for carving... not! Let's get started... we're going to make homemade Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!

You'll need:

a cookie sheet
vegetable oil
salt
the cleaned and dried pumpkin seeds

First of all, cut that pumpkin open and clean out all of the seeds. Yep, let the kids use their hands. Cut the pumpkin itself into slices and pop them in a zippy bag (or two or three, depending on the size of your pumpkin!). Put the pumpkin in the fridge for "more with pumpkin" coming later...

Stop and preheat the oven at 250 degrees so it will be ready when the seeds are!

Using a colander (or two) let the kids go to the sink and wash the seeds really good. Then have them pat the seeds dry with paper towels (if it were me, I'd let them use old terry kitchen towels as they work much faster and aren't as messy!).

Let the kids put a light coat of vegetable oil on a cookie sheet. An easy way to do this is to have them measure out a small amount of oil in a small (as in very small) bowl. Show them how to dip a folded paper towel into the oil and smear it all over the pan. Is that fun or what? And it doesn't make a mess!

Now it's time to spread the pumpkin seeds evenly over the cookie sheet. Make sure that there aren't big clumps of seeds... hey, keep your hands off the cookie sheet... let the kids do it! (Yep, this is the hard part :-D... )!

If they want salted seeds, then have them measure out the salt and sprinkle the seeds with salt. Otherwise, they can put the seeds in a paper bag after they are roasted, add the salt and shake it up!

Bake the pumpkin seeds for about 15 minutes. As the "adult helper" you get to stir the seeds so they don't burn and put them back in the oven. Watch them closely... the kids will be prompting you... for another 10-15 minutes until the seeds are golden brown. They're done!

Cool the seeds for a great, fun and very healthy snack. The kids are going to want to share them with their little friends and you can be sure they'll be saying, "look what I did!" The pride in preparing healthy food will become addictive for your child... could there be a better addiction?

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Happy Halloween, My Little Goblins & Ghosts!

2011-10-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Just couldn't let this day go by without wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Halloween!

Fall has arrived so please stay tuned as I have lots of fun Thanksgiving, Christmas and all holiday fun in the kitchen "cooking with kids!"

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & Adult Helper-Sous Chef

Candy Corn Cupcakes

2011-10-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

More Halloween Cooking Fun!

Make sure you have these supplies before you begin:
Spatulas
Mixing Bowl
Mixer (a hand mixer is preferable)
Measuring cups & measuring spoons
Paper cupcake cups
Muffin pan that bakes 24 cupcakes or 2 that bakes 12 cupcakes
Wire rack
Small icing spatula

Special ingredients:
Yellow cake mix
Creamy vanilla frosting in the can
Orange food coloring
Candy corn
Black licorice twists

For the cupcakes:
Yellow cake mix
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cups water
3 egg whites (or egg white substitute)

Ready for some real Halloween cooking fun? Here we go...

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and pop those paper baking cups into the cupcake pans. Have the kids dump the yellow cake mix into a large mixing bowl. Add the water and the egg whites. Use the hand mixer to blend. The beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. If you want to have the kids use spatulas... skip the mixer and show them how to scrape the sides of the bowl as the go and whip up the cake mix by hand!

Fill the cupcake paper by using a measuring cup with a spout so the kids can pour equal amounts in each cupcake paper, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes and check. Bake a couple minutes longer if center doesn't pop back when you put your finger on it.

Please, the adult helper Sous Chef ALWAYS should put things IN the oven and REMOVE them from the oven. Cool on the wire rack for about 15 minutes (or whenever the cupcakes are cool enough to remove from the pan). Place the cupcakes individually on the wire rack until completely cool.

Using a small bowl, scrap the vanilla frosting into the bowl and add the orange food coloring. If the kids want a brighter orange... add more food coloring! Now comes the really fun part... let the kids use a small, icing spatula and frost the cupcakes... they don't have to be "perfect," okay?

After all the cupcakes have been frosted decorate them with candy corn and licorice... let the kids use their imagination and make pumpkin faces with the candy corn and the licorice for a mouth. Or they might want to use the licorice for the eyes... this is where the creativity and real fun comes in... try really hard not to "interrupt" their creativity! Most of all, have a dandy, candy corny Halloween!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & Adult Helper Sous Chef

Halloween Pumpkin Pizza Recipe...

2011-10-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Grab your aprons! We're going to make Pumpkin Pizza for Halloween... It's a fun spinoff of pumpkin pie and very "kid friendly!" Kids, let's head for the kitchen!

I'm going to lay this out for you by letting you know several things:
* What kids will learn making Pumpkin Pizza
* What you need (gather these things and utensils before you start... well, at least before the kids hit the kitchen!
* Ingredients
* Recipe
* Directions
* Guaranteed FUN!

Making a Pumpkin Pizza is not all about Halloween! This cooking exercise in the kitchen can help kids:
* Learn more about foods and how different foods can be used... for instance, pumpkin isn't just for carving... and it isn't just for pies!
* If you have more than one child cooking, they will learn about "taking turns."
* Kids will be developing their imaginations without even being aware of it!
* Learning patience while the pizza cooks and cools.

Gather these utensils in advance:
* Cookie Sheet
* Aluminum Foil
* Spatula (maybe 2)
* Large Mixing Bowl
* Rolling Pin
* Cooling Rack
* Large Round Serving Plate

Ingredients:
* 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 8-ounce package of low-fat cream cheese
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
* Black & Green decorator frosting
* Candy Corn
* Cooking Spray

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Have cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
2. Cover a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Grease foil well with cooking spray.
3. Roll out cookie dough into a 12-inch circle... no, it doesn't have to be "perfect"... let the kids do it!
4. Bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until just lightly browned.
5. Let the kids know that they always need an "adult helper" in putting things in and out of the oven. Remember you are HELPING them...
6. Place the cookie sheet on a cooling rack to cool.
7. Begin cleaning up the mess and washing the dishes while the pizza is baking... yep, let the kids do it! This is a very important part of "organizing" and learning ALL about cooking.
8. While the cookie pizza is cooling... In mixing bowl cream the cream cheese... this may be a step for the "adult sous chef" to show the kids how to use a hand mixer and talk about safety in the kitchen.
9. Blend in canned pumpkin and let the kids stir it into the cream cheese... if a spatula doesn't work for them... give them an old-fashioned wooden spoon!
10. Add the powdered sugar... step back... if you add it all at once there will be clouds in the kitchen! This is a great place to demonstrate patience by adding little bits of powdered sugar at a time.
11. Stir in the light brown sugar along with the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Be sure to let the kids do the measuring! It's a good time to show them how to level off spoonfuls... but don't forget... our grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn't use measuring spoons very much... it was a pinch here and a pinch there and a handful here... so don't worry if they don't get it perfect.
12. When the pumpkin pizza is cool, peel off the aluminum foil and place it on the large, round serving plate.
13. Spread the pumpkin mixture on the pizza... decorate as desired with the decorator cake icing, outlining a mouth and eyes and using the green icing for a stem. The candy corn can be used to fill in for teeth in the mouth.

Serve while warm... like pumpkin pie... you could even add a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream!

MOST OF ALL... have fun! Please write me and tell us all how your pumpkin pizza turns out!

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & "Adult Sous Chef"

Sailboats - It's Columbus Day!

2011-10-07T21:53:00.000-07:00

Mixin' the fixin's with a little history of Columbus will be a really fun thing to do with the kids in the kitchen.

There are tons of sources on the internet to print out a coloring page for the kids to relate to Columbus Day. The kids can create the Sailor's Delight snack and talk about Columbus. Then eat their snack and color their little piece of history. And there's sure to be a resounding cry of, "Look what I made!"

So let's get started and make these Sailor Delight Snacks...

Depending on how many children are involved and how many will be eating snacks, they can each create the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, or share... your call, the "Adult Sous Chef Helper!"

Here are the ingredients that you're going to need:
Cantaloupe
Red Grapes
Raisins
Marinated Cherries
Sliced Cheese - your choice - Swiss, Cheddar... any will work - you just need sqaure slices!

Materials that you'll need for preparation of the boats:
Large Knife
Cutting Board
Plates for all
Wooden Skewers

Let the kids wash the cantaloupe really well under running water. The Adult Sous Chef Helper should use a cutting board and a large knife and "demonstrate" how to slice the cantaloupe. Leave the rind on and cut in slices that can "sit up" when placed on a plates... think "little boats" here!

Give each of the kids a skewer. Have them place a cherry, then a grape and then a raisin on the top of the skewer.

Take a slice of cheese and poke a hole in opposite ends of the cheese squares. Put the skewer through the holes in the cheese squares. This will form the "sails" for the cantaloupe boats.

At the bottom of the skewer, have the kids add two more grapes and a couple of raisins to hold the cheese sail in place.

Stick the skewer into the cantaloupe and set those sails! The kids will be so proud of their colorful boats. Gather 'round the table and talk about Columbus and enjoy! Oh... don't forget after they have their snack and color their Columbus Day pictures, head back to the kitchen for clean up... don't do it for them, please... it goes with the program of cooking!

Oops... I almost forgot to tell you what they are going to learn on this one... here ya' go:
Making sailboats for Columbus Day will get them talking about Columbus and learning the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria (maybe you better brush up on your history...there may be questions :-D)!
Patience will be needed as they make holes in the cheese and put the fruit on the skewers.
Dexterity is sharpened when the kids are carefully placing fruit on the skewers.
Completing the task is reinforced when you head back to the kitchen for cleaning up!

Isn't cooking with the kids just the BEST? Have fun!

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & Adult Sous Chef

For the Love of Cooking!

2011-09-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Kids have a natural interest in foods and that leads them to being drawn to the kitchen!

Think about it... what is one of the major toys that parents purchase soon after little ones can walk? A little stove! And then the toddlers want a set of dishes... a table... some little pots and pans... and most of all... a spoon to "pretend stir" in a big bowl!

I encourage you to take advantage of this "natural interest" of children whether you be parents, grandparents, a favorite aunt, a childcare giver, a vacation Bible school leader... the list of possibilities to teach children cooking is endless!

The lessons easily taught and learned by children at an early age are not only management skills in food preparation but more importantly nutrition. Also, studies show that kids that cook at an early age are better students! There are so many things woven into food preparation and cooking like math... developing measuring skills... science... what happens when you stir some baking soda into a cup of buttermilk? Wow... it's a science project! Motor skills and coordination... Following directions... it's all in the "recipe!"

Yep! Cooking with Kids is definitely a "Recipe for Success!" With childhood obesity soaring, little ones learning at an early age about foods and being involved with cooking their own food carries over into their adult lives!

What a great gift you can give the kids in your life! And it's just steps away... in your kitchen! If you're totally intimidated by this concept... just relax... come back and visit often as I'll be calming those seas of doubt for you with projects that will delight the entire family!

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & "Adult Helper Chef"

Cooking at Home with Kids!

2011-09-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

In these days of trying to make a lot out of a little... we're all there... is a time for reining in and most certainly cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out! We're all adjusting our lifestyles.

The Chinese symbol for "crisis" is the same symbol that is used for "opportunity." So... is your cup half empty or half full?

And what does this have to do with cooking with kids?

We are seeing more people getting back to basics... not necessarily a choice but a necessity... ahhhh... and so presents a real opportunity with kids in the kitchen. We're finding our way back to the kitchen and the kitchen table!

Let's face it, little ones love to do what big people do and kids WANT to cook! The combination of fun and creativity in the kitchen is a win/win for all! Kids will be learning so much without even knowing it and without the lectures.

The first step to success in cooking with kids is to "put them in charge." Hey... come back here! I know that a lot of parents are too busy and very intimidated about letting their kids in the kitchen...

When my grandchildren come to Nannie's, we have a blast in the kitchen! A few spills? Sure... don't you ever spill anything in the kitchen?

Let's get back to putting kids in charge in the kitchen now that you're back... It's all in the presentation... I learned in sales a long time ago that "presentation is everything"... and that applies to many, many things in life... even to the dishes that we prepare in our kitchens!

Okay... I'm not intentionally skirting this issue... LOL... things just keep popping up! Bottom line, just hand the spatula over to the kids! You become the "adult sous chef aka adult helper!" Hand them the reins! And don't be a "hover craft!"

You are going to be so surprised what a positive outcome this has on your experience... before long not only the kids will be looking forward to preparing special treats and then meals but you'll be right in there too!

Come back soon... I'm currently writing an e-book that will to help you get started cooking with kids!

Happy Cooking!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & "Adult Helper Chef"

A serious moment about "recession obesity"...

2011-09-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

All righty... we love to have a ton of fun in the kitchen... that's what being a "kid foodie" is all about... that's what being an adult foodie is all about too!

I feel a responsibility to all of my little foodies "everywhere" as well as to moms, grand-moms, aunts and whoever is cooking with kids today to share this serious note of the times...

I'm not sure if y'all know exactly how KidsCooking411 came about... it's been a combination of events... the list is kinda long but just to mention a few... I've authored several books on diet and nutrition... Healthy Carb Cookbook for Dummies (Wiley) being my all time pride of ownership and The Everything Lactose Free Cookbook (Adams Media) in the Everything Book Series being a huge help to those lactose intolerant folks... plus a couple of self-published low-carb cookbooks... then about 40 other self-published books...

I owned a country bed and breakfast in Branson, MO, for several years and did all of the cooking and penned my very first cookbook there! And then there are my grandchildren... what fun it is when we get togehter and they ask if I'll cook their favorite recipe with them (which always happens to be one of my old recipes)... Talk about FUN!

Well, ya' say... "that's nice"... LOL... why, yes, it is!

Being involved and on the trail of health, nutrition and preventive medicine through healthy lifestyles for many years, I've become a passionate advocate in the prevention of childhood obesity.

It's my heart's desire to help adults get children into the kitchen and cook! I truly believe in my heart that with the natural curiosity that kids have about food coupled with teaching them about fresh ingredients and given the opportunity to 'stir things up' on their own can change their lives.

Research has already proven that kids that cook at an early age develop much healthier attitudes about food that result in living healthier lifestyles for life! So what's the serious moment of this post? Joining in the fight against childhood obesity and recession obesity...

It's about TODAY... the fact that times are tough and money is tight for almost everyone. You can still make healthy, yet not expensive, choices for meals! Please don't try to save a few dollars in the fresh ingredient department and put your child's health at risk... we already have enough forces out there doing that!

Cheap, fast food is sooooooo tempting these days. Not only is it easy and provides immediate gratification... it's cheap!
I encourage you to hang out with me at KidsCooking411... I'm trying to get a free e-book together to help you get started cooking with your kids... we're all stressed... and, I know, you're thinking, "Getting the kids in the kitchen is going to stress me out even more!" No, it won't if you take it in "small bites"... you can do this and you will be so personally rewarded and glad that you did!
Just think, you can help "prevent" your child from the perils of obesity... start now, while they're little... get them in the kitchen cooking!

A serious "call to action" to all American Moms... we need to get our families back around the table and into the kitchen... the kitchen (or the dining room) table was once the gathering spot of the family... that safe haven from everything... it can be again!
Getting Kids Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Smiley Summer Fruit Pizza!

2011-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

In the good ol' summertime... this refreshing and fun fruit pizza will make the kids smile as they make their pizza smile!

Playing with their food and making funny faces with fruit?

Yep... they're gonna love it... let's do it!

Smiley Summer Fruit Pizza

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 (6-inch) flour tortillas

2 tablespoons water

1 (1-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding (the 4-serving size!)

1 banana

1/2 fresh mango

1 kiwi fruit

Fresh strawberries

Seedless raisins

Cooking spray

All righty... there is very little of this that the kids can do by themselves with an adult helper overseeing building smiley fruit pizzas!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl, still together the sugar and the cinnamon. Using a basting brush or a new 1-inch paint brush, brush the tortillas lightly with a small amount of water.

Note: It's best to put the water in a ramekin that the kids can dip their brushes into. Also, you might show them how to blot their brush out a bit on a folded paper towel.

Sprinkle the sugar mixture on top of the tortillas. Spray a baking sheet. Place the tortillas on the baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. Watch them so they don't get too brown... ovens vary and so do tortillas! You want them just lightly browned.

While the tortillas are baking prepare the pudding according to the package directions. In making instant pudding it's a lot more fun for the kids to have their very own little whisk that fits their little hand and that they can control and really learn. Yes, it's quicker to throw the pudding in the blend... however, let the kids use their whisks and stir it up by hand!

Place the pudding in the fridge and let the tortillas cool for a short time. Meanwhile, let the kids peel and slice the bananas and the strawberries with a plastic knife. The adult helper will need to peel and slice the mango. Place each fruit in a different bowl, creating a fruit palette for the kids to chose from.

Have the kids measure out about 1/3 cup of pudding on each tortilla (it doesn't have to be an exact measurement on this one) and spoon it onto each tortilla.

Let the creative juices flow and encourage the kids to create a happy face or a design on the tortilla with the fruit. The face can be a smiley face... a silly face... or a design can be created... it's up to the child... the tortilla is their canvas and the fruit their medium! Yum!

The most important part of this little adventure in fruit pizzas is for everyone, including the adult helper, to have fun, laugh and learn. Then, of course, to eat the bounty!

Happy Summer!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

For the Love of Avocados!

2011-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Homemade guacamole is just the best!

Letting the kids make guacamole can be enlightening, fun, very educational plus there's an added benefit when the guacamole is "all gone!"

Let's get started...

Here's what you'll need to have on hand for this double-fun project!

3 ripe avocados
1 green onion
1 ripe tomato
1 tablespoon lemon juice (you can use fresh squeezed or out of the bottle)
Fresh garlic or garlic powder (yes, some kids like garlic)!
Salt to taste
1 bag "healthy whole grain" dippin' chips
Toothpicks

Let the kids wash the green onion and the tomato. The adult helper can use the cutting board and the knife, demonstrating knife safety and how to chop in tiny pieces. If you have one of those handy dandy little electric choppers... use it (I really like mine!). Meanwhile, be sure when you use these electrical devices, begin teaching the kids kitchen safety... talk the talk and walk the walk!

The adult helper will need to halve the avocados and remove the avocado pits. Save the pits for later.

Let the kids scoop out the inside of the avocados into a small, deep bowl. Mash the insides of the avocado with a fork... yes, the kids can do this!

Have the kids add the cut up tomato, the lemon juice, a dash of salt and a dash of garlic salt if they want it. This is where you can supervise and let them start learning how to stir things up with a dash of this and a pinch of that without measuring... they will think it's pretty special!

Let them stir all the ingredients together until smooth and mixing thoroughly. Now it's time to literally dig in with some healthy chips!

Meanwhile, let the kids wash the pits and stick four toothpicks in each one. With the pointy end of the pit up, place the rounded end down. Balance on a clear glass and add water so the rounded end is resting in the water.

Yep, we're windowsill gardening now! The kids will be excited because it will only take about a week for the avocado to start sprouting. New growth is exciting in all areas of life! This helps kids learn where their food really comes from and how it grows.

Have fun for the love of avocados!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Celebrate with S'More Sandwiches!

2011-07-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

I don't think I know anyone that doesn't love S'Mores! I know my fond memories of the simple, yet delightfully luscious treats go back to my Brownie and Girl Scout camping days.

Here's an interesting twist on S'Mores that will quickly become a traditional favorite... it's just one of them thangs... while you're having a 4th of July barbecue or if you're off to the park or the beach for a picnic... take the supplies along for these new S'Mores... I'd really like to hear from any of you that try this great recipe...

S'More Dessert Sandwiches

Small store-bought angel food cake loaf
2 milk chocolate candy bars
Marshmallow creme

Note: If you want to substitute toasted marshmallows for the marshmallow creme, just do it!

This recipe will make 4 S'More sandwiches so adjust according to either the number each person wants to devour or to your number of guests!

While the grill is hot, slice the loaf angel food cake in 1/2-inch slices. Place the cake slices on hot grill. Toast until lightly browned (a quick 2 minutes).

If you opt to use the marshmallow creme, spread a tablespoonful on the cake after toasting on one side and place back on grill to toast the other side. Be sure to not walk away from the cake while it's toasting!

Remove cake slices from grill and place half of the chocolate bar on each of 4 of the cake slices. Press cake slice with warm marshmallow creme together with cake slice with chocolate.If opting for using toasted marshmallows, roast the marshmallows until golden brown and squishy inside. Place the chocolate bar on a toasted cake slice and slide 2 toasted marshmallow per S'More sandwich onto chocolate and press together gently.

Either way you choose... everyone will be asking for "S'More!"

Have a wonderful celebration of our Independence!
Jan McCracken... I'm proud to be from the good ol' US of A!
Culinary Coach for Kids

Simply Patriotic Fresh Fruit Splash!

2011-07-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

uli
When the kids are preparing foodfor special occasions and holidays, it's important that they get a littlebackground information on the holiday. You don't have to be a "historyteacher" but the basics are great and fun. Not only is it a naturaladdition to their knowledge bank, it also adds a special credence to thecelebration of the holiday.

This colorful dessert isespecially easy and is fun to make on the spot even if you have a bunch of kidsparticipating. It "shows off" best in clear glasses so you can seethe patriotic layers... that is simply solved by purchasing small plastictumblers or if you want to make it really special, the dollar store haveplastic stemware... Kids love special glasses! Make it really special with tinyflag picks to top it off!

Here's what you'll need for the easy fruit splash that the kids can do all bythemselves:

Patriotic Red, White and BlueFruit Splash

Fresh blueberries
Fresh strawberries
Star fruit
Cool Whip (thawed)
Special clear plastic glasses
American flag picks(optional)
Red, white & bluesprinkles (optional)

Grab the colander and let the kids wash all of the fruit. If you have a"child proof" knife, let them grab the cutting board and practicetheir cutting skills on the strawberries and the star fruit.a "food palette!"

Begin with blueberriesin the bottom and then a layer of Cool Whip topped with the strawberries. Justkeep layering the red, white and blue ingredients until the plastic glass isfull.

Plop a slice of star fruit on the top and chill. When serving, maybe let thekids plop a dollop of Cool Whip on top with some red, white and blue sprinklesand a flag pick! How proud they will be of the red, white and blue!racken, Culinary Coach for Kids
nary Coach for Kids

Flyin' 4th of July!

2011-07-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

A recipe for great fun on the 4th!

Stop by one of the big drug stores or a dollar store and pick up some frisbee flying discs for your 4th of July picnic. Turn them upside down and use them first as your paper plate holders. It will add a splash of great color to your picnic table and when the meal is over the kids will have a blast sailing them all over the place!

Fold in some jump ropes and water pistols and you'll create some great memories for the kids and a lot of laughs...

It's a flyin' 4th of July!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Great Stars!

2011-06-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Stars and Stripes forever and Rice Krispy treats too! We all love Rice Krispy treats and I found a really fun and yummy 4th of July treat. These treats are simple and quick and the kids will love decorating them with red, white and blue spangles and sugar glitter!

Let's get started...

Here's what you'll need:

3 tablespoons butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows (make sure they are fresh, fresh!)
6 cups Rice Krispies®
Canned frosting or decorating gel
Assorted candies and red, white and blue sprinkles
White glitter sugar

Let the kids measure out the marshmallows and the Rice Krispies. Have them dump them in separate bowls. Have them prepare a 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan with cooking spray.

Let the kids measure the butter and plop it in the pan. The adult helper can then melt the butter over low heat.

The adult helper will do the actual "cooking" and stirring as this stuff gets really hot and if the kids get it on their skin it can burn very badly... This is a perfect opportunity to make the kids aware of how important "stove safety" is... how important it is to "pay attention" when you're stirring something very hot... let them get up on their stools as you stir but make sure they are a bit of a distance from the stove and burners... it's truly safety first in the kitchen at the stove!

All righty then... after the butter is melted, add the marshmallows stirring constantly until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies. Stir until the cereal is well coated. Turn mixture into prepared pan and spread with a buttered spatula. Lay waxed paper on top and let the kids pat down the mixture until even and smooth.

Cool slightly. Use star cookie cutter s coated with cooking spray and cut into star shapes. Now for the fun! Decorate with frosting of choice and sprinkle on the red, white and blue!

What a yummy and patriotic 4th of July treat!
Happy Red, White and Blue,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Having a Red, White & Blue Time!

2011-06-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is quickly approaching. It's a time for history sharing, picnics, fireworks and fun food...

Let's make that food red, white and blue!

During the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting ALL red, white and blue fun foods for you and the kids to create together.

Let's kick it off with a celebration of red, white and blue frozen yogurt on a stick. These frosty delights are healthy and patriotic!

If you already have molds, that's great... I've discovered that they make all kinds from the popular "rocket mold" to 3-tiered "sand castle-style"... and of course, there's the old standby of the old-fashioned flat molds. If you need help in finding some of these more elaborate molds, just leave me a post and I'll be glad to share some resources with you.

What no molds in your cupboards? You can still make this recipe! All you need is paper cups and Popsicle sticks! Let's get the kids in the kitchen and get these yummies in the freezer... the kids will love making them as it's kinda like coloring Easter eggs! Here we go...

Patriotic Pops!

3 cups vanilla yogurt
Red food coloring
Blue food coloring
6 wooden sticks

Note: This recipe will make 6 Patriotic Pops... if you want or need to make more, simply double the recipe.

Divide yogurt into three small bowls and tint as follows:
Tint 1/2 cup of the yogurt with red food coloring
Tint 1 1/2 cups with blue food coloring
Leave the remaining 1 cup of yogurt plain.

Fill each cup with 1 tablespoon red yogurt, followed by 2 tablespoons white yogurt, then 3 tablespoons blue yogurt. Insert a wooden stick and freeze the pops until firm.
Note: Let the pops freeze at least 4 hours before devouring! Have a "cool" red, white and blue!

Getting kids in the kitchen,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

A Tire Garden!

2011-05-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

Even if you have room for a real garden at your house, the kids will love a special spot to call their own. You can accomplish this by picking up an old car tire can be "all theirs!"

The idea with this project is for kids to learn where their food comes from and to be able to actually plant little seeds and watch them grow. Kids are fascinated with the entire process!

To make this project even more fun, pick up an old tire (one for each child, if you have the room). The tires can be spray painted colors like bright yellow and then the kids can personalize them with paint pens or acrylic paints. Let the tire dry overnight before planting.

I suggest that you take the kids to pick out their seeds. Just make sure that it makes good sense and if it they want to grow watermelons, keep in mind that is all the tire will hold! Grins...

You might want to consider letting the kids pick out one type of plant that is already growing as well as some seeds. They can plant the seeds on one side of the tire and plant the seedlings on the other side. Another fun suggestion is for them to plop a whirly gig in with their plants, making it look like a real garden!

By the way, you can get almost everything at one of the dollar stores for this project!

Here's what you're going to need for this project:
Old car tire
Various paints for decorating and personalizing the tire
Potting soil
Seeds and seedlings
Sunshine
Water
Little plastic water sprinkling can

All righty... here we go... place the tire in a spot that gets plenty of sunshine. Fill the tire with soil all the way to the top. Pack the soil firmly... let them get their hands in the dirt! Explain that the soil can't be packed down really hard as their won't be any air in there. Also, you want the soil to be loose to cover the seeds.

Read the seed packet instructions together as how deep to plant the seeds and how far apart... I wouldn't worry about the "how far apart" part of it... just let them plant the seeds! Let them use their finger and draw a line in the soil for a "row" to plant their seeds... no, it doesn't matter if the row isn't straight! Let the kids do this, k? Make sure they don't plant the seeds too deep.

Now let them cover the seeds and gently pat the top... keyword is gently! Have them use their hands to dig little holes to plant the seedlings in. Pour a little water in the hole, then put the seedling in the hole and fill around it with dirt... instant garden!

With their little sprinkling cans, have them water everything until it is just damp... make sure they don't drown their little seeds as too much water will make them rot before they have a chance to sprout!

The seeds will be sprouting in no time! Have the kids check their "tire garden" daily and see if it needs water. They will be thrilled when the little seedlings get bigger and bigger and will be especially thrilled when the first little sprout pops through the soil from the seeds they planted!

Make plans for a special recipe to make something from what they've planted when it's ready to harvest.

Happy gardening,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

A Spring Seed Collection!

2011-05-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

All righty... planting time is here and I've got a really fun project for the kids to do. They're gonna love it... we're not cooking today but this is going to help them understand where their food comes from! Some kids literally believe that food comes from the "grocery store" and it doesn't go beyond that. Children need to learn everything about food as research proves that they will make better food choices and have healthier lifestyles as they grow.

Let's make a spring seed collection. You're going to need an empty egg carton for each child for this project. Your choice to either do this over several days or weeks or have a "treasure hunt" type adventure that completes the project all in one day or afternoon.

Tell the kids that they need to find seeds from fruits and vegetables... from trees... from flowers and from other plants. Their goal is to collect 12 different kinds of seeds from different places... the yard, the park, the grocery store... the garden from last year, a flower bed... the possibilities are all around us!

Here's some seed hints to make this a bit easier...
Watermelon, pumpkin, cantaloupe seeds
A walnut
Avocado
Oats
Sunflowers
Lima bean
Acorn
Corn
Oranges, limes, lemons
Peaches, pears, nectarines
Peas, lima beans, other beans

Got it? Go for it! The kids will have a blast and be learning every step of the way... it doesn't get any better than this fun expedition!

If you want to get fancy (and depending on the age of the children), you can have them label (or help them) each seed group that they put in their egg carton.

As they sit down at their work table after collecting the seeds, grab a magnifying glass and let them examine the seeds... give them a title, "Seed Explorer"... have they look at each seed through the magnifying glass so they can see the little things on the seed. Have them smell the seeds... and be sure to have them feel them and their textures.

The kids will realize that their are all sizes, shapes and colors of seeds and they all look different! This is a great exercise in learning where food comes from!

I'd really appreciate any feedback you might have for me when you go on this little seed collection adventure. Please post your experiences, if you'll take a moment to do it! Thanks so much and have a great time with this one... more recipes and seed experiments on the way soon!

Happy Exploring,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Little Easter Eggs Hiding in the Grass...

2011-04-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

All righty... the Easter Bunny is just around the corner and the blessed day of Easter is fast approaching!

If there's a lot of cooking going on at your house during this Holy week, the kids are going to want to help and you're going to want to keep it simple. So let them stir this up and be a part of the celebration.

Oh... I forgot to tell you... this is a pudding ice cream dessert... might be nice if you knew what the kids are going to be stirring up!

Here's what you'll need:
1 4-serving-size package instant chocolate pudding
2 cups milk (make sure the milk is extra cold!)
1 pint mint chocolate chip ice cream, softened
1 cup miniature marshmallows... get the pastel ones so they look like Easter eggs!
Flake Coconut (optional)
Green food coloring (optional)
8x8x2-inch pan

Measure out the ice cream and put it on the counter to soften.

Place the pudding mix in a large bowl and let the kids stir, stir, stir until the pudding begins to set up. Now add the softened ice cream. Teach the kids how to "fold in" on this one... yes,they will simply stir it! The end result will be the same... :-)

Put the pudding mixture in the pan. If you want to get fancy, using a little jar, place some coconut in the jar and a drop or two or green food coloring. Let the kids shake, shake, shake the jar and they will have green Easter grass! Voila!

Sprinkle the "green coconut" on top of the pudding and then sprinkle the marshmallows on top. It looks like little Easter eggs hiding in the grass!

Now pop this creation into the freezer. When serving, let it stand for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares. The kids are gonna love it!

May you have a blessed Easter,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Easy Easter Basket Cupcakes...

2011-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Easter is a time of celebration! And, of course, for the kids it's a time for jelly beans and chocolate bunnies.

If you're invited to an Easter egg hunt and need to take something make it special. The kids will love decorating these extra easy cupcakes and everyone will think you spent hours on them.

Have the kids stir up their favorite cupcake recipe and bake 'em! Frost them with pastel colored frosting... either use your favorite recipe or store bought for quick and easy.

Sprinkle the tops of the cupcakes with green crystal sugar... this will be the grass in the cupcake basket. Then let the kids decorate with jelly beans so it looks like eggs in an Easter basket.

Top the cupcakes off with red string licorice making the "handle of the basket."

The kids are gonna love 'em and have a great time with this "hoppy" project!
A Blessed Easter to all,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Mud Pie to Celebrate Earth Day!

2011-04-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

About Earth Day according to Wikipedia:
Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It is held annually during both spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year.

Awareness is key to learning about anything and everything for children. So let's make Earth Day this year a day of "America the Beautiful - Let's Keep it that Way!" Here's a great opportunity to talk to the kids in the kitchen about Earth Day and how they can help with something very simple like by not being a litter bug. If you want to go into more detail, have at it!

Meanwhile, the kids can stir up this delicious Mud Pie treat as a symbol of the "mud of the earth!" Anything this yummy will make an impression and in the future they might just associate "Mud Pie" with Earth Day and give a bit more thought about it.

Here's the ingredients list for our Earth Day Mud Pie:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/4 cup hot fudge sauce or topping
1 small container frozen whipped topping (thawed in the fridge)
2 to 3 "more" tablespoons hot fudge topping (optional)
2 to 3 tablespoons caramel topping

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Have the kids grease bottom and sides of a 9 x 1 1/4-inch pie plate. (They love smearing butter around a pie plate)!

Let the kids measure out the following ingredients and dump them into a mixing bowl: sugar, butter, flour, cocoa, vanilla, salt. Now, stir until well combined.

Have them break the eggs in a separate bowl (just in case there's a little eggshell in there) and beat the eggs with a fork. Add the eggs to the dry mixture and stir some more! Stir in the nuts.

As an adult helper, how about you hold the pan and hand the kids the spatula? Let them scrape the mixture into the pie pan.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until edge appears dry and toothpick inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean (center will be moist). Immediately prick holes in pie with toothpick. Let the kids watch while you do this as the pie pan is too hot for them to work with!

Spread 1/4 cup fudge sauce over top. Set aside to cool completely, about an hour.

While cooling, clean up the kitchen and then reward the kids with some fun Earth Day coloring pages. Go here and print them out for free: http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth/mearthposter.htm
When the crust is cool it's time for the yummy part! Place the thawed whipped topping into a bowl and show the kids how to "whip it up!" Spread over fudge sauce.

Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons fudge sauce. Muddy the pie up really good and add a drizzle of caramel topping with the fudge topping as the crowning "mud" on top of the pie! Cover and refrigerate for a short time before indulging... the kids are gonna love it!

Have a Yummy Earth Day!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Egg Boats!

2011-04-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

The kids will have these "egg boats" sailing in no time! And how proud they will be to present their addition to Easter dinner. Let's get to it and get the kids in the kitchen to create some "Deviled Egg Boats."

Here's the ingredients that you'll need:

12 hard-boiled eggs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (if this is too spicy for the kids, use plain ol')
2 teaspoons red cider vinegar
1/3 cup mayo
2 bell peppers - orange and yellow ones would fit the holiday but let the kids pick them out!
Paprika

All righty... don those little chef hats and aprons... the kids can do almost all of this creation except for using a sharp knife to cut the eggs in half.

1. Peel the eggs... the kids love the cracking part!
2. Adult helper, please slice each egg in half, long ways... we're making boats here...
3. Let the kids pop the yolks into a small bowl (if there's more than one child, then divide the yolks so each child has a bowl)
4. Using a fork, smash the egg yolks until fine... the kids will learn about textures and lumps
5. Add the mustard and vinegar and stir.
6. Add part of the mayo and stir as you don't want the egg mixture to be soupy... just really smooth.
7. The kids can scrub the peppers and let the adult helper cut the peppers and make the sails. Here's the recipe for sails: Slice the peppers into 1-inch wide strips; cut the strips into 1-inch squares; and then slice each square in half, diagonally, making "sail" for the boats!
8. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture.
9. Stick the sail with the point up and we be sailin'...
10. Easy on the paprika sprinkle.

Serve on a blue or turquoise plate to resemble water! The kids will be hollering, "look what I made!"

Hoppy Easter!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Chef for Kids

Eggs, Eggs & More Eggs...

2011-04-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well... there's the "before" of coloring Easter eggs... and then there's the "after"... oh, and I guess there's the "during"... that would be the coloring and decorating of the eggs! Oh my...

So this would be the "during"...

Try something a little different after the kids have colored their eggs... let them use pretty scraps of buttons, bows, velvet ribbon, old-fashioned rick rack (yes, my age is showing), and even tiny artificial flowers (you'll find them at the dollar store!)...

Let their creativity soar... give them each a pair of scissors to cut scraps and a bottle of Elmer's glue... just watch the masterpieces emerge!

Stay tuned... I'll be giving you the "after of Easter eggs"... a simple recipe to use some of these hard boiled egg!

Hoppy Decorating,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Get those little gardeners ready!

2011-03-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for spring planting? You say, you don't have space for a garden... got a windowsill? Kids love this planting project... and love watching things sprout and grow. So let's get to it!

For our first spring gardening project we're going to do something that brings almost immediate gratification to the kids to "see something growing!"

We're going to sprout some sprouts of alfalfa seeds!

Here's what you'll need:
Alfalfa seeds
Clear glass quart jar
A square of cheesecloth that will cover the top of the jar
A strong rubber band that fits the top of the jar tightly

Make the first part of this project an after dinner deal and just before the kids go to bed... the alfalfa seeds need to soak overnight. Have the kids measure out about 3 tablespoons of seeds.

Put the seeds on a baking sheet and show the kids how to "sort seeds"... as you know, any time you cook beans, you need to pick out the less desirable ones... same with alfalfa seeds. Also, there just might be some dirt and small rocks mixed in. This is a great exercise for the kids in math... learning about "measurements"... and following directions and doing things the way they are supposed to be done... "sorting the seeds." And they will love it!

After the seed sorting is done, put the seeds in a strainer and rinse them under running water. Yes, the kids can do this!

Put the rinsed seeds in to the jar and add enough water to cover them. Tell the seeds "good night," letting them soak until the kids get up the next morning.

After breakfast, it's project time! Pour the seeds out of the jar back into the strainer and strain them. Then rinse well with cold water. Place the seeds back in the jar. Cover the top of the jar with the cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.

Turn the jar upside down and kinda shake the seeds around making sure they are pretty dry. If you leave too much water on the seeds, they might rot... however, I'm sure the kids will make sure they are well-drained!

Before bedtime, fill the jar with fresh water (you don't have to remove the cheesecloth) rinsing the seeds again. Turn the jar upside down draining the water off. Again, shake the seeds.

Repeat this procedure every day, morning and night for 4 or 5 days... the kids will magically see tiny green leaves and white shoots appear! They will be thrilled!

The sprouts will be ready to eat within 5 or 6 days... maybe sooner if you live in a warmer climate... where the sprouts are in your kitchen can have an effect on how quickly they grow as well.

So.... happy sprouting... come back soon and I'll have some "sprout recipes" that the kids can actually use what they have grown in a recipe and eat it! What fun!
Gleeful Gardening,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Spring Has Sprung... the Grass is Riz...

2011-03-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember that old rhyme? I think the rest goes something like this...

Spring has sprung,
The grass is riz,
I wonder where
the birdies is...

LOL! Well, let's "think Spring!" I've got a lot of fun things coming your way for spring and gardening, and, and, and...

The first official day of Spring (even though it may not 'feel like Spring) is Saturday, March 20th. So let's kick it off with a Spring Breakfast next weekend!

I don't know whether you've noticed... kids seem to eat and try more different foods if you present them on fun plates and in fun containers... it's all in the presentation and the packaging... so they say in life!

I know my grandkids, love it when they come to visit and Nannie has a new "frog plate" or special parfait glasses that you can "see-through!" What fun!

Take a stroll down the kitchen aisle of your closest dollar store... you don't have to spend a fortune on special dishes to make foods fun! For this one, I suggest you pick up some clear glass (they are usually heavy glass)... parfait or sundae glasses at the dollar store. You can use these for so many fun and healthy foods.

You'll probably find tall ones and shorter ones... depending on how old your kids are, the shorter ones seem to make more sense... they don't get knocked over quite as easily (a real plus)... and it doesn't take that much to fill them up (the kids won't get bored with their specialty)... and they will most likely eat the whole thing!

So, back to the Spring kickoff... how about a Spring Breakfast Parfait?

Start off the evening before (if you can) by giving the kids their new, special parfait glasses. Have them go into the kitchen and wash and dry them. Then have them set them out on the counter so they will be ready first thing for their Spring Breakfast.

By the way, this is not only teaching the kids cooking, it's teaching them about planning and time management, all while getting them excited about their breakfast project!

Okay... here's what you need for this recipe... please substitute any of the fruits and make them ones that your kids really like... there's enough ingredients in here for four parfaits!

Ingredients:
2 cups either canned pineapple tidbits or, if possible, chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup fresh red raspberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds
Red cherries for a topper (optional)

Let the kids do this! Don't you get tired of me saying that?

I suggest that you put each ingredient in a small bowl so the kids can dip out of the larger bowl and fill up their individual parfait glasses. If you elect for the fresh pineapple, yes, this is the adult helper's job!

You have a couple of choices here... the ingredients are presented in the order that they were intended to be placed in the glass. However... if you would like to just allow your kids to be "creative" and just put it in any way they want to... go for it!

Try to get the kids to think about "equal amounts" of each ingredient... which is teaching them to balance things. Then tell them that the last ingredients are "toppers" and they should be just "sprinkles"... like the raisins... the almonds... and one cherry each!

Hey... this is fun and oh so healthy! And, the kids are going to love their new "sundae glasses!" You can use them for so many fun and healthy creations!

Welcome Spring!
Getting Kids into the Kitchen,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Spring is time to play in the dirt...

2011-03-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

I love playing in the dirt just as much as kids do... I love spending time in the garden... a little different, I guess, than kids playing in the dirt.

Since Spring is here, let's make some "Dirt Cups" for a great Spring snack! The kids are gonna love it!

Here's the recipe:
2 cups milk
1 (4-serving size) instant chocolate pudding
1 (8-ounce) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (1-pound) package chocolate sandwich cookies
8 (9-ounce) plastic cups
Gummi worms and frogs to decorate

1. Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies & set aside
Note: The kids will love to do this if you put them in a zippy bag and give them a wooden mallet or a rolling pin!
2. Mix milk and pudding in a large bowl. Beat with a whisk until well blended. Let stand for 5 minutes. Yes, the kids can do ALL of this! Remember, you're their "assistant!"
3. Add whipped topping and half of the crushed cookies.
4. Place 1 Tablespoon of the cookie crush in the bottom of each plastic cup.
5. Fill cups about 3/4 full with pudding mixture.
6. Sprinkle with the remaining cookie crush mixture.
Note: Make sure the cookies are crushed to look like "dirt!"
7. Chill about an hour.
8. When ready to serve let the kids decorate with worms and frogs!

Don't be surprised if dirt cups become one of their favorite treats.
Getting Kids into the Kitchen,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

A Little St. Patrick's Day History...

2011-03-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

What's all the fuss about St. Patrick anyway?

“Well he was not a leprechaun who drank green beer or had a blarney stone or a pot of gold,” explains historian William Federer, who wrote St. Patrick: The Real History of His Life, From Tragedy to Triumph. “He was actually a missionary and he converted 120,000 druids from paganism to Christianity.”

Who was St. Patrick really?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.

Patrick preached about Jesus Christ, spread Christianity across the British Isles, and spoke out against slavery. Some historians even call him the world’s first abolitionist!

I love a parade...

The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army

And then there's the Chicago River...

Chicago is also famous for dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river—enough to keep it green for a week!

Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only forty pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours. Although Chicago historians claim their city 's idea for a river of green was original, some Savannah natives believe the idea originated in their town.

What about corned beef and cabbage?

About 41.5 billion pounds and 2.6 billion pounds of U.S. beef and cabbage, respectively, were sold in 2007. Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick's Day dish. The corned beef celebrants eat on St. Patrick's Day may very well have originated in Texas, which produced 6.8 billion pounds worth of beef, while the cabbage most likely came from California, which produced 581 million pounds worth, or New York (580 million pounds).

And, a little Irish Soda Bread for ye?

Irish Soda Bread gets its name and distinctive character from the use of baking soda instead of yeast as the leavening agent.

How 'bout those Shamrocks!

There are 4 places in the United States named Shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland. Mount Gay-Shamrock, W.Va., and Shamrock, TX, were the most populous, with 2,623 and 1,841 residents, respectively. Shamrock Lakes, Ind., had 162 residents and Shamrock, OK, 125.

Emerald Isle, North Carolina?

Yep! Who wudda thunk right here in the good ol' USA is Emerald Isle, NC, with 3,686 residents!

Irish Americans

A total of 4.8 million immigrants from Ireland have been admitted to the U.S. for lawful permanent residence since fiscal year 1820, the earliest year for which official immigration records exist. By fiscal year 1870, about half of these immigrants were admitted for lawful permanent residence. Only Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Mexico have had more immigrants admitted for permanent residence to the United States than Ireland.

Wearing of the Green Goes Global

Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore, and Russia.

In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland 's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions, and fireworks shows.

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Patrick's mission in Ireland is said to have lasted for thirty years. It is believe he died in the 5th century on March 17, which is the day St. Patrick's Day is commemorated each year.

The first year St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in America in 1737 in Boston, Massachusetts. The first official St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City in 1766. As the saying goes, on this day "everybody is Irish!" Over 100 U.S. cities now hold Saint Patrick's Day parades.

Have a great St. Patrick's Day and give the kids just a little history of the "green day" while you're stirring up something special and green in the kitchen today!

Getting Kids into the Kitchen,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Shake it Up GREEN!

2011-03-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone claims to be a "bit" Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

This quick and easy recipe to celebrate the "Wearin' of the Green" can be a "to go" fun thing for the kids with your play groups, pre-school kids or even an after school enrichment program for the younger kids.

Here's what you'll need:
Instant Pistachio Pudding
Milk (very cold)
Zippy plastic bags (sandwich size works!)

So each child is "in charge" of their preparation, you might want to dump the pudding into a small plastic bowl (or large, depending on the numbers you're working with). Have several measuring spoons that are equal to 1 Tablespoon measurement.

Go to each child and have them measure out their pudding and dump it into their plastic bag. Since they're in charge and you're the "adult helper"... ask the kids to take both of their hands and hold the bag open for you so you can dump their milk into the bag... here's the easy recipe and then back for the real fun!

1 Tablespoon Pistachio Pudding Mix
1/2 cup milk

Make sure the milk is extra cold (pop it in the freezer for a little while)... it will make the pudding set up really quickly.

Have an adult help each child make sure their zippy bag is closed tightly. Now for the fun... each child shakes the bags, turns them and can gently squeeze them until the pudding is mixed.

You can even do this outside at the park! If you want to make super sure that the pudding is totally set up you could take a small cooler of ice along and have each child put their name on their zippy bag. If you're in a classroom setting... you can use the refrigerator.

Make the "Green Pudding" the activity and then chill it and it can be saved for snack time. Whatever you decide to do... have fun! The kids love doing this... just remember... St. Patrick's Day is a day for the "wearin' of the green"... but I didn't say the kids should "wear" this green pudding!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Getting Kids into the Kitchen,
Jan McCracken

Easy Shamrock Cake!

2011-03-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get much easier to create a party atmosphere with a special cake than this easy "Shamrock Cake" for St. Patrick's Day!

The picture to the left is of a lucky 4-leaf clover so you have a choice... will it be the real luck of the Irish with a lucky 4-leaf clover or a shamrock?

Whatever you and the kids decide, you'll need either 3 or 4 heart-shaped pans... 3 for a shamrock cake or 4 for the clover cake. I've seen small heart-shaped pans at the dollar stores... so have a look... don't make this an expensive activity... that's not our goal. And, the pans can't be too big or you won't have enough cake batter! The ones I've seen are smaller and the new silicone ones. The perfect size for this project!

You can choose your favorite homemade cake recipe or buy a white cake mix... OR, for a special treat, the kids really like the "confetti cake" mix. If you haven't tried the confetti mix, watch your grocery ads as they go on sale a lot so you could pick up a couple... and, it's a very moist cake.

All righty... so here's the road map to your St. Patrick's Day cake... Let the kids prepare the cake mix (or their favorite cake recipe). Equally divide the batter into 3 (or 4) heart-shaped pans...

Bake according to the directions and let the little heart cakes cool. Meanwhile, let the kids be stirring up make their favorite (and easiest) icing recipe. Tint it with green food coloring, of course!

Now, join the heart cakes together at their tips, forming a shamrock or the lucky 4-leaf clover! How easy was that? Let the kids get icing all over them and lick it off and frost the cake green... the shade is only left to the kids' imagination!

Add to the fun and decorate the cake with little gold coins scattered across it or little store-bought shamrocks. There's tons of ideas for decorations and if you just turn the kids loose in the dollar store, I'm sure they'll find more than enough decorations.

Get ready for rave reviews on your St. Patrick's Day creation! Most of all, have fun!

Getting kids into the kitchen,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

How 'Bout Those Sprouts?

2011-03-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

You've got sprouts! Are the kids just thrilled? Watching things grow absolutely fascinates kids!

I promised you a recipe with sprouts so let's do it. This helps the kids understand how their food grows and it will tickle them to eat something that they nurtured from just a seed. Rinse the sprouts from the jar really well under running water... yep, let the kids do it!

Let them try a few "fresh sprouts" on a sandwich... easy though as the texture and taste is a bit funky for some...

A really easy way to try sprouts that the kids may really like is a simple stir-fry. Purchase one of those bags of frozen stir-fry veggies (the kids will like the ones with the baby corn in them) and just add sprouts!

If the kids are small, let them get up on their little stools by the stove... if you have two children, then put one on each side of you. I'm sure you've already taught them about the stove being hot. However, let them get the big skillet out and measure the olive oil into the skillet. Let each of them measure out a cup full of frozen veggies to dump into the skillet.

With supervision, don't let the oil get very hot (it doesn't matter this time!)... and let them dump their veggies into the skillet. Then let them grab some fresh sprouts and throw them in on top of the veggies. Now it's their turn to watch Mom do the stir-frying.

If the kids have a favorite stir-fry sauce, by all means add it to the mix! This is a great way to get kids eating their veggies... they are usually fascinated with the baby corn and will be very proud that they grew the sprouts they are cooking!

I'll be back with more suggestions for planting so stay tuned!
Happy Cooking with Kids,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

The Leprechans are Coming!

2011-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hey, all my little leprechans... Being "green" is not as hard as it sounds and celebrating St. Patrick's Day is always fun! So let's start celebrating the "wearing of the green" early with slurppy Shamrock Shakes!

This very easy one needs adult supervision for operating the blender... but let the kids dump the ingredients in and scoop the ice cream! Don your aprons for the green "splatter factor"... or, you could be really wearing green!

Oh, and I suggest that you allow each child to make their own shake... it will only take a few more minutes.

Ingredients for one shake:
1 banana (not a green one, no pun intended)
2 cups milk
1/2 cup green mint ice cream.

Have the kids peel the bananas and break them up in pieces... dump them in the blender. Let the kids measure out the milk... good practice for them... and a little hint here... use a large, 4-cup clear measuring cup... it will help prevent spills and also teaching the kids to shoot for exact measurements. And, they can see what they're doing!

Now, let them scoop out the ice cream and smash it into a 1/2 cup measuring cup... yes, let them cheat just a tad with a bit extra... and plop the ice cream in the blender. The adult helper is always in charge of the blender and can allow the kids to push buttons (your call on this one... but safety is always first)!

The shake only needs to be blended and it will take about a minute (depending on your blender)... you want it smooth and creamy. If the kids like thicker shakes then let them put in more than 1/2 cup of ice cream. If you have any green sprinkles around... pour the shake into a glass and top with green sprinkles... it's magical... watch out for the leprechans!

Happy Saint Paddy's Day and Happy Cooking!
Jan McCracken, Kids Culinary Chef

Spring is Coming!

2011-03-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

Are you counting the days until Spring is really here? I am because that means you'll find me in the garden... I love gardening!

Come back and check in often because I've got some really fun things for the kids to have their own little gardens. If you live in the city, no worries... we'll do some "windowsill gardening!" It's important that kids know "where their food comes from"... and, I don't mean the grocery store!

Just wanted to give you a heads up as to what's coming for Spring. It's going to be an exciting Spring!

Meanwhile, keep those kids in the kitchen!
Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Washington's Birthday Cherry Brownies

2011-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

I know that President's Day was Monday and we combine all of the past President celebrations on that day... however, I'm an old fashioned girl and I still like to recognize Lincoln on his birthday and Washington on his birthday.

So, here's a a really easy way to make Washington's birthday special for the kids. While you're making these special Cherry Brownies, you might want to do a little research and give the kids some of the fun history of George Washington and the cherry tree.

Have fun with this and Happy Birthday, George!

Washington's Birthday Cherry Brownies

1 package (21.5-ounce) brownie mix
1 cup cherry pie filling (canned)
1/4 cup oil (canola or your preference)
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, dump in the brownie mix. Measure and add the oil. Break eggs in a separate small bowl or cup. Add eggs. Stir well. Add cherry pie filling and stir until blended into brownie mixture.

Note: Reserve some cherry pie filling to use as a topping on the brownie, if desired.

Use a 13" x 9" baking pan. Grease the bottom only. Note: If you prefer a spray oil that will work or have the kids put a small amount of oil or butter on a piece of waxed paper and let them rub it all over the bottom of the pan... this on is much more fun!

Pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Be careful not to over bake and dry out the brownies! Insert a toothpick to test.

While the brownies are till hot from the oven (yes, the adult helper needs to do this!)... sprinkle the top of the brownies with the chocolate chips. Spread them around and they will melt.

Top the brownies with fresh whipped cream, or... if you want it to be very special, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and top with a small amount of the cherry pie filling. Stick a small American flag in the middle for a real George Washington birthday celebration!

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Instant Strawberry Hearts for Valentine's Day!

2011-02-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

A great snack for the kids to create almost by themselves... it's a Valentine Muffin!

You'll need:
English muffins of your choice
Cream cheese (plain or strawberry would be "berry cool")
BIG strawberries

Let's do it!

The adult helper can split the English muffin in half and the kids can place them in the toaster or the toaster oven. Let the muffins cool slightly to touch.

While the are cooling a bit, the kids can rinse their BIG strawberry and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then let them use a "child safe knife" and cut the strawberry in half forming a magical heart!

Spread cream cheese on the muffin and place the "heart berry" in the middle. For extra pizzzazzz of the day, you might have some small heart-shaped paper doilies in the pantry. A perfect way make this snack a true Valentine celebration by placing the doily on the plate (let the kids do it!)... and then placing the Valentine muffin on the doily.

Who said that special treats have to be difficult?
Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

May you have a wonderful 2011! Heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you... yes, you know who I'm talking to...

2011 is going to take me in a different direction but you'll be hearing from me... yes, maybe in all those old familiar places...

Ahhhh... nostalgia on New Year's Eve... the ball has dropped in New York!

Thanks again for your support in 2010,
Jan McCracken
Personal Chef/Author

Merry Christmas to All...

2010-12-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

A very Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful friends and blog followers!

A big thank you for all of your support in 2010!

Remember the "reason for the season" and may it be a wonderful time for you and yours!

Blessings,

Jan McCracken, Personal Chef & Author

A Taste of Ozark Mountain Christmas

Let it Snow!

2010-12-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Cookies of Snowflakes...
For some quick and easy "snowy fun" to add to the festivity of the season (which is approaching waaaay to quickly)... get together in the kitchen to create some snowflake cookies!

You have your choice of purchasing pre-made cookie dough or letting the kids prepare your favorite sugar cookie mix. While you're shopping for the ingredients and/or the cookie dough, also include on your list several different cookie cutter shapes of snowflakes... yes, this is all about snowflakes... you'll also need canned vanilla "bright white" frosting and the soft-kind of coconut.

The secret ingredient to make these snowflakes sooooo special and to sparkle is clear, edible glitter. If your grocery store doesn't stock it then you may have to drop by a bakery supply store or your local large craft store that has a bakery section... they will have it for sure!

Set the tone and put on some fun Christmas music that the kids love and get ready for "creativity in the kitchen!"

My suggestion to you with creating these snowflakes is to loosen the reins and let those little reindeer just fly with creativity... as they're creating with Christmas music in the background, think about talking to them "about snowflakes".... how each and every snowflake is "different"... yes, they are... no two snowflakes are alike.... that's why I suggested that you get a few different shapes of snowflake cookie cutters.

Each creation your little one makes by spreading the white icing on the baked snowflake, topping them with coconut and then sprinkling the magic clear glitter will not only delight them but will teach them something about Mother nature and her snowflakes that are so beautiful!

It might even be a special sharing if the kids would like to wrap up one of their "snowflake creations" and share them with their little friends as a special gift.

If you want to get even more creative than just white snowflakes... then add some blue, red or green food coloring to the icing and let them make colored snowflakes... whatever you decide, enjoy the moment... another magical moment of being close in the kitchen together!

Merry Christmas and Happy Snowflakes!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Gingerbread Garlands from the Kitchen!

2010-12-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

The kids are gonna love making these gingerbread friends! And they can hang them on the Christmas tree, on the mantel or even the staircase. The photo to the left is just a "sample" so let them use their creativity and imagination to create gingerbread friends that all look alike or let each one take on their own personality...

The secret to making this garland is a simple plastic straw! Just make a small hole in each of the gingerbread hands before baking. After the cookies have completely cooled and the kids have decorated them, let the icing dry at room temperature. Use narrow, red satin ribbon to space the cookies as far apart as you wish... Just run the ribbon through the holes in their hands then knot the ribbon so they will stay in place and trim the ends with scissors... Voila... a gingerbread garland!

So let's get baking! We're off to the kitchen!

We're going to use the mixer on this little project so the adult helper will need to assist! Oh, and by the way, if the kids would rather make snowmen or Christmas trees, just use another cookie cutter!

Here's the ingredient list:
1/2 cup shortening (at room temperature)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup molasses
1 egg
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

You'll need:
Large mixing bowl
Mixer on stand
Spatula
1 1/2-inch cookie cutters
Cookie sheet
Wire cooling rack
Prepared icing in tubes
Candies for decoration (optional)

Let the kids put the shortening in the mixing bowl and get their little noses right up close and personal to the bowl. As the "adult helper" mixes the shortening for about 30 seconds, explain a little about kitchen safety in using the mixer.

Let the kids measure out the dry ingredients, showing them how to scrap off measurements with a knife so they are exact. Note: you can spread waxed paper on the counter or table top they are working on and there will be less mess to clean up!

Okay... let the kids add the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Beat until all ingredients are combined. Stop the mixer and let the kids scrap the bowl with the spatula. Then beat in the molasses, vinegar and egg until combined.

Now, it's going to get interesting. Stop the mixer and let the kids put in like a half a cup of flour and beat. At some point the dough will be very thick and you will have to finish by hand stirring the remaining flour into the batter.

Let the kids divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours (Yes, you can do this the day before and refrigerate the dough overnight... but if you do that, let the dough sit on the counter for about 10 minutes until it's workable).

All righty... now the fun begins! Man your rolling pins, troops! Grease the cookie sheets and set them aside. And, I suggest that you divide each half of the dough in half again so there is a smaller piece of dough to work with.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Let the kids sift flour to lightly flour the surface of choice (those plastic cutting rectangles are great). Place the gingerbread dough on top of the floured surface and sprinkle just a tad of flour on top. Show the kids how to roll the rolling pin off to the side in flour.

The dough should be rolled out to approximately 1/8-inch... just a little reminder... we're not shooting for "perfection" here... this is supposed to be a learning adventure and most of all, fun!

Now grab those cookie cutters and let the kids cut out those Christmas shapes... again, perfection is not the goal. You may need to help them get them onto the cookie sheet. Leave about an inch between each cookie. Don't forget to take the straw and make holes in the hands of the gingerbread guys and gals or other Christmas critters!

Bake at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes... watching closely until the edges are lightly browned... yes, gingerbread burns easily... the kids will love keeping a close eye on their creations! When you take the cookie sheet out of the oven, leave the cookies on the sheet for about one minute. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool.

While the cookies are cooling, have the kids clean up the work surfaces and get the dishes cleaned up. By that time the cookies will be ready to decorate with icing, candies, Christmas sprinkles... whatever the little ones desire! Then string the red ribbon through the holes and secure with a knot and hang these festive little creatures.

The kids will be so proud... chalk up another "look what I made!"
Happy cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Cook

Where have I been?

2009-10-31T18:21:00.001-07:00

I've been missing in action on my Kids Cooking blog and I apologize to all of my followers. They a say a picture is worth a thousand words so I'll spare you the thousand words! The image to the left is the cover of my brand new book, A Taste of Ozark Mountain Christmas that will be available next week.

It's been a few years since I self-published and I forgot how all consuming it is! However, it's kinda like childbirth... the pain will all go away when I finally hold that beautiful book in my hands next week!

So here's a little about my latest work... A Taste of Ozark Mountain Christmas... and my word that I'll be back to KidsCooking411 posts as I want my next work to be a book to help parents cook with kids!

An update on the progress of A Taste of Ozark Mountain Christmas... she is coming off the presses as we speak. And, she's more beautiful than I ever imagined... think I might be just a tad prejudice?

The cover is so elegant and with the addition of the glitz of gold-foiling on the cover and the spine, she's over the top! Yes, I would be very proud of this book!

All wrapped up in sheer elegance are 300+ recipes that I've been hand picking for several years just for A Taste of Ozark Mountain Christmas Recipe Collection. I've had a ton of fun with the recipes and picked out some dandies for you! It's everything Christmas and yet, I think you'll find some recipes that are keepers for all year round!

I'll be posting the Table of Contents very soon so you can have an idea of the
dazzling and versatile collection of homemade holiday goodies with 300+ treasured recipes to renew your holiday cooking traditions. All 234 pages are overflowing with a broad variety of festive recipes to satisfy every holiday occasion. Spotlighted chapters are dedicated to some very special foods and ingredients that come but once a year!

This book is going to help you save precious time this holiday season with shortcuts and overnight recipes that will free up hours for you to spend with friends and family. It's full of hints and tips and fun as well as serious quotes that are sure to make you smile.

Some of the recipes are spelled, "Yum, it's Christmas"... and some look and act like Christmas... what can I say... it's a Christmassy-kind of book! From nibbles to the new ideas for the "noble bird" and dazzling sweet treats of every kind from cookies and candies to cheesecakes, bread puddings, sweet breads and a special "Peppermint Twist" chapter... YULE love it!

With getting to press later than anticipated, I'll only have a limited number of copies for the 2009 season, so order your copy and your gift copies as soon as possible. We'll be ready to ship on or before November 9th! And, if you'll drop me an email or a note with your PayPal order, I'll be glad to personally autograph all of the copies that are bought through any of my websites or my blogs!

Merry Ozark Mountain Christmas!
Jan McCracken, Author, A Taste of Ozark Mountain Christmas
www.janmccracken.com
Order on my Blog: Ozark Mountain Christmas

A Tardy Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T08:52:00.001-07:00

I hope all of you mom's out there had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday and didn't spend it in the kitchen! I hope you were wined and dined or at least someone cooked for you!

It was my full intention to post something fun for the kids to create in the kitchen for you for Mother's Day but this silly picture that's posted with these ramblings kinda looks like me this week only my hair is very blonde!

You see, I've been traveling and my travels took me to friends in Santa Barbara. Shortly after I arrived for a much needed rest, the gigantic fire broke out in Santa Barbara and it's been devastating! Over 30,000 people were evacuated from their homes and the sound of helicopters whirred all night long as well as all day with sirens clamoring and fixed wing aircraft flying as well. So much for resting!

I lived in Santa Barbara for almost 10 years and had to evacuate my home during the Painted Cave fire over 18 years ago... needless to say, this brought back many memories.

So, I apologize for not getting something fun posted for Mother's Day... we'll make up for it, k?

I do want to take this opportunity to thank all of the firemen and crews that are still working to make Santa Barbara safe once again as this fire is still not 100% contained. Also, my heart goes out to those that have lost their homes in this scary inferno... God bless you all...

This should be a reminder to us all how precious "life" really is and that it's not about multi-million dollar homes and "stuff" when it really comes down to it... so hug your kids and grandkids extra hard today and count your blessings! We truly do have much to be thankful for!

Greetings from Santa Barbara!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

I'm Back!

2009-02-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth... just a temporary little sabbatical in taking care of some personal issues in life!

But I'm back with wishes for exceptional blessings in 2009... one thing is for sure... it WILL be interesting!

With everything that's going on in this great country of ours (not to mention the world)... there has never been a better time for getting back to basics! I got a report the other day that of all book sales, cookbook sales are up! That's not rocket science as people are returning to their kitchens to save money and eat more nutritiously. This is a good thing!

So let's get the kids cooking in 2009! I have some fun and wonderful things tucked in my "chef hat" for you and the kids! We're going to make discoveries together this year and get back to making the kitchen in the home the nucleus of the family... what a concept, huh?

Grab those aprons...

Ready?

Set?

We're off...

Thanks for your patience in waiting for me to get back... I'm so glad you're here!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

And God bless you every one!

I'm off to spend Christmas with my son's family and we'll be in the kitchen in the morning before nap time whipping up a Red Velvet Christmas birthday cake for Jesus! The kids are so looking forward to it and so am I!

It's my wish for you and yours that you'll be spending some fun and great time in the kitchen together during this blessed time of year... great memories are made in the kitchen... not only at Christmas time but all through the year!

I'm looking forward to 2009 and bringing you all kinds of fun things to create in your kitchen and helping you "get kids in the kitchen!" I'll be kicking off my new Blog Talk Radio Show some time in February... so check back often and see what's happening at "Kids Cooking 411!"

Oh, I got a very special Christmas gift from my Lil' Sis... I received a new link to my website last night... www.janmccracken.com and she has totally changed the look and feel of the brand new site! So drop by and have a look and let me know what you think and download a free e-book!

And don't forget... I love hearing from you all... so please send me the news of what's going on in your kitchen and any special recipes that you create.

And as I drive out of sight for now... Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Blessings,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Welcome!

2008-09-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that you stopped by to check out the 411 on Cooking with Kids! Please stop by often as I'll be adding links to great recipes as well as other fun things to do in the kitchen with your kids or your grandchildren or any one else's children that you love to spend time with!

Little ones are so naturally curious and that's how they learn. Sometimes Mom doesn't have the patience or the time to let the little ones help in the kitchen. See if I can't help you change your mind on that... you'll find cooking with children extremely rewarding for all involved.

Coming real soon, will be the debut of my Kids Cooking 411 Blog Radio show. I'll keep you posted!

Again, welcome!
Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & "Adult Helper Chef"