Spring is time to play in the dirt...

I love playing in the dirt just as much as kids do... I love spending time in the garden... I've always been the happiest when my hands are in the dirt! I have garden gloves but they always seem to end up on the ground or the table on the porch :-)

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

Halloween Pumpkin Pizza Recipe...

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"

A Little About Valentine's Day...

When the kids are in the kitchen it's a great time to teach them multi-tasking... cleaning up while goodies are baking... and reading while a special dish is baking... and sharing a little history about the time of year and the holiday that you're celebrating with food.

And, so... Valentine's Day is coming up pretty quickly and I wanted to give you a little thumbnail sketch about Valentine's Day. Come back soon as I'll have some fun recipes for you and the kids...

A Little About Valentine's Day...

Long ago Valentine’s Day was called “Bird’s Wedding Day”. It was then believed that birds selected their mates and began breeding the second week of the second month or February 14th!

The celebration of Valentine’s Day began many years ago with the custom of the Feast of Lupercalia in ancient Rome. This Feast was a celebration of fertility and was celebrated on February 15th. One of the ancient customs of this festival was a love urn. On this special day in February, young maidens wrote love messages and placed them in the love urn. The young, unmarried men then drew the messages from the urn and courted the young girl whose message he received.

As the story of Saint Valentine goes, there was a man in ancient Rome named Valentine who was a physician practicing medicine out of his home. Valentine was a kind hearted man taking great interest and care in his patients prescribing medicines of herbs and roots.

At that time in history, religion was a very controversial issue with many being persecuted for their beliefs. However, Valentine was a very spiritual man with religion being a significant part of his life. In his medical practice, Valentine would often offer prayer for the health of his patients and loved ones.

As the story goes, there was a jailer for the Emperor of Rome who had a blind daughter. The jailer heard of Valentine’s healings and brought his blind daughter to him for treatment. Valentine examined the small girl and prescribed some ointment for her eyes. The jailer faithfully continued to bring his little girl to Valentine for treatment with no improvement.

One day Roman soldiers arrested Valentine, destroying all of his medicines. Admonishing him for his religious beliefs, Valentine was taken to jail. When the jailer learned of Valentine’s arrest he was distressed but could do nothing! Valentine knew he would be executed and requested a paper, pen and ink. Valentine wrote a note and handed it to the jailer requesting that the jailer deliver the handwritten note to his blind daughter. Valentine was martyred on February 14, 270 A.D.

The jailer’s spirit ached as he arrived home. He handed the little blind girl the note from Valentine with the handwritten message, “From your Valentine”. Upon opening the note, the little girl found a yellow crocus tucked inside—at that moment a miracle occurred and the little girl saw beautiful color for the first time in her life—her eyesight was restored!

February 14th was named Saint Valentine’s Day in 496 by Pope Gelasius I. In the sixteenth century the paper Valentine appeared with sentimental verses. By the late 1800’s delicate lace papers accompanied sentimental verses for Valentine’s Day. Today all types of Valentine cards are exchanged showing love and affection of February 14th.

May the true miracle of Saint Valentine’s Day bless you! 

As Spring brings the little crocus popping their heads through the snow, may it be a reminder of the little girl in ancient Rome and bring a new meaning to your spirit and your heart of Valentine’s Day—Will you be my Valentine?

Note:  This is an excerpt from one of the Little Books of Tea that I wrote... 18 Little Books... soon to all be on Amazon in ebook format. I'll let you know when all 18 Little Books of Tea are available for download... they are fun and quick reads with great recipes!

Happy cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Washington's Birthday Cherry Brownies

President's Day has become one of those "floating holidays" 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, President Washington!

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 with Kids,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Let's Build an Easter Bunny Cake!

This cake has been a long time favorite for the Easter table centerpiece! 

The only thing that has changed seems to be instead of using a basic white cake mix, there are all kinds of cake mix choices out there... why not try a carrot cake (the bunny would like that!)... Anyway, I've made these directions pretty generic so you can let the kids get creative... so here we go...

This recipe makes two bunny cakes... here's what you'll need:

1 box of cake mix of your choice

2 cans frosting

Coconut

Jelly beans

Green food coloring (for grass)

Ingredients to make box cake

Pink construction paper (for the ears)

Let the kids do as much as possible on this... all but using the electric mixer :-)

Preheat the oven to the requirement on the box. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Pour into 2 round 8-inch or 9-inch layer pans. Bake according to the package directions. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Remove cake layers from pans and then allow to cool completely. 

While the cake layers are cooling either cover two pieces of cardboard with aluminum foil or find  2 flat plates to place the bunnies on. You can also go ahead and cut out the pink bunny ears from pink construction paper.

All righty... let's build bunnies! Here's your road map...

Cut one layer in half. Put halves together with frosting. Stand cake upright on cut edge. Using a sharp knife (adult helper here, please)... cut a V-notch about 1/2 of the way up the semi-circle. Use the cake notched cut out pieces to attach with toothpicks for the tail. The area below the notch will will form bunny's head. The 2/3 area above the notch will shape the bunny's rounded back. Frost with remaining frosting from first  can of frosting.

Generously sprinkle with white coconut... the kids love this part! Use jelly beans for eyes and nose (the nose has to be pink :-)! Place the pink construction paper ears in the bunny's head.

Place coconut in a jar with a drop or two of green food coloring and shake it up, baby! Voila... you've got grass to spread around the bunny! Add some jelly beans to look like eggs in the grass.

This old recipe seems always to please. The kids will be so tickled with their Easter Bunny creation! Isn't it just the best, getting kids into the kitchen?

May you and your family have a blessed Easter!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids

Chinese Noodle Cookies...

These are sooooo easy and the kids will love them.

Celebration of looking forward to a year of prosperity, food is very important on Chinese New Year... these 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! Be sure to talk about these fun little bits of history when you're baking the cookies... the kids will love hearing about new things!

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 (12-ounce) bag butterscotch chips
1 (5-ounce) can chow mein noodles
1/2 can dry roasted peanuts
2 cookie sheets
Waxed paper

Line both cookie sheets with wax paper; set aside.

Melt the butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth or in a bowl on top of a simmering pot of water. Fold in the chow mein noodles to coat completely.

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

Have fun cooking for Chinese New Year with the kids!
Jan McCracken, Kids Culinary Coach

Happy Chinese New Year!

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2013 is the Year of the Snake. Celebrating Chinese New Year can be a blast for kids as well as a grand learning experience!

They can learn the appreciation of  Chinese history as well as a lot about the culture while having a great time. Chinese New Year is sometimes called Spring Festival and is the most important of all holidays in China. 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!

It would be fun for you to do a search for Chinese animals for the kids to look up their year of birth and match it with their Chinese animal in the Chinese Zodiac. This is not like fortunetelling and can be a fun-filled research exercise for the kids as they learn about ancient Chinese history.  

The zodiac sign of the Snake symbolizes traits such as gracefulness, intuition, introspection, materialism and intelligence. 

Chinese New Year welcomes the Lunar New Year this year on February 10th. The dates of Chinese New Year change every year. The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac which consists of 12 Animal signs.  

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!

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 a skinny orange slice)

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

Spoon 2 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!

2013 Blessings and Happy, Happy New Year,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Surprise Snowballs!

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... Surprise!

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!)
Note: I almost always us parchment paper... it is definitely cookie baking BFF!

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!

'Tis the Season for Getting Kids Into the Kitchen,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Window Pane Christmas Cookies...

{Photo Source:  Kraft}

The kids will literally sit on the floor with the oven light on and watch these cookies bake as the candies melt. Let the magic begin as dough is transformed into cookies with colored window panes! The kids are gonna love it!

Here's the ingredient list:

18 red and green clear hard candies

2/3 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups all-purpose flour

Sifted powdered sugar 

Cookie cutters of the kids' choice Note: You'll need a 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 in separate small "heavy" plastic zippy bags. Crush candies, leaving them coarse. Place each color in a small bowl.

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

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

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds (an adult helper is needed here, please). Add granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally (if the kids want to scrape, please stop the mixer). 

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

Now the kids can jump in... the kids will love trying to roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll a portion of the dough 1/4-inch thick. Using 2-1/2- to 3-inch cutters in desired shape, cut out dough. Place cutouts about 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Repeat with 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 the dough won't hold together... I know, details!

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

The kids will like this part... using a small brush, dust the edges of cooled cookies with powdered sugar. Makes about 4 dozen. These make great gifts and the kids will be SO proud of them!

Merry, Merry!

'Tis the Season for Cooking with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Christmas Cookie Pizza!

{Photo Source:  Cooking Channel}

This Christmas Cookie Pizza 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
Optional: Hot Fudge Topping

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). If you need more sugar, heat some hot fudge topping in the microwave and drizzle over the pizza at serving time... and, a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of ice cream melting over all would make it the biggest "sugar delight" allowed for a very long time :-) !

Let cool and cut into "pizza wedges" for serving. Tah Dah... 'Tis the Season to get Kids Cooking!

Happy Holiday Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Santa Tip... 'Tis the Season to Get Kids Cooking!

Santa Tip!

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

Gingerbread Garlands from the Kitchen!

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. 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!"
'Tis the Season for getting kids into the kitchen,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Cook

A Recipe for Christmas Joy!

Merry Christmas and God Bless you every one! 

Here's a special little recipe for stirring up some Christmas Joy... Let's remember the "Reason for the Season" as we have fun here at KidsCooking411 with some wonderful recipes coming your way.

To set the Christmas spirit in motion, 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... the shelf life is FOREVER :-)

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

It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas Carols, family get togethers, connecting with old and new friends... and even sprinkled amongst unsuspecting strangers!

Serve cheerfully to one and all.

May you have the Merriest Christmas Ever! 'Tis the Season and I'll have some really fun recipes for cooking with the kids beginning this weekend so please stop back by!

'Tis the Season to get kids cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Don't Eat ALL of That Halloween Candy!

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

Candy Corn Cupcakes

More Halloween Cooking Fun!

Candy corn is an all time favorite... yum! Kids love making these cupcakes... let's head for the kitchen!

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

Smiley Summer Fruit Pizza!

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 blender... 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

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

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

If the kids would like to add a dash of patriotism to your 4th of July celebration, here’s a really easy, yet very symbolic fruit salad that the 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 do this one! Just guide them through… it might be fun to sing some patriotic songs while the kids are stirring the red, white and blue!

Let the kids wash the strawberries and blueberries in the sink 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 be accomplished with a plastic knife that the kids won’t get cut on). Peel the bananas.

Slice the strawberries and bananas with the plastic knife on a 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 individual bowls, add a dollop of whipped cream and stick tiny American flags in each bowl as an added small tribute to our flag!

Here's to 4th of July fun in the kitchen cooking with the kids!

Happy Cooking,

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach

Tire Gardens!

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 a couple old car tires that 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.

Note: These tires are stacked just so you have an idea of what we’re doing… double tires are not necessary for 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(s)

Various paints for decorating and personalizing the tire

Potting soil

Seeds and seedlings

Sunshine

Water

Little plastic water can

Garden gloves (optional)

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 seeds and seedlings. Then they can use their little plastic watering can. Make sure they don’t drown the seeds :-)

Don’t be surprised is they check their tire garden every hour for a couple of days… 

Let me know how your tire garden grows!

Happy Gardening with Kids,

Jan McCracken, Culinary & Gardening Coach for Kids

Red, White & Blue Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes!

All righty then... Nannie Mac is running late for a recipe for Memorial Day so we're going to make it super easy :-) and really fun!

If you haven't ever made Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes, you're in for a treat and if you have, the kids will be thrilled to do it again and decorate them in red, white and blue... with the best part being Red Velvet Cake!

Okay, let's get started... 

Here's what you'll need:

1 (18-ounce) Red Velvet Cake Mix + all the fixin's to stir it up

24 flat-bottomed ice cream cones

1 (16 ounce) can frosting (preferably white or the cream cheese frosting is yummy)

Red, white & blue sprinkles

Whipping Cream (optional)

C'mon kids, let's head for the kitchen! The kids can pretty well do this one on their own with just a tad of supervision except for taking the creations out of the oven!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 

Have the kids measure out the ingredients needed for the Red Velvet cake mix and stir it up!

Use a measuring cup and pour a scant 1/4-cup batter into flat-bottomed ice cream cones so they are a tiny bit less than half full (if you fill the cones too much, the cakes will not have a nice, round top).
   
Place the cones on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes. (Note:  Be very careful when putting them in the oven!

Remove from baking sheet and cook on wire rack. You can use a tooth pick and carefully punch a little hole, or maybe two, in the bottom of the cone to allow the steam to come out so the cones don't get soggy.

Encourage the kids to get creative and swirl the frosting like soft-serve ice cream! Sprinkle with red, white and blue!

OR... wait until you're ready to eat the cupcake cones and let the kids get wild with a can of whipping cream! Build it up on top of the cupcake like soft-serve ice cream and "just add red, white and blue sprinkles!"

God Bless all of our men and women at home and abroad who protect us and our freedoms every day... never take them for granted... and, please let the kids know how important they are in our lives on this Memorial Day weekend!

Make it a great, red, white and blue!

Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach for Kids