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

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

How 'Bout Those Sprouts?

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

Happy New Year!

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

Let it Snow!

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

Merry Christmas!

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!

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.

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