Thursday, August 4, 2011
For the Love of Avocados!
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
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Simply Patriotic Fresh Fruit Splash!
When the kids are preparing food for special occasions and holidays, it's important that they get a little background information on the holiday. You don't have to be a "history teacher" but the basics are great and fun. Not only is it a natural addition to their knowledge bank, it also adds a special credence to the celebration of the holiday.
This colorful dessert is especially easy and is fun to make on the spot even if you have a bunch of kids participating. It "shows off" best in clear glasses so you can see the patriotic layers... that is simply solved by purchasing small plastic tumblers or if you want to make it really special, the dollar store have plastic stemware... Kids love special glasses! Make it really special with tiny flag picks to top it off!
Here's what you'll need for the easy fruit splash that the kids can do all by themselves:
Patriotic Red, White and Blue Fruit Splash
Fresh blueberries
Fresh strawberries
Star fruit
Cool Whip (thawed)
Special clear plastic glasses
American flag picks (optional)
Red, white & blue sprinkles (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 practice their cutting skills on the strawberries and the star fruit.a "food palette!"
Begin with blueberries in the bottom and then a layer of Cool Whip topped with the strawberries. Just keep layering the red, white and blue ingredients until the plastic glass is full.
Plop a slice of star fruit on the top and chill. When serving, maybe let the kids plop a dollop of Cool Whip on top with some red, white and blue sprinkles and a flag pick! How proud they will be of the red, white and blue!racken, Culinary Coach for Kids
nary Coach for Kids
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A Tire Garden!
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...
edlings 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!
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 se
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
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...
edlings 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!
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 se
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
Friday, April 8, 2011
Eggs, Eggs & More Eggs...
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
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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
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
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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
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
Thursday, December 9, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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
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
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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"
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"
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