cooking with kiddos...

Cooking with kiddos is big fun at our household. Sometimes so many little fingers (and spills) can be frustrating but these rules help me enjoy.

1) Kiddos help when the food is for our family. If I want something to look just right or taste the way it should I don't ask for kitchen help. 

2) Before we start we have all the ingredients on the counter and each child gets to choose their special ingredient. They are responsible for that ingredient: holding, pouring, measuring, stirring, cleaning up, etc. The unchosen ingredients are added in a rotation or by a parent.

3) Never sweep the floor before kiddos cook...the dirtier the better. That way I don't mind if they spill a bit, after all I needed to sweep anyway.

4) A little saran wrap on the counter or table goes a long way.

5) Special cooking apparel is so fun!

6) The time together is worth way more than the resulting treat/meal.

Today we made cookies. I love doubling the recipe so there is plenty of dough to freeze. Just wrap a "log" of dough in saran wrap and freeze. Try to get it as smooth as possible so once the dough is frozen it is easy to unwrap. Just slice and bake once the wrap is removed. I love having cookies ready at a moments notice. Great for a special snack or just to cover of the smell of too many stinky feet in the house. :) 

Enjoy!