Recipes To Help Kids Get Started With Cooking

[cat lover]

Was just checking in here to see what had been posted and guess no one else has quite figured out what to put here either! If someone has please tell us! LOL

[ajrsmom]

I'm not sure if this is what it is or not but.... there is a place here in my area where you can enroll your kids in cooking school.


This area here might have been meant for "what can we teach our kids" or "what have we taught our kids".

I'm making a wild guess at it! ;)


Guess we will have to ask Cindy or Amanda to really find out. LOL!!

[FamilyCorner]

Tami is correct. This forum is for ideas or methods of teaching kids how to cook. It might include ideas on how to start at an early age, ways to get older kids to cook, what you've taught your kids so that when they are adults they'll know how to cook, etc. ;-)

[barbszy]

I feel that by the time my kids are college age they should be able to prepare hot, healthy, simple meals for themselves.

This summer I am going to choose one day a week and let one of my Big Kids help prepare the dinner. Both of them can already make pancakes, French toast, & scrambled eggs--so they're all set for breakfast!

When I was a senior in high school I had a part time job that took me away from home at my family's dinner hour. My mom insisted that I eat before work, AND that I make my own dinner. She was available to teach me how, until I learned how to make each dish. We didn't have a microwave either! I am SO glad she made the effort to do this with and for me. When I had an apartment during college my roommate and I cooked all our dinners. We ate well, within a small budget.

[cat lover]

Hope I'm posting this in the right place. Seems the "best" age for kids to start cooking seriously is around 7 -11. They should nbe able to read the recipe by then and not be too involved in after school activities yet.



2 ( 10 oz) baking potatoes
vegetable oil
1/4 cup fat free souir cream
2 tbsp margarine
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp chopped green oniojn
1/4 tsp salt
pepper
2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup ( 1 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Wash potatoes and rub skins with vegetable oil. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour or till done. Allow potatoes to cool to touch. Cut a 1" strip lengthwise from top of each potato; carefully scoop out pulp, leaving shells intact.
Combine pulp, sour cream, and remaining ingredients except cheese in a small mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed of an electric mixer just till potato lumps disappear ( don't overbeat). Stuff shells with potato mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes; top with cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes. 2 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Cat lover, this is an excellant place!

I love learning new ideas for children. I have GKs who will soon be old enough to "cook."

[cat lover]

Tin Can Meal


1 small can chicken
1 small can evaporated milk
1 can mushroom soup ( undiluted)
1 can cream of chicken soup ( undiluted )
1 can Chinese noodles


Dump all in a greased 1 quart casserole.. Mix and top with breadcrums. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

What are Chinese noodles? Are they precooked?

[cat lover]

What are Chinese noodles? Are they precooked?


You can get them in a can or in a cellaphane package in the grocery right along where they have the Chinese Food. I don't have a package right now in my pantry (shame on me), but they are little crispy brown things. They really don't look like noodles so why they call them that I'm not sure! If this doesn't help let me know and I'll do something else so you will know what they are.;)

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Now that you describe it, I know that you are talking about! Thanks!

[cat lover]

Kids usually like making this one! Of course it has those little " candy coated candies" in it!


1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
1/2 tsp almond extract
5 drops green food color
1/2 cup "candy coated mini candies"
1 quart chocolate ice cream, softened

Beat vanilla ice cream, extract and food color together till thick but spoonable. If it becomes too runny return it to the freezer a short while to thicken. Fod in candies. In another bowl beat chocolate ice cream till thick but spoonable. Spoon the two ice cream mixtures alternately into 18 medium muffin pans that have been lined with foil baking cups. Freeze all day or overnight. Makes 18 1/3 cup servings

[cat lover]

This is a very easy one for beginner cooks!

1 medium bag of macaroni (about 2-3 cups uncooked)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 small box frozen peas

Set out peas about 20 minutes before cooking. Cook macaroni and drain. Mix macaroni in pan with soup and peas. Serves4

[ajrsmom]

This is a very easy one for beginner cooks!

1 medium bag of macaroni (about 2-3 cups uncooked)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 small box frozen peas

Set out peas about 20 minutes before cooking. Cook macaroni and drain. Mix macaroni in pan with soup and peas. Serves4


I think that I will use this for tonight's meal---minus the peas in everyone's dish but mine. I was looking for something to use up leftover macaroni.

Thank you!!! :p

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Add a little tuna, put it in a casserole, sprinkle cheese on top and you'll have an easy tuna casserole.

[ajrsmom]

Add a little tuna, put it in a casserole, sprinkle cheese on top and you'll have an easy tuna casserole.


My family would die if I made tuna casserole for dinner. LOL!!

I did end up making the noodles and cream of chicken soup--with peas for me. ;) It was a good way to use the leftovers.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I'm the only one who doesn't care for tuna at my house. I'll eat it, but I don't like it.

[ajrsmom]

My DH will eat tuna sandwiches and tuna wiggle ( creamed tuna on toast) but he hates tuna casserole---why? I dont know.


I like to take tuna w/mayo and add elbow mac. to it, along with peas and chill it for a cold salad. Most people think that Im nuts for this but I like it. ;)

[barbszy]

Sounds good to me, Tami!

Will your DS eat tuna melts?

[ajrsmom]

Sounds good to me, Tami!

Will your DS eat tuna melts?

Nope :o He wont those either.

[cat lover]

My DH will eat tuna sandwiches and tuna wiggle ( creamed tuna on toast) but he hates tuna casserole---why? I dont know.

Tuna Wiggle; what a cute name for creamed tuna!;)


Here is something my boys always enjoyed making when they first started cooking. I pulled out some larger cookie cutters and they made different "holes" in the bread that were cute instead of just round.

Framed Egg

Use a cookie cutter to cut a hole in the center of a slice of bread. Put about 2 tsp butter in a skillet and melt. Put bread in the skillet and break an egg into the hole in the bread. Cover the skillet and cook 3 to 5 minutes or till egg is done. Season with salt and pepper. Real easy and the kids will get a kick out of making different shapes!

[dval]

I think that I will use this for tonight's meal---minus the peas in everyone's dish but mine. I was looking for something to use up leftover macaroni.

That's one thing I never have to worry about, leftover macaroni. Hubby loves to eat it cold out of the fridge!

[ajrsmom]

Tuna Wiggle; what a cute name for creamed tuna!;)


That's was my MIL's name for it. I wish that she was still alive to see everyone enjoying her recipes. I have posted many of hers between here and FC! I know that she is smiling down on me for carrying them on!

[cat lover]

That's was my MIL's name for it. I wish that she was still alive to see everyone enjoying her recipes. I have posted many of hers between here and FC! I know that she is smiling down on me for carrying them on!


Oh, I wish my MIL had written down her recipes, she didn't do much cooking at all, but all her kids rave about her macaroni and tomato dish, and wouldn't you know that no one seems to be able to get the recipe down to taste likes her kids says her did!

[cat lover]

Since most kids just love these two items it should be easy to get them interested in making this!

2 pounds extra lean ground beef
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) condensed golden mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 pkg. ( 20 oz) frozen crinkle cut French Fries

Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain fat. Stir in soups and pour into a greased 13 x 9 x 2" dish. Arrange French Fries on top. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or till fries are golden. 6 - 8 servings

[cat lover]

This can be a good go with and easy for the kids to make all on their own!


6 cups frozen shoestring potatoes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt

Place potatoes on a foil lined baking shhet. Bake at 450 degrees 8 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients and sprinkle over potatoes and mix. Bake 4-5 minutes or till potatoes are crisp. 4 servings

[cat lover]

The kids don't have to make an entire meal, just get them started with a dish that they will really like and that will encourage then to want to cook! So if you find a recipe that you know they will really enjoy try that one and ones like it the first few times. Soon they will be asking you "What can I cook now?"

Here's one most kids will like!


Four Food Group Milkshake

1/2 cup milk
1 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1 mripe banana, cut into chunks
2 graham cracker squares
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp chocolate syrup

Combine all the ingredients in a blender; cover and blend till smooth. Pour into glasses and serve! 2 servings

[cat lover]

1 pkg. (13 1/2 oz) frozen chicken nuggets
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (26 1/2 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Put nuggets in a 11 x 7" pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with spaghetti sauce, mozzarealla cheese and Italian seasoning. Cover and bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes or till chicken is heated and cheese is melted. 4-6 servings:)

[jennycherie]

one of our summer projects will be cooking. I try to let the kids help me as much as possible, but I find it overwhelming with all four of them hanging on me and trying to cook at the same time:eek:. How do you guys do this with more than one child? I was thinking of maybe letting them take turns being the "helper" for a meal but just allowing one at a time (hoping that then I won't lose my mind!

This afternoon, we made brownies--such a simple recipe but so good!

Cream 1 cup butter then add 4 eggs, one at a time. Then add 2 cups sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 cup cocoa and mix well. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. Then spread in a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 30 minutes or so at 325. My 7 year old daughter is beginning to understand the mixer (sort of). take care,

Jennycherie
mom to four great kids!

[cat lover]

I only had two boys so it wasn't a lot to have to plan, but... We did a daily chart for the summer, each child's name at the top and then the "activities" down the side. On the cooking line they each had two days a week that was their day. If they wanted to do it more that was fine, but they had to take turns. It is hard to work with more than one at a time especially if you are incorporating learning to measure and all the other things you can teach them without them knowing they are really being taught! LOL Good luck and please share some of your recipes here that has worked with teaching the kids to cook!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Jenny, isn't 7 a nice age? Have fun baking with your children.

[jennycherie]

OH my! Yes, 7 IS a fun age. . .as I re-read my post I realized---she's not 7 anymore! :eek:She had a birthday! My kids have been 3, 5, 7 and 9 for a while and I keep forgetting that she is 8 now! Shame on me!

good Idea about the chart--I was thinking along those lines.. . kind of like the teachers do with having the children take turns being line leader and paper-passer-outer, etc.

We have a great kids cookbook from the library right now. When I get another moment, I'll post the title/author. we love it! :D

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Jenny, I don't know how you keep up with their ages having 4 children! Did you find the children's thread in the recipe swap?

I'd love to know the author. I am trying to teach my GKs to love cooking. My own children were never into cooking like I was. They both can cook, but don't find it a joy like I do.

[jennycherie]

Debora, yes! I found the kids recipe swap--found a couple ideas and may add some as well.

The name of the book is "Mom and Me Cookbook: have fun in the kitchen" by Annabel Karmel. She has some cute ideas that are very simple. The photos and instructions were very understandable to my 8 and 9 year olds. We made a sunshine scrambled eggs--basically scrambled eggs (a great thing to start kids cooking with!) and toast. When you put them on the plate, your pile of eggs is the middle of your sun and your toast is cut into strips that are arranged as rays of the sun.

Also, she has a simple recipe for yellow cupcakes from scratch. IT was a very quick recipe that made a small quantity of cupcakes that were very tasty!

[cat lover]

If your kids enjoy corn dogs they'll probably like these! They are baked not fried and easy for the kids to make.

2 pkgs. (8 1/2 oz each) corn bread mixes
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
` can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
5 hot dogs, chopped

In a bowl combine corn bread mix abd brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry ingredients till mositened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400 degrees 14-18 minutes or till golden brown. Makes 1 1/2 dozen

[ajrsmom]

If your kids enjoy corn dogs they'll probably like these! They are baked not fried and easy for the kids to make.

2 pkgs. (8 1/2 oz each) corn bread mixes
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
` can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
5 hot dogs, chopped

In a bowl combine corn bread mix abd brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry ingredients till mositened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 400 degrees 14-18 minutes or till golden brown. Makes 1 1/2 dozen


Love this idea! Can be a frugal lunch as well! My son will love helping to make this one. :)

[cat lover]

This is a great "summer time" cookie because you don't have to heat up the kitchen running the oven!:)


1 pkg. (1 pound) marshamallows
2 cups ( 12 oz) chocolate chips
1/4 cup margarine
3 cups rice krispies cereal
1 can ( 12 oz) sal;ted peanuts

In a pna cook and stir marshmallows, chips,and margarine till marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat ans stie in cereal and peanuts. Drop onto waxed paper and let cool. If you drop by the tablespoon you will end up with about 6 1/2 dozen "Cookies"

[cat lover]

No cooking in this one so safe for even the youngest "cooks", and they usually love digging their hands into this one!

1 pkg. ( 8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
2 tbsp sugar
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese,butter and vanilla till fluffy. Gradually add sugars, and beat just till combined. Stir in chips. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours. Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Roll in pecans to serve. Serve with graham crackers

[cat lover]

S'More Tarts


1 pkg. fudge brownie mix (13 x 9" pan size)
12 individual graham cracker shells
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Prepare brownie mix according to directions. Place graham cracker shells on a baking sheet and fill with brownie batter. Bake at 350 degres for 20 -25 minutes or till toothpick tests clean. Immediately sprinkle with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Bake 3-5 minutes longer or till marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Makes 1 dozen

[jennycherie]

oooooooooooooohhhhhhh! these look good! and have all of my kids favorite food groups--chocolate and marshmallows!

[jennycherie]

Yummy Snack Mix

2 cups apple cinnamon cheerios
2 cups lucky charms
2 cups corn bran
1 1/2 cups golden grahams
2 oz. mini pretzels
1 snack size bag, reduced fat microwave popcorn

mix it all up and snack away. If mom is on weight watchers, it's 2 points for a 1 cup serving. This makes about 11 bags of snack!

[jennycherie]

Chocolate Toast
(like cinnamon toast. . .but chocolate!)

Toast bread and spread with margarine or butter. Then mix together 1/2 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa and sprinkle over toast.

from "I Made It Myself" by Sandra and Heather Nissenberg

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Jenny, I LOVE the chocolate toast idea! I'll have to try it with my GKs next time they come visit.

[cat lover]

LOL, even my DH will love the chocolate toast; he already does cinnamon sugar all the time! Thanks for sharing!

[cat lover]

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups crisp rice cereal
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted

In a large saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup and peanut butter. Cook over medium low heat till sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add cereal and stir till coated. Spread in a 13 x 9" pan and press lightly. Spread melted chocolate over the bars and chill. Makes 2 dozen

[barbszy]

The kids will like THOSE for sure! YUM!

[cat lover]

Sloppy Joe Wagon Wheels

1 pkg. (16 oz) wagon wheel pasta
2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jar (28 oz) meatless spaghetti sauce
1 jar (5 1/2 oz) sloppy joe sauce

Cook pasta according to pkg. directions. In skillet cook beef, green pepper and onion till meat is no longer pink, drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and sloppy joe sauce and heat through. Drain pasta, and top with beef mixture. 8 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Very Cute!

[cat lover]

Dogs in a Sweater

1 pkg. (11 oz) refrigerated breadstick dough
8 hot dogs
8 popsicle sticks
ketchup & mustard

Separate the dough and roll each piece into a 15" rope. Put popsicle sticks into hot dogs lengthwise. Starting at one end wrap the dough in a spiral around the hot dog and pinch the end to seal. Place 1" apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Serve with ketchup and mustard. 8 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I've made something similar to these for my children. Here's it is:

Pigs in the Blanket

Little Smokies ****tail weiners
Biscuit dough from the can
Cheddar cheese cut into small weiner sized wedges
mustard

Flatten each biscuit. In the center place the weiner, cheese, and a little mustard. Pinch all the sides completely. Bake in a 350 degree oven until lightly brown. Be careful as they are very hot to eat when they first come out of the oven.

[cat lover]

This recipe usually goes over well with children if they are a little older, but some younger ones like it too-

Franks with Roasted Corn Relish




1-1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn
3 green onions, sliced thin
1 tbsp red bell pepper , chopped fine
2 tbsp Italian salad dressing
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1 package hot dogs
hot dog buns

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place corn in skillet. Cook and stir until corn is lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove corn from skillet and place in bowl, stir in onions, bell pepper, Italian salad dressing, and garlic salt. Grill hot dogs on a grill or in a skillet. Place hot dogs in buns and serve with corn relish.

[cat lover]

Pizza Omelet


2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp margarine
1/4 cup pizza sauce
10 slices pepperoni
1/4 cup mozzarella chesse, shredded
1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese

In a bowl, beat eggs and milk. In a skillet heat margarine and add egg mixture. As eggs set lift edges to let uncooked eggs flow undereneath. When the eggs are set remove from heat. Spread pizza sauce over half of egg; top with pepperoni and mozzarella. Fold in half and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve. 1 serving

[cat lover]

Apple Snacks

This makes a good snack

1/4 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp honey
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
2 tbsp raisins
4 medium unpeeled apples, cored

Combine first two ingredients and then fold in chips and raisins. Fill center of apples with mixture, refrigerate at least an hour and then cut into 1/4" rings. Makes about 2 dozen rings

[cat lover]

Peanut Butter & Jelly French Toast


12 slices bread
3/4 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
6 tbsp jam
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp margarine'

Spread peanut butter on six pieces of bread and spread jam on the other six pieces; put bread slices together to make a sandwich. In a shallow open bowl mix the eggs and milk together. Melt margarine in skillet. Dip sandwiches into egg mixture and coat them well. Place in skillet and brown on both sides. Serve immediately.

[cat lover]

This can be a salad or just a snack on a hot summer day!

1 8 oz can pineapple chunks (juice pack), chilled & drained
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup sour cream
1 11 oz can mandarian orange sections, chilled & drained
1 tbsp toasted coconut

In a salad bowl stir together the chilled pineapple chunks, miiature marshmallows, and sour cream. Gently fold in the chilled mandarian orange sections. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours. Sprinkle with coconut before serving. Makes 4 servings

[ajrsmom]

This can be a salad or just a snack on a hot summer day!

1 8 oz can pineapple chunks (juice pack), chilled & drained
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup sour cream
1 11 oz can mandarian orange sections, chilled & drained
1 tbsp toasted coconut

In a salad bowl stir together the chilled pineapple chunks, miiature marshmallows, and sour cream. Gently fold in the chilled mandarian orange sections. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours. Sprinkle with coconut before serving. Makes 4 servings


I love this stuff! I like to catch it straight out of the frig when it is still very cold!! :)

My mother's recipe was called "5 cup" salad....it included 1 cup of each of the above ingredient's --including 1 c. of sweetened coconut, not toasted. Everything was mixed together. :D

[cat lover]

It actually is a version of 5 cup salad; it just uses the toasted coconut to cut down on the fat and calories of so much regular coconut. Toasting it gives you more of a coconut flavor with less.

[cat lover]

The first time I worked with my boys on making these , they were surprised that ALL pancakes didn't come already mixed out of a box! LOL


Cinnamon Pancakes

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
4 1/2 tsp brown sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tbsp margarine, melted
In a bowl, combine first four ingredients. Combine next three ingredients just till combined and pour batter by 1/4 cups onto a lightly greased hot griddle. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and turn when bubbles appear on top of pancakes. Cook till second side is golden. Serve with syrup of your choice. Makes 8 pancakes

[barbszy]

Those HAVE to be good! My cinnamon-fiend teenager would love them, I bet. Thanks!

[cat lover]

My DH even likes to put cinnamon sugar AND light corn syrup on them!

[cat lover]

Cinnamon Monkey Bread

4 tubes (7 1/2 oz each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp ground cinamon
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Cut each biscuit into four pieces and shape into balls. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar. Arrange evenly in a greased 10" bundy pan. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Combine butter and brown sugar and pour over thr top. Bake at 350 degrees for 35- 40 minutes or till golden. Cool 5 minutes before inverting onto a platter. Makes 1 loaf

[cat lover]

Reuben Muffins


4 English muffins, split and toasted
1 lb. cooked corned beef, sliced
2 cups sauerkraut, well drained
1/2 cup Russian dressing
8 slices Swiss cheese, halved


Top each muffin half with remaining ingredients. Broil 6 inches from heat source 2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Serves4

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Looks like something that would be good for lunch.

[Sharona]

Those look good! I may make them for supper.

[cat lover]

They are and when I want them but don't have regular corned beef around I buy the little Budding's pack of corned beef and it works well on these.

[barbszy]

I love reubens! Sprinkle a little caraway seed on there, to "simulate" the rye bread flavor. Also, ham works well in reubens in place of corned beef.
Thanks for the recipe :)

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I like ham better than corned beef too. I hadn't thought about the seeds. Thanks for the tips.

[cat lover]

I love reubens! Sprinkle a little caraway seed on there, to "simulate" the rye bread flavor. Also, ham works well in reubens in place of corned beef.
Thanks for the recipe :)

That works well also, but I buy my sauerkraut with the seeds already in it, I don't rmember the brand,but if you want to know I'm sure I have a few cans in the pantry; just let me know!

[cat lover]

These are very easy for the samllest of cooks to help with and very tasty!


1 (14 oz) pkg. gingerbread mix
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup chunky OR creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl stirring till smooth. Add raisins and stir well. Drop dough by rounded tsp onto a greased cookie sheet Bake 10-12 minutes and cool 5 minutes on sheets before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen

[cat lover]

Raspberry Cooler

2 cups natural applesauce
2 boxes (4 serving size) raspberry gelatin
1 10 oz pkg. frozen raspberries

Heat applesauce till boiling and stir in gelatin till dissolved. Add raspberries and stir well. Pour mixture into a bowl and chill till set. Makes about 8 servings

[cat lover]

This was a recipe off the back of the cereal box. It is really good and easy to make!

S'Mores Drops

4 cups golden grahams cereal
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup light corn syrup1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

In a large bowl mix cereal and marshmallows and set aside. Place chocolate chips, corn syrup and butter in a 1 qt microwave dish. Microwave uncovered on HIGH 1 - 2 minutes or just till smooth and be sure to stir every 30 seconds; watch carefully as the chips won't appear to be melting till you stir it ! Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal mix and mix well. Drop by tbsp onto waxed paper lined cookie sheets. Cool Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.

[cat lover]

These are fun for the kids to make; and less sweet than some snacks



Chewy Soft Pretzels

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 pkg dry yeast
dash of white pepper
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup warm water ( 120 to 130 degrees)
1 egg yolk 1 tbsp water kosher salt

Combie first 8 ingredienmts in a large mixing bowl. Beat with dough hools at medium speed of electric mixer till well blended. Form dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl turning to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees) free from drafts, 1 hour or till doubled in bulk. Using kitchen shears dipped in flour cur dough into 16 pieces; roll each into a ball. Roll each ball on a floured surface to form a rope 14" long. Twist each into a pretzel shape and place on a lightly greased baking sheet, about 1 1/2" apart. Combinr remaining egg yol and water and mix well. Brush each pretzel with egg yolf mixture and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or till golden. Serve warm. Makes 16 pretzels.

[barbszy]

Cat lover, the only pretzels we have ever made called for boiling before baking. Interesting to see that this one does not. (Boiling was messy and HOT work!!) I'm planning to try this one with the kids, next rainy day.

[cat lover]

I guess you could say these are more of the Amish way of making them; a long time ago when I went and visited some Amish they made them without boiling them; now I don't know if they all do or not.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

When I have made them in the past, I too had to boil, then bake.

[cat lover]

This is really fun to make with the kids!

Easy Homemade Butter


You will need whipping cream and a glass jar with a lid.The more cream you use, the larger the jar should be. Use a small jar if you are just using 1/4 cup cream. Place the cream in the jar. Cover with the lid. Now, Shake, shake shake and shake!Keep shaking till the cream turns into butter. You may request other family members to help you shake, because this may take a while!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I've done this with both my kids and GKs. They loved it and having the snack with the homemade butter that came after.

[cat lover]

It's a lot of fun and gets those little minds thinking about things and learning and they don't even know it!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I usually do this when there are several children so they can share the work.

[cat lover]

Yes it wouldn't be much fun for them if their little arms got tired!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I used to have my daycare children make butter.

[cat lover]

Raisin Peanut Butter Balls


4 cups toasted oat cereal with honey and almonds
3 cups raisins
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup peanut butter

In large bowl, combine cereal and raisins. Combine sugar and corn syrup in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Pour over cereal and raisin mixtureand mix well. Lightly spray fingers with nonstick cooking spray. Scoop out about 1/2 cup mixture and press into
a ball. Place on waxed paper. Repeat till all mixture is used. Cool completely. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. Makes 12

[cat lover]

Pizza Meatballs


1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp instant minced onion
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 lb. mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
3 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tbsp oil
2 lbs. purchased pizza sauce


Combine first 5 ingredients and pepper to taste in a bowl. Placing a cube of cheese inside each one, shape into 12 large meatballs. Roll each meatball in flour and shake off excess. Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides and drain off excess oil. Add pizza sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10-12 minutes until cooked throughout. This can either be served over pasta or by themselves. Serves 4

[cat lover]

This recipe is from BoxTops 4 kids site


Chicken in a Sleeping Bag

A cute alternative to the classic pig-in-blanket, these easy sandwiches layer ham, cheese and chicken patties inside crescent-roll covers.

2 (8-oz.) cans Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
8 (1-oz.) slices cooked ham
8 (3/4-oz.) slices Swiss pasteurized process cheese food, unwrapped
16 frozen breaded wing-shape chicken patties, slightly thawed


Heat oven to 375 degrees.. Separate dough into 8 (4 x 7 1/2 inch) rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal.
For each sandwich, place 1 rectangle of dough on ungreased cookie sheet. Top with 1 slice of ham. Place cheese at one end of ham slice. Place 2 chicken patties on cheese. Fold 2/3 of dough over chicken, leaving about 1 1/2" of chicken uncovered. Press sides of sandwich with fork to seal edges.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes or till crust is golden brown and chicken is hot.

[cat lover]

Frog Eyed Salad


1 cup white sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups pineapple juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 (16 ounce) package acini di pepe pasta
2 (20 ounce) cans pineapple chunks
2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
3/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
1 (12 ounce) container cool whip, thawed

In large saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, egg yolks, flour, pineapple juice and lemon juice. Stir and cook till thickened. Remove from heat. While sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or till al dente; drain and rinse with cold water. In large bowl, combine cooked mixture with pasta and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Toss pasta with pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, marshmallows and whipped topping. Refrigerate till serving. 12 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

That's the recipe on the back of the acini di pepe box. I see it when I make my salad with the pasta. Does this make a lot and is it good? I have often wondered but have been afraid to make it.

[cat lover]

I think it does make quite a bit! I guess you could cut it down in half but when I've made it I usually make it for a function of som sorts so the amount works. If it was just for the two of us it would be way too much! LOL The kids liked it when they were young, as a side/dessert dish along side chili. That was the meal they always wanted on Halloween before trick or treating!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I make my Acini De Pepe salad for when we have crowds too.

[cat lover]

This recipe is from McCormick Kitchens

Groovy Banana Blitz

Tie-dyes and lava lamps were the inspiration for this smoothie that is sure to become a favorite with both kids and moms.


2 ripe bananas
2 cups ice cubes
1 container (6 ounces) vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp McCormick® Pure Orange Extract
McCormick Assorted NEON! Food Colors & Egg Dye


Place all ingredients, except food colors, in blender container; cover. Blend on high speed till smooth. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Stir 6 drops different food color into each portion. Pout the different colors alternately into each of 3 tall glasses and serve.

[cat lover]

Zesty Taco Popcorn


1/4 cup canola Oil
3/4 cup yellow popcorn kernels
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt to taste
2-3 tbsp. butter

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high for one minute. Add one kernel of popcorn to the oil. When it pops, add the rest of the popcorn. Cover and shake gently until the corn begins to pop. Shake over the heat until the popping subsides. Remove from heat, and pour into a large bowl. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in spices. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Add salt to taste.

[cat lover]

A fun thing for the kids to make is:


Marshmallows

2 tbsp of gelatin
1/4 cup of water
2 cups of white sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup of mixed cornstarch & powdered sugar (1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar)


Soak the gelatin in 1/4 of a cup of cold water in a small bowl and set aside to swell for 10 minutes. In a large saucepan pour the sugar and second measure of water. Gently dissolve the sugar over a low heat stirring constantly. Add the swollen gelatin and dissolve. Raise the temperature and bring to the boil. Boil steadily but not vigorously for 15 minutes without stirring. Remove from the heat and allow to cool until luke warm. Add the vanilla extract and whisk the mixture with an electric mixer or beater until very thick and white. Rinse an 8 inch sponge roll tin or fudge dish under water and pour the marshmallow mixture into the wet tin. Refrigerate until set. Cut into squares and roll in mixed cornstarch and icing sugar.

Variations: To color the marshmallows add a couple of drops of food coloring. To make other flavored marshmallows use 1 teaspoon of peppermint, coffee, almond or other essence in place of the vanilla. Roll the marshmallows in toasted coconut in place of the cornstarch and icing sugar.

[cat lover]

This is very easy for kids to make: remember not to give honey to children under 1 year of age because honey may contain botulism toxins


Honey milk Balls


1/2 cup honey or corn syrup
1 cup dry powdered milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup raisins

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well; then knead by hand until blended. Shape into small balls. Makes two dozen balls.

[cat lover]

Gummy Candies

If you don't have candy molds, you can use mini-muffin tins or ice cube trays to form your gummie

1 package flavored gelatin
6 packages unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup water
2-3 candy molds, depending on the size of the cavities in the mold

Prepare candy molds by spraying with nonstick cooking spray. Combine unflavored gelatin, flavored gelatin, and cold water in a small saucepan. Stir until well mixed. Place saucepan on stove over medium heat. Continue stirring while mixture heats up and becomes liquid. Once mixture is fully liquid, remove from heat and pour into prepared molds*. Allow to cool slightly, then place in freezer for 10 minutes to solidify. Once solid, remove carefully from molds, and enjoy!
*If you don't have candy molds, you can use mini-muffin tins or ice cube trays to form your gummie

[cat lover]

Here's one even the smallest can fix and be proud of "cooking" their own lunch!


Peanut Butter & Jelly & Banana Sandwich

Two slices of whole grain bread
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
2 tbsp all fruit spread or preserves
1/2 one small, ripe banana, sliced


Spread one side of bread with peanut butter, and the other with fruit spread and/or preserves. Add sliced bananas to the peanut butter side and top with fruit spread side of bread. Serves 1

[barbszy]

I will SO have to try the Gummy recipe with the kids. Thanks!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Today I am making some Edible Playdough (http://www.familycorner.com/cgi-bin/sefer.cgi?display:1096932724-610.txt) for the GKs. One is 18 months and the other is 3, so this will be perfect for both kids to play with.

[cat lover]

Hot Dog Casserole
This is a main dish the kids can make; so when they are ready to make the main dish this is one most kids like if they like hot dogs!

2 cups cooked macaroni
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can cream of celery soup
1 pkg. hot dogs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp dill weed
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped


Cook macaroni as directed on pkg.and drain. Cut 6 hotdogs into bite size pieces .Spray 2 quart casserole with cooking spray. Combine macaroni, hotdogs and rest of ingredients in casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes uncovered. Place remaining hot dogs on top and bake 15 minutes more. Serves 6

[cat lover]

This is one the kids can make and proudly serve the whole family!

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

1 cup cooked chicken, cubed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 large can Veg-All mixed vegetables for stews
1/4 cup milk
1 unbaked refrigerated pie shell
1 baked refrigerated pie shell

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the pie crust and pour into the baked pie shell. Top with unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or till the top is golden brown.

[cat lover]

With the holidays coming soon this is an easy cookie recipe the kids can make with a little help depending on their age.

Chocolate Pudding Cookies

1 pkg. (4 serving size) instant chocolate pudding
1 cup Bisquick OR JIffy baking mix
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
peanut butter chips, plain m&m's, candy corn

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put pudding mix and baking mix into abowl. Mix together and add oil and egg. Mix together till mixture forms a ball. Take a small spoonful of dough and shape into a 1/2" ball. Place ball onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Shape rest of dough into 1/2" balls and place them about 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press your thumb into the middle of each ball to make a indentation. Put chips or candies into the indentation. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes or till lightly browned. Remove cookies from cookie sheet and place on wire racks to cool. Makes about 36 cookies

[cat lover]

This is a very easy salad for kids to make and depending on how MUCH you want to make determines the amounts of the ingredients; so not even measurements are needed; just a dump it in recipe!

Corn Salad

shoepeg corn, drained
red onion, diced
red and green sweet peppers, diced
tomatoes, diced
miracle whip

Combine drained corn, onion, peppers and tomoatoes. Add enough miracle whip to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate.

[cat lover]

This is a fairly easy recipe for kids to make as it uses a cake mix as the base!


Chocolate Oatmeal Cake Mix Cookies

1 package (approx. 18.25 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
3/4 cup toffee chips, or white chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts


Lightly grease a baking sheet. Heat oven to 350 degrees.Combine the cake mix in a mixing bowl with the oats, oil, and eggs and beat with an electric mixer on low speed just till moistened. Beat on high speed a few seconds to blend. Stir in the chips and chopped nuts. Drop on the prepared baking sheet from a tablespoon. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cookies cool for 1 minute in the pan and using a spatula carefully remove to a rack to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen 2"cookies.

[cat lover]

These are good and very easy to make!

Chocolate Nut Butter Bars


1 yellow cake mix
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
6 oz chocolate chips
1/2 cup broken peanuts


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13" pan. Combine cake mix, butter and one egg thoroughly. Press mixture evenly over bottom of pan. Beat other egg with milk and pour over crumb mixture in pan. Sprinkle chocolate and nuts over top. Bake about 35 minutes or till a toothpick comes out clean.

[cat lover]

Easy Fruit Cobbler

2 cans (1 lb 6 oz size) prepared fruit pie filling
1 pkg. ( 9 1/2 oz) refrigerator cinnamon rolls

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pour pie filling into an 11 x 7 x 1 1/2" baking dish. Heat in the oven till fruit is bubbling- about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. Put cinnamon rolls on the fruit and then bake about 20 minutes more. Good served with ice cream on top. 8 servings

[cat lover]

A very easy main dish for the kids to make


Adobe Chicken Stew

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lg onion, chopped fine
1 clove garlic; chopped fine
16 oz can tomatoes in juice
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup thawed frozen corn
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp pepper


Heat oil in medium size pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more. Add tomatoes with juice, chicken, corn, cinnamon, salt , cloves, cumin and pepper. Bring to boiling over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Serves 4

[cat lover]

These are a "fun" recipe for the kids to make

Magic Sweet Rolls


1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 - 8 oz can crescent rolls
8 large marshmallows
2 tbsp butter, melted
milk
sugar

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place cookie sheet in oven. Lightly grease 8 cups of a 12 cup muffin pan. Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon and set aside. Separate the crescent rolls. Roll marshmallow in butter and then into spice mixture. Place in middle of crescent dough. Pull sides up and completely seal marshmallow inside. Place in prepared muffin cup. Repeat with rest of dough and marshmallow. **Brush each roll with milk and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Fill empty muffin cups half way with water. Place muffin pan on cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes till golden brown. Serve warm.

**Or bake rolls as is. While rolls are baking, pour leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture into 1/4 cup measuring cup. Fill cup up with powdered sugar. In small bowl, add 1 teaspoon vanilla to sugar mixture. Stir in enough milk to make a glaze. Remove rolls from oven. Allow to sit in pan for 1 minute. Place rolls on serving platter. Drizzle glaze over all

[cat lover]

Saucy Franks

1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
14 oz catsup
14 cup water
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup pickle relish
1/4 tsp salt
dash pepper
1 pound frankfurters
hot dog buns for each hot dog

Heat a skillet to medium heat. Cook onion in olive oil till tender, but not brown. Stir in catsup, water, vinegar, sugar, relish, salt, pepper. For fancy franks cut round and round each frank but not all the way through. Add sauce to the skillet and lower the temperature to a simmer. Cover, and simmer till hot through, about 15 minnutes. Slice and toast the hot dog buns and butter them. Spoon frankfurters and dauce into the buns. Makes 8 to 10 servings

[cat lover]

Easy Caramel Sticky Buns

TOPPING

1/4 cup melted margarine
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp light corn syrup
1/4 cup chopped pecans

COATING

1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

BUNS

1 (10 oz) can Hungry Jack Refrigerated Flaky Biscuits

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cuos. In a bowl combine all topping ingredients and mix well. Spoon a scant tablespon of topping into each greased muffin cup. In another bowl combine the coating ingredients and mix well. Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces. Toss pieces in the coating mixture. Put 5 coated pieces of dough in each muffin cup. Place pan on a cookie sheet to quard against spillovers. Bake at 37 degrees about 15 to 20 mi utes or till golden brown. Cool in pan 1 minute then invert ontp wax paper. Makes 12 rolls

1 roll - 150 calories
18 g carbs
1 g dietary fiber
8 g fat
2 g polyunsat.
1 g saturated
0 mg cholesterol

Recipe from Pillsbury

[cat lover]

Chicken Fingers

1 egg
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves OR thighs cut into 1/2" strips
1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
Sweet & sour dipping sauce

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl beat the egg slightly and dip chciekn in egg then roll in bread crumbs you have placed in a shallow dish. Coat them evenly and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees about 15 minutes or till chicken is no longer pink and coating is crisp. Serve with dipping sauce. Makes about 30 fingers

[cat lover]

Muffin Pan Meat Loaf


Makes cute little mini loaves!


1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup herb seasoned stuffing mix
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vinegar
1/2 tsp dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first five ingredients and add ground beef and mix well. Spoon mixture into 18 muffin cups. Combine reamining ingredients and spread over the top of the meat loaves. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes 6 servings