Yummylicious!

Nothing beats time in the kitchen with your kids. I don't think it's even possible to recount all the minutes we spent years ago stirring up something fun and yummy. Kids are always attracted to a special kind of treat, especially when they are involved in the process of creating it.

My four children are all in their twenties now, yet they remember our food "projects" and their sticky fingers and giggles that went along with them. Some of our special "blends" were simple, and some far more sophisticated! But whatever we made, it was artwork waiting to be swallowed.   

I've gathered recipes from our most popular edibles and eats, the favorites that stand out in our memories. They still bring a smile to our face when we remember how we assembled so often to discover the joy of mixing up some concoction so new and tasty. Kitchen day announcements always brought everyone to attention, as they anticipated it was a moment to discover what mom had in store.

Getting creative with food was always intended to accomplish way more than just getting a satisfied belly. When Mark was first learning fractions in homeschool, and those darn numbers in the book just didn't make any sense, his assignments were to find recipes that had 5-10 fractions in it and make whatever it was. Measuring spoons and cups suddenly had a value!

Rainy days never prevented us from packing a picnic. Spreading out a blanket on the floor and setting the "table" with our hand crafted delicacies was always a thrill.

Birthdays always warranted a special treat, and in our house it was a pancake breakfast, complete with mini chocolate chips sprinkled atop; except the pancakes were made in the shape of their initial.

The kids enjoyed playing restaurant. We set up the kitchen with a divider to create the effect of a server coming out from behind an area to bring the food. Ethnic foods were sometimes prepared, along with the traditional attire from that nation. The best part of the evening was that the "server" got tipped, just like in a real restaurant.

We loved crafts. Especially when the craft supplies were all food! The ideas were endless back then, homemade treats were devoured with delight!

Sleepovers always meant that the guest's creation of a special treat needed to be included in the agenda. Individually designed pizzas was like having art class. Bowls of assorted toppings allowed for the imagination to create awesome faces on their own circle of dough.



Christmas meant bags of chocolate dipped goodies were prepared in bulk to give as gifts. Pretzels, oreos, nuts, rice-chex etc. were an excellent combination of easy-to-dunk delectables. The snitching was really the fun part!

A birthday party was the perfect excuse to indulge in hand crafted designs. Braided and twisted pretzel dough caught the attention of the guests, as many of them had never explored the variety of shapes ones imagination could display! After sprinkling kosher salt and baking, the kids marveled at their incredible artwork!




When friends would come and play, and forts were made under the dining room table, or a tent was erected on their bed, it was only fitting that a special treat accompanied the adventure.

Marshmallow Taffy - Start with two, and as the goo stretches, keep adding
     another marshmallow. Keep adding and stretching till every one's fingers
     get tired. Then eat it!

Charlie Brown Cookbook Cheese Balls - Mix flour, butter and grated cheese
     and shape into balls about the size of a quarter.
     Bake 350 for 15 minutes and cool.     

Frosties - Stir unsweetened cocoa into a couple scoops of vanilla bean ice cream
     and stir till smooth.

Ice Cream Sandwiches - Cookies and ice cream of your choice

Dinner on a skewer - Prepare chunks of cooked food and let kids assemble.

Edible Decorating Glue - Spread or drizzle honey on top of baked good,
     then sprinkle shredded coconut flakes, toasted wheat germ,
     crunched up pretzels, chopped nuts, sesame seeds, raisins etc.
     Good way to sneak nutrition into the fun!

Cream Cheese "Frosting" - stir some chopped fresh fruit into it and create
     a confetti topping for muffins and bagels.

Egg Yolk Paint - Blend 1/4 teas. water with one egg yolk and then divide
     into several small dishes. Drop some food coloring into each dish
     and stir. Paint designs on cookie dough, pretzel dough and other
     bakery before baking. 

This page, or any other page on the internet cannot contain the amount of
explosive ideas out there for kids to indulge in. Creativity never gets old,
no matter what age you are.
So, get into the kitchen, see what foods you have, and get busy!