Just as we would for our other science experiments, we talk about what we expect to happen and why. There is so much less pressure for the recipe to work when we are just making it as a fun rainy day activity rather than for a specific meal or event.
I have to admit, I’d put cooking/baking on the back burner. With three kids, cooking and baking became a never-ending chore rather than something I truly enjoyed doing. But our girls recently started watching Butterbean Cafe and it has definitely reignited an interest in baking and cooking. Our middle child is constantly asking to bake cupcakes, make smoothies, etc. It’s become a go-to activity for us. And I couldn’t be happier.
From learning how to crack an egg to cutting up an apple, there are tons of fun tasks for kids to practice in the kitchen. Mixing cinnamon and sugar together for toast, assembling the perfect ice cream sundae, or choosing the ideal ingredients for a strawberry smoothie. There are endless ways to be creative, take risks, and try something new.
Earlier this week we stepped out of our comfort zone and made profiteroles for the first time. I told my daughter that I was treating it like any other science experiment, it may work, it may not, but we will learn something either way. And, as a bonus, if the profiteroles completely flop, we could simply use the whipped cream and melted chocolate to make scrumptious ice cream sundaes. It’s a win-win. Well, the profiteroles ended up being delicious. Not bakery worthy, but a wonderful mid-week treat.
I am now constantly keeping my eyes open for creative ways our kids can join me in the kitchen. We have a step stool so they can more easily use the counter. And kid-friendly knifes for cutting up fruits and vegetables. Of course we don’t always have the time to make profiteroles, but I’m doing my best to find more time for a quick snack of cinnamon toast or a homemade strawberry smoothie.
