I received a text message from my husband around 9am; Benjamin was vomiting and my husband called off work to attend to our sick "baby" boy. Needless to say today's Christmas activity has been postponed but I can share two yummy recipes. Snickerdoodle Muffins- I made these for Benjamin's snack day at school. Roast Chicken with Caramelized Shallots - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this recipe! It's so simple and easy, I recently discovered it can be made in the crockpot (toss all the ingredients in a crockpot, cook on low for 8 hours) which is better yet :)!
Showing posts with label Kid Cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kid Cooking. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Christmas Cookies- Day 10
Every year a great group of girls that I've known since high school get together in December for our annual Christmas, we've been doing this since 1998. Last year we started a new tradition of awarding a golden spatula (an inexpensive kitchen spatula spray painted gold) for the best recipe that year, it was decided the golden spoon would be awarded for best Christmas cookies in 2011. Last year I won for my peppermint patty recipe; last night I gladly handed over the golden spatula to this years winner for her cookie truffle (I came in second).
This year I made Pecan Sugar Cookies and dark chocolate, chocolate chip cookies.
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie
1/2cup butter, softened
1/2 cups hortening
2 cup ssugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pecan Filling
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour.
Press a rounded teaspoon of pastry evenly into the bottom and up the sides of 24 ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin cups.
For pecan filling, in a bowl beat egg, brown sugar, and the 1 tablespoon melted butter until combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of filling into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is puffed. Cool slightly in pan. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 24 cookies.
Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip (or sugar cookie) mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1 egg 1
1 package Wilton dark candy melts
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, orange extract and egg until soft dough forms.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave candy melts uncovered on High for 45 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips are melted. Dip each cookie halfway into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on waxed paper and let stand until chocolate is set, at least 2 hours. To quickly set chocolate, refrigerate cookies 15 minutes. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container at room temperature.
Bedtime Story Day 10- The Little Shepherd Girl: A Christmas Story
This year I made Pecan Sugar Cookies and dark chocolate, chocolate chip cookies.
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie
1/2cup butter, softened
1/2 cups hortening
2 cup ssugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pecan Filling
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat mixture until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour.
Press a rounded teaspoon of pastry evenly into the bottom and up the sides of 24 ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin cups.
For pecan filling, in a bowl beat egg, brown sugar, and the 1 tablespoon melted butter until combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of filling into each pastry-lined muffin cup. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until pastry is golden and filling is puffed. Cool slightly in pan. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 24 cookies.
Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® chocolate chip (or sugar cookie) mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
1 egg 1
1 package Wilton dark candy melts
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, orange extract and egg until soft dough forms.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave candy melts uncovered on High for 45 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips are melted. Dip each cookie halfway into melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on waxed paper and let stand until chocolate is set, at least 2 hours. To quickly set chocolate, refrigerate cookies 15 minutes. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container at room temperature.
Bedtime Story Day 10- The Little Shepherd Girl: A Christmas Story
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Marshmallow Christmas Tree- Day 7
Marshmallow Christmas Tree- Day 7
Planning with Kids
Materials:
Mini Marshmallows
Melting White Chocolate (I used Wilton)
Wax Paper
Cellophane Bags
Ribbon
Instructions:
1 Heat chocolate on high for 45 seconds in a microwave safe bowl, stir.
2.Heat on high for further 10 second intervals until completely melted.
4.Line a small tray with wax paper.
5.Dip a marshmallow into the chocolate, so it is covered with about 3mm chocolate on the base.
6.Place marshmallow onto the wax paper and begin making row of 5 marshmallows. Gently press marshmallows together as you build the tree.
7.Continue this process, making rows of 4, 3, 2 and 1.
8.Add the final marshmallow to the base of the tree. Keep excess chocolate.
9.Place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
10.Take marshmallow Christmas tree out of the freezer and peel off baking paper.
12.Place the tree gently back on to the baking paper and place in the freezer for a few more minutes until the chocolate has set.
13. Place the marshmallow Christmas tree into a cellophane bag and tie shut with a ribbon.
Bedtime story day 3- Olive, the Other Reindeer
Planning with Kids
Materials:
Mini Marshmallows
Melting White Chocolate (I used Wilton)
Wax Paper
Cellophane Bags
Ribbon
Instructions:
1 Heat chocolate on high for 45 seconds in a microwave safe bowl, stir.
2.Heat on high for further 10 second intervals until completely melted.
4.Line a small tray with wax paper.
5.Dip a marshmallow into the chocolate, so it is covered with about 3mm chocolate on the base.
6.Place marshmallow onto the wax paper and begin making row of 5 marshmallows. Gently press marshmallows together as you build the tree.
7.Continue this process, making rows of 4, 3, 2 and 1.
8.Add the final marshmallow to the base of the tree. Keep excess chocolate.
9.Place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
10.Take marshmallow Christmas tree out of the freezer and peel off baking paper.
12.Place the tree gently back on to the baking paper and place in the freezer for a few more minutes until the chocolate has set.
13. Place the marshmallow Christmas tree into a cellophane bag and tie shut with a ribbon.
Bedtime story day 3- Olive, the Other Reindeer
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Hot Chocolate- Day 6
Need something to go along with all those yummy Christmas cookies, why not a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate?
Ingredients
Half a milk chocolate Hershey bar, broken into pieces
2 cups milk
Whipped cream, optional
Directions
Heat milk and chocolate on low heat until chocolate is melted, stir occasionally so chocolate doesn't burn. Garnish with whipped cream
For the over 21 crowd!
Ingredients
4 cups milk
4 pieces milk chocolate Hershey bar, broken into pieces
2 Tbsp Creme de Coco
3 Tbsp Amaretto
Whipped cream, optional
Directions
Heat milk and chocolate on low heat until chocolate is melted, stir occasionally so chocolate doesn't burn. Garnish with whipped cream
Bedtime story day 6- A New Improved Santa
Ingredients
Half a milk chocolate Hershey bar, broken into pieces
2 cups milk
Whipped cream, optional
Directions
Heat milk and chocolate on low heat until chocolate is melted, stir occasionally so chocolate doesn't burn. Garnish with whipped cream
For the over 21 crowd!
Ingredients
4 cups milk
4 pieces milk chocolate Hershey bar, broken into pieces
2 Tbsp Creme de Coco
3 Tbsp Amaretto
Whipped cream, optional
Directions
Heat milk and chocolate on low heat until chocolate is melted, stir occasionally so chocolate doesn't burn. Garnish with whipped cream
Bedtime story day 6- A New Improved Santa
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Instructions½ cups water (add more water later if required)
½ cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup oats
Directions
Blend wet ingredients together. Whisk dry ingredients together and mix into wet mixture to form a ball of dough. Roll out and shape. Put onto a non-stick cookie tray or lightly greased one. Cook 20 minutes at 400 F. Turn off oven and allow the biscuits to cool in oven until crisp and hard. Store in airtight container.
Biscuit Donuts
Biscuit Donuts
My husband shared this recipe with me years ago, it's from his Boy Scout days.
Ingredients
Refrigerated Biscuits
Vegetable oil
Directions
Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees. Open biscuits, separate, place a hole in the center. You can use the holes for donut holes or roll them into a few large donuts.
Have an adult place the doughnuts in the deep fryer one at a time. As you see them browning on one side, carefully flip them over and let them brown on the other side. Once both sides are brown remove from oil and let cool on a paper towel, you can then coat the donuts (powder sugar, cinnamon & sugar, glaze, chocolate frosting...)
My husband shared this recipe with me years ago, it's from his Boy Scout days.
Ingredients
Refrigerated Biscuits
Vegetable oil
Directions
Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees. Open biscuits, separate, place a hole in the center. You can use the holes for donut holes or roll them into a few large donuts.
Have an adult place the doughnuts in the deep fryer one at a time. As you see them browning on one side, carefully flip them over and let them brown on the other side. Once both sides are brown remove from oil and let cool on a paper towel, you can then coat the donuts (powder sugar, cinnamon & sugar, glaze, chocolate frosting...)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's
I've never been a big fan of Valentine's Day, I'm sure it doesn't help that my birthday is two days later and knowing that I'll be showered with love, happiness and smiles at that time; however two years ago Valentine's took on a new meaning. On February 9, 2009 my husband and I were ecstatic to find out we were pregnant, a few short days later I started bleeding (not spotting, bleeding with clots), I frantically called my OB/gyn. Every other day for the next few days I was at the doctors' having blood test done, on February 14th I received a phone call from the practice informing me my hCG levels weren't rising like they should, they wanted to see me early morning on February 16th (my birthday) for another blood test and ultrasound in the afternoon. The doctor then tells me that they believe since my numbers did go up slightly that most likely it's an ectopic pregnancy, ending the conversation with a HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND. February 16th I rushed to the lab, had blood drawn then impatiently waited by the phone; around noon my OB/gyn called with the BEST birthday present ever...the hCG levels more then doubled, the baby I was carrying was growing in my uterus! That night my birthday dinner turned into a celebration of life, after everything we had been through the previous week we decided not to wait any longer and share the news with our parents (my mom already figured it out). God answers prayers, today that little baby I thought for sure I had lost is now a happy, healthy, smiling, curious little 15 month old; "I love you yesterday, today and tomorrow too"!
I cheated on Valentine’s cards this year; I’ve been extremely busy (more on that below) and needed a craft that wouldn’t require a lot of time, off to A.C. Moore we went. I found Creative Hands sm’ART Kit, it made 24 “Glitter Too Cool Hearts” and best part according to Benjamin…STICKERS! Benjamin placed the sticker faces on the hearts, on the back of he drew pictures for his friends and I wrote a short message wishing them a happy Valentine’s Day.
I’m thrilled to announce that I accepted a job offer and begin working on Monday, I’m beyond excited to be back in my career but it is also accompanied by anxiety when I think about being away from my babies 40 hours a week. To slightly help ease the anxiety, I’ve loved on my boys extra special this past week and planned special activites together. One of the days we went to Babies R’ Us and Build A Bear to pick up a leave at the sitter fuzzy blankie for Hayden and a Bear for Benjamin. Since I’ll be missing out on early afternoon cuddles and story time I picked up All the Ways I Love You, this will allow me to “read” to my babies while I’m at work.
My husband and I have solely raised the boys, I’m finding it difficult to hand the reins off to someone else for 6 hours a day. My sister is going to watch the boys; she’s WONDERFUL with kids making this process a lot easier! I can honestly say I'm not worried about leaving them with her, I know Benjamin will be just fine (daily interaction with other kids his own age will do him good) but Hayden is a MAJOR mommy’s boy and has been clinging to me for dear life (he knows something is up); Hayden has only known me as a stay-at-home mom. We have Benjamin on the waiting list for a 2-3 day a week full day preschool program, which I think he’ll really enjoy.
I’ve enjoyed and cherished the time I’ve had with my boys, being there for their firsts and I’ll miss the field trips, crafts, afternoon cuddles, play dates, etc. But I’m ready to start my career again (I paid a lot of money for a degree and I don’t want to lose my skills) and I truly believe in my heart that this is the best thing for everyone in my family.
I cheated on Valentine’s cards this year; I’ve been extremely busy (more on that below) and needed a craft that wouldn’t require a lot of time, off to A.C. Moore we went. I found Creative Hands sm’ART Kit, it made 24 “Glitter Too Cool Hearts” and best part according to Benjamin…STICKERS! Benjamin placed the sticker faces on the hearts, on the back of he drew pictures for his friends and I wrote a short message wishing them a happy Valentine’s Day.
On the menu for Valentine's Day
Breakfast- Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Lunch- Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Sandwiches & Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake (my husband made the cheesecake for me for a family dinner on Saturday)
Dinner- Braciole
Dessert- Raspberry Souffle
I’m thrilled to announce that I accepted a job offer and begin working on Monday, I’m beyond excited to be back in my career but it is also accompanied by anxiety when I think about being away from my babies 40 hours a week. To slightly help ease the anxiety, I’ve loved on my boys extra special this past week and planned special activites together. One of the days we went to Babies R’ Us and Build A Bear to pick up a leave at the sitter fuzzy blankie for Hayden and a Bear for Benjamin. Since I’ll be missing out on early afternoon cuddles and story time I picked up All the Ways I Love You, this will allow me to “read” to my babies while I’m at work.
My husband and I have solely raised the boys, I’m finding it difficult to hand the reins off to someone else for 6 hours a day. My sister is going to watch the boys; she’s WONDERFUL with kids making this process a lot easier! I can honestly say I'm not worried about leaving them with her, I know Benjamin will be just fine (daily interaction with other kids his own age will do him good) but Hayden is a MAJOR mommy’s boy and has been clinging to me for dear life (he knows something is up); Hayden has only known me as a stay-at-home mom. We have Benjamin on the waiting list for a 2-3 day a week full day preschool program, which I think he’ll really enjoy.
I’ve enjoyed and cherished the time I’ve had with my boys, being there for their firsts and I’ll miss the field trips, crafts, afternoon cuddles, play dates, etc. But I’m ready to start my career again (I paid a lot of money for a degree and I don’t want to lose my skills) and I truly believe in my heart that this is the best thing for everyone in my family.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Easy Berry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
1 lbs Strawberries
8 oz Rasberries
8 oz Blackberries
1 cup Superfine Sugar
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
1 to 3 Tbsp Confectioner's Sugar
8 oz Rasberries
8 oz Blackberries
1 cup Superfine Sugar
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
1 to 3 Tbsp Confectioner's Sugar
Directions:
1. Wash your fruit, pick out any bits of stalk, and hull the strawberries.
1. Wash your fruit, pick out any bits of stalk, and hull the strawberries.
2. Put fuit and superfine sugar in a pan, cover, and cook slowly for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. When the berries let out their juices, turn up the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Let the fuit cook. then blend it until it's smooth.
5. Pour the blended fruit through a strainer to remove the seeds.
6. Pour the strained fruit into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid.
7. Put the cream in a bowl and whip it until it forms soft peaks when you lift the whisk.
8. Let the frozen berries thaw for 5 minutes, then roughly chop in a food processor. Add the cream.
9. Whizz to combine. Add confectioner's sugar to taste. Serve now (it is very soft), or freeze for an hour before serving.
Sorry for the horrible picture, I had to use my crappy cell phonecamera since I left my Canon Rebel in another area of the house.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
After the Holidays
After 25 Days of Christmas Projects I needed a break from organized/planned projects, while taking a break we’ve been
playing with our Christmas toys.
Reading books we received for Christmas.
Enjoying the popcorn popper pop-pop (grandpa) gave us on New Year's Day.
Learning to climb step ladders..oy!
Playing, eating and learning to walk in snow.
And we made Cake Pops
I’ve been reading a lot about Cake Pops on food blogs and on Family Fun, I decided to check the book out of the library. The recipe was super simple, with just a little bit of help from myself, Benjamin was able to make all the Cake Pops himself.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Holiday Baking- Day 10
Holiday Baking- Day 10
A group of friends that I went to high school with have been getting together every year at Christmas since 1998; every so often we introduce a new tradition to the Christmas party. This year is the first annual golden spatula award (an inexpensive kitchen spatula spray painted gold), it was decided the golden spoon would be awarded for best Christmas cookies. Since the Christmas party is December 10th, my little helper Benjamin and I were busy baking today. Our recipes Peppermint Patties, Aut-yum Leaves (we used a Christmas tree cookie cutter instead of a leaf) and Coffee Spice Cookies.
Tomorrow the playgroup the boys are involved with is hosting a Christmas party, I volunteered to bring White Chocolate Cranberry Bread however we made muffins instead of loaves of bread.
*UPDATE- Benjamin and I won the golden spatula for the peppermint patty recipe!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Gingerbread House- Day 6
Gingerbread House- Day 6
Gingerbread house with a 1 year old= epic fail but tons of laughs and many memories :)!
Materials:
Gingerbread House Kit (I purchased our kit at BJ's Warehouse and paid around $10 for it).
Instructions:
Follow directions in kit.
Gingerbread house with a 1 year old= epic fail but tons of laughs and many memories :)!
Materials:
Gingerbread House Kit (I purchased our kit at BJ's Warehouse and paid around $10 for it).
Instructions:
Follow directions in kit.
Thank you Photoshop contacts sheet in helpingdocument our gingerbread house making accurately! :)
File/Automate/Contact Sheet II
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Halloween Activities
Pumpkin Taco Biscuits
Ingredients
1 lbs Ground Beef
Taco Seasoning Packet
Canned Corn
Taco Cheese
8 Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
Instructions
Prepare ground beef according to taco seasoning packet directions. Roll buttermilk biscuits until approximately 1/8” thick; place one biscuit into a small round dish (such as a ramekin dish), place a few spoonfuls of taco meat, corn and taco cheese on top of biscuit, top with another biscuit. Cut a jack-o-latern face out of the top biscuit. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until biscuits are no longer doughy.
Ingredients
1 lbs Ground Beef
Taco Seasoning Packet
Canned Corn
Taco Cheese
8 Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
Instructions
Prepare ground beef according to taco seasoning packet directions. Roll buttermilk biscuits until approximately 1/8” thick; place one biscuit into a small round dish (such as a ramekin dish), place a few spoonfuls of taco meat, corn and taco cheese on top of biscuit, top with another biscuit. Cut a jack-o-latern face out of the top biscuit. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until biscuits are no longer doughy.
Craft Foam Pumpkin
Materials
9”x12” Orange Craft Foam
Craft Foam Stickers, Crayons, Markers, Paint…
Directions:
Using a pumpkin stencil I designed, I traced the shape onto orange craft foam, cut out the pumpkins and had the kiddos decorate their pumpkins however they chose.
Template
Pumpkin Painting Party
I have the boys signed up for a playgroup; October 12th one of the moms hosted a pumpkin painting party. The children each brought their own pumpkins, art smock or old shirt; the host provided the painting supplies, snacks and apple cider.
Cat Hand Prints
Materials
Construction Paper
Googly Eyes
Crayons, Markers, Paint…
Directions
Trace child’s hand print onto construction paper, cut out. Make a face shape on construction paper and cut out; you can use a circular object such as a cup and add two triangles for ears. Glue cut out hand print and head together, add googly eyes and let your child color/design their cat.
The designs we used to carve our pumpkins; I found these silhouettes on Google.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Hayden's 1st Birthday
My bright blue eyed, smiling, giggling, sweet, adorable, 24 ½ lbs, 31” baby is officially a one year old walking toddler {sniff}. I can’t get over how quickly the last twelve months have flown by; it’s almost a blur. While Hayden is curious about everything and very observant, he’s just as cuddly at twelve months (sounds better then saying 1 year old, which I’m still in denial about) as he was at birth. As much as I hate seeing my children in pain, I have to admit I’m digging the late night teething wake-up calls and holding him close as he falls back to sleep in my arms; Hayden is totally a mommy’s boy, after a few minutes of being held by someone else he’s reaching is arms out to me, calling “mama” and when he’s upset daddy just isn’t good enough…only mommy can calm him ;).
Though parenting has its frustrating/overwhelming moments, I love being a mommy; watching Benjamin and Hayden play together always brings a small to my face. Benjamin can be a bit of a bully at times but there is no doubt in my mind he’d protect his baby brother if the situation ever arises; one of the first things Benjamin asks in the morning is “see Hayden”, and he’s constantly hugging and kissing his brother. Both my babies were playing soccer together last night (ending with a knot on Hayden’s forehead); watching them, I had an overwhelming feeling the boys will be very close and best friends.
Hayden’s birthday party was October 16th, a few days early to work with the grandparents’ schedules. I had a Halloween themed party for Hayden; I asked the kids to dress up in costumes and adults to wear festive shirts, also incorporated the theme in the decorations and food. I kept the menu fairly simple and prepared as much of the food as I could the day before; my husband grilled hot dogs, I set out a vegetable platter, chips, dips, salsa, candy corn, snack-o-lanern (recipe I used: 20 ounces can pineapple chunks, drained / "guts from oranges / 1 cup mini marshmallows / 1 cup coconut flakes / 1 jar marchino cherries / 8 oz Cool Whip) , punch (7up and Hawaiian punch mix) and apple cider. For Hayden’s smash cake I made a rainbow cake decorated like a jack-o-lantern and for the guests I made pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting decorated with chocolate shaped bats.
I invited a lot of “older” kids to Hayden’s first party, to keep them occupied I purchased Halloween craft foam stickers from the Dollar Tree along with 9”x12” orange craft foam which I cut out in the shapes for pumpkins; I had the kids decorate their pumpkins with stickers & crayons. Benjamin and I made a pinata a week or two prior to Hayden’s birthday, I painted (kids don’t leave much free time to cover a piñata in crepe paper) the piñata like a jack-o-lantern; I filled it will popcorn balls, glow sticks, Halloween straws and miniature candy bars. For party favors I molded chocolate into Halloween shapes and gave the kiddos miniature pumpkins.
Almost all the decorations, plates, cups and utensils were purchased at the Dollar Tree; I made a photo banner of Hayden’s first year and blew up and strung balloons together the night before.
Hayden’s actually birthday was October 20th, I took the kids to Pine View Dairy for ice cream and pet the calves; when daddy came home from work it was off to play at the park and dinner and more fun at Chuck E. Cheese.
Pinata
Craft Foam pumpkin cut out and craft foam Halloween stickers
FOOD!!!
pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
rainbow cake
Molded chocolates
Mini pumpkins
Chocolate Bat Template
Though parenting has its frustrating/overwhelming moments, I love being a mommy; watching Benjamin and Hayden play together always brings a small to my face. Benjamin can be a bit of a bully at times but there is no doubt in my mind he’d protect his baby brother if the situation ever arises; one of the first things Benjamin asks in the morning is “see Hayden”, and he’s constantly hugging and kissing his brother. Both my babies were playing soccer together last night (ending with a knot on Hayden’s forehead); watching them, I had an overwhelming feeling the boys will be very close and best friends.
Hayden’s birthday party was October 16th, a few days early to work with the grandparents’ schedules. I had a Halloween themed party for Hayden; I asked the kids to dress up in costumes and adults to wear festive shirts, also incorporated the theme in the decorations and food. I kept the menu fairly simple and prepared as much of the food as I could the day before; my husband grilled hot dogs, I set out a vegetable platter, chips, dips, salsa, candy corn, snack-o-lanern (recipe I used: 20 ounces can pineapple chunks, drained / "guts from oranges / 1 cup mini marshmallows / 1 cup coconut flakes / 1 jar marchino cherries / 8 oz Cool Whip) , punch (7up and Hawaiian punch mix) and apple cider. For Hayden’s smash cake I made a rainbow cake decorated like a jack-o-lantern and for the guests I made pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting decorated with chocolate shaped bats.
I invited a lot of “older” kids to Hayden’s first party, to keep them occupied I purchased Halloween craft foam stickers from the Dollar Tree along with 9”x12” orange craft foam which I cut out in the shapes for pumpkins; I had the kids decorate their pumpkins with stickers & crayons. Benjamin and I made a pinata a week or two prior to Hayden’s birthday, I painted (kids don’t leave much free time to cover a piñata in crepe paper) the piñata like a jack-o-lantern; I filled it will popcorn balls, glow sticks, Halloween straws and miniature candy bars. For party favors I molded chocolate into Halloween shapes and gave the kiddos miniature pumpkins.
Almost all the decorations, plates, cups and utensils were purchased at the Dollar Tree; I made a photo banner of Hayden’s first year and blew up and strung balloons together the night before.
Hayden’s actually birthday was October 20th, I took the kids to Pine View Dairy for ice cream and pet the calves; when daddy came home from work it was off to play at the park and dinner and more fun at Chuck E. Cheese.
Pinata
Craft Foam pumpkin cut out and craft foam Halloween stickers
FOOD!!!
pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
rainbow cake
Molded chocolates
Mini pumpkins
Chocolate Bat TemplateSaturday, October 9, 2010
3rd Birthday Party
{sigh} My first born is the big 0-3; I found myself drifting back to October 2, 2007, going through the motions of that day in my mind. Two days after Benjamin turned 3 my husband and I quickly noticed our toddler was “changing”, he’s testing boundaries every chance he gets and we’ve had to come up with new ways to discipline (horrendous 3's is an understatement). Though my little man has become a little rebel, I’m enjoying his newfound cuddliness; which somewhat makes it easier to swallow walking into his bedroom to discover he had torn down his wallpaper boarder, bullying his baby brother, talking back, peeing on a toy, snapping my wireless mouse/keyboard receiver in half, refusing to wear clothes…
I kept Benjamin’s 3rd birthday low key; invited a few family members and neighbors for cake, ice cream and munchies; when I started thinking about his birthday party he was going through a Curious George phase and choose that for his theme.
We started off the day with waffles served with grandma’s homemade strawberry jelly, topped with whip cream and a birthday candle. After breakfast we headed to Please Touch Museum; all four of us had a BLAST, thanks to my father-in-law for purchasing an “American Children’s Museum pass for the boys’ birthday we’ll be going back along with checking out other nearby museums. Though we could have spent more time at the Please Touch Museum we had to head home around 3:30pm for dinner and Benjamin’s party. For the party I made Monkey Mix, Monkey Munchie Cupcakes, punch (7up and Hawaiian punch mix), Circus Peanuts and chips. Oh- I found an AWESOME tip for making cupcakes to cut down on cake batter splatters and to allow your child to help; cut a 1/4"-1/2" tip on a corner of a sandwhich bag (I used a clean squeezable container), place batter inside container and squeeze into each wrapper.
Birthday Invitation- Someone didn't want to participate in mommy's photo shoot.
Please Touch Museum
Please Touch Museum
Monkey Munchie Cupcakes
Awesome wrappers I found at the grocery store, Reynolds StayBrite
I kept Benjamin’s 3rd birthday low key; invited a few family members and neighbors for cake, ice cream and munchies; when I started thinking about his birthday party he was going through a Curious George phase and choose that for his theme.
We started off the day with waffles served with grandma’s homemade strawberry jelly, topped with whip cream and a birthday candle. After breakfast we headed to Please Touch Museum; all four of us had a BLAST, thanks to my father-in-law for purchasing an “American Children’s Museum pass for the boys’ birthday we’ll be going back along with checking out other nearby museums. Though we could have spent more time at the Please Touch Museum we had to head home around 3:30pm for dinner and Benjamin’s party. For the party I made Monkey Mix, Monkey Munchie Cupcakes, punch (7up and Hawaiian punch mix), Circus Peanuts and chips. Oh- I found an AWESOME tip for making cupcakes to cut down on cake batter splatters and to allow your child to help; cut a 1/4"-1/2" tip on a corner of a sandwhich bag (I used a clean squeezable container), place batter inside container and squeeze into each wrapper.
Birthday Invitation- Someone didn't want to participate in mommy's photo shoot. 
Birthday Breakfast
Please Touch Museum
Please Touch Museum
Monkey Munchie Cupcakes
Awesome wrappers I found at the grocery store, Reynolds StayBrite
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Frozen Peanut Butter & Jelly
If your kids are anything like mine and love peanut butter and jelly but unfortunately end up wearing half the gooeyness on themselves, then do I have a wonderful little tool to share with you. Thanks to the wonderful people at Pampered Chef there is a solution to this problem without having to spend $$$ on Crustables; Cut-N-Seal® will allow you (or you child) to cut perfectly sealed PB&J sandwiches that can be thrown in the freezer. I pick up a cheap loaf of bread at the grocery store and pop out a couple weeks worth of sandwiches with the loaf.
Though I advice you to follow your doctor's advice on introducing peanuts and nuts to your child, these sandwiches make a great frozen teething relief. Hey- when your 2 year old "shoves" a spoonful of peanut butter in his baby brother mouth and there is no allergic reaction, that indicates to me he doesn't have a peanut allergy.
Though I advice you to follow your doctor's advice on introducing peanuts and nuts to your child, these sandwiches make a great frozen teething relief. Hey- when your 2 year old "shoves" a spoonful of peanut butter in his baby brother mouth and there is no allergic reaction, that indicates to me he doesn't have a peanut allergy.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Watermelon Pops
Watermelon Pops
Family Fun
Materials
Watermelon
Popsicle Sticks
Cookie Cutters
Family Fun
Materials
Watermelon
Popsicle Sticks
Cookie Cutters
Instructions
Use a cookie cutter to cut juicy star shapes from 1-inch-thick slices of seedless watermelon. Insert a Popsicle stick into each star, then set the pops on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Cover the stars with another sheet of foil and freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
We made half the watermelon cut-outs into popsicles and took the remaining along to a family gathering; our relatives were impressed with my son's work for art. While my two year old prefers fresh watermelon, my teething ten month old is digging the frozen fruit on his gums.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mini Caesar Salad
Mini Caesar Salad
The Toodler Cookbook
Ingredients
for croutons
3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
2-3 slices White Bread
for dressing
1/2 clove garlic (optional)
6 tbsp Mayonnaise
1/4 tsp Lemon Juice
4-5 drops Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp cold Water
for salad
2 hearts of romaine or 4 small bibb lettuces, leaves washed and dried
Directions
Using a small cookie cutter, cut shapes into bread. Arrange breadon a tray, toast under a broiler. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese over toasted croutons, place back in broiler until cheese is melted. Crush the garlic, put in a salad bowl with other dressing ingredients and remaining Parmesan, mix well. Toss lettuce with dressing, place croutons on top.
Try it...
with chicken
Griddle 2 chicken breasts that have been marinated for an hour in olive oil, a little lemon juice and a clove of crushed garlic. Slice and scatter over salad.
with Bacon
Broil 8 strips of bacon until crisp. Crumble and scatter over the salad.
The Toodler Cookbook
Ingredients
for croutons
3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
2-3 slices White Bread
for dressing
1/2 clove garlic (optional)
6 tbsp Mayonnaise
1/4 tsp Lemon Juice
4-5 drops Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp cold Water
for salad
2 hearts of romaine or 4 small bibb lettuces, leaves washed and dried
Directions
Using a small cookie cutter, cut shapes into bread. Arrange breadon a tray, toast under a broiler. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese over toasted croutons, place back in broiler until cheese is melted. Crush the garlic, put in a salad bowl with other dressing ingredients and remaining Parmesan, mix well. Toss lettuce with dressing, place croutons on top.
Try it...
with chicken
Griddle 2 chicken breasts that have been marinated for an hour in olive oil, a little lemon juice and a clove of crushed garlic. Slice and scatter over salad.
with Bacon
Broil 8 strips of bacon until crisp. Crumble and scatter over the salad.
Personal Pizzas
Personal Pizzas
Kids Cooking: A Very Slightly Messy Manual
Ingredients
4 English Muffins
8 oz Pizza Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese (as much as you like)
Parmesan Cheese (as much as you like)
Topping Suggestions
Mini Pepperoni
Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
Scallions
Ham
Black Olives, sliced
Sweet Pepers, sliced
Garlic
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Carefully split open the English Muffins, place on a cookie sheet. Open pizza sauce, spread 1-2 tablespoons of sauce evenly on each muffin. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, place desired topping on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Kids Cooking: A Very Slightly Messy Manual
Ingredients
4 English Muffins
8 oz Pizza Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese (as much as you like)
Parmesan Cheese (as much as you like)
Topping Suggestions
Mini Pepperoni
Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
Scallions
Ham
Black Olives, sliced
Sweet Pepers, sliced
Garlic
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Carefully split open the English Muffins, place on a cookie sheet. Open pizza sauce, spread 1-2 tablespoons of sauce evenly on each muffin. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, place desired topping on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
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