Fall Baking with Kids
Autumn is a perfect time for cooking up some fun and festive treats with the kids. Pies, pumpkins, apples, cinnamon, hot cider, pecans, breads and cookies are among the special goodies enjoyed by many. Here are some kid-friendly baking tips and recipes the family will love.
Preparing the Kitchen
Before you get your little bakers started, you’ll need to do some prep work. Find a few easy recipes the family will like. Read them over and make sure you have everything you need. Gather the ingredients, measuring cups, mixing bowls, baking sheets, and other cooking supplies. Get it all organized so no precious time will be wasted. Kids often have short attention spans.
Bring in the Kids
Let the fun begin! Expect things to get a little messy, but don’t stress about it. Making memories is so much more important than some spilled flour on the floor. Also, keep in mind that kids aren’t up to all of the baking tasks. There are times when you will need to step in and help. Keeping on top of the baking situation will reduce the chances of accidents or a botched recipe.
Kid-Friendly Recipes
Now, for the fun part. Here are a few favorite kid recipes they will be sure to gobble up!
Apple Crisp
This is a quick and easy recipe. The kids can usually handle mixing up apple slices in a baggie with sugar, a little flour and cinnamon. You may have to help them measure out the dry ingredients. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes this warm treat extra tasty.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Give this classic cookie a pumpkin flavor. Just toss in some pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar. These treats make great after-school snacks. Keep the recipe handy as you’ll likely make it again before you know it!
Apple Chips
These healthy chips are perfect for not-so-perfect apples kids tend to avoid. The main ingredients are apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Toss it all together and place the apple chips on a baking sheet. Make sure no apples overlap. Bake until the apples are dried, but still pliable. They will become crisp as they cool.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
This nutrient-rich snack will go quickly if you add the right spice mix. Once the seeds are seasoned, spread them onto a large baking sheet. Cook for 1-2 hours until the seeds are golden and crisp. The kids will enjoy scooping them out during the annual family pumpkin carving session!
Acorn Squash Fries
This healthy alternative to french fries is an excellent choice. Cut the squash into fry-shaped pieces. Add your favorite spices, or just salt and pepper. Bake until they turn golden brown and become crispy.
Cooking and Child Development
There are many benefits to having kids help in the kitchen. Cooking fosters valuable child development skills. The child has the task of completing a goal and cooking teaches them to focus and pay attention. Following a recipe also enhances their ability to listen and understand. Kids feel a sense of achievement when they complete a task successfully. Baking also enables children to enhance their fine and gross motor skills. It’s also a fun social activity.
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