My family, like so many others, have been spending so much time in the kitchen.
Despite the stacks of dishes and the occasional cursing in my head (yes, the other day, my kids literally flooded the kitchen sink), these are times I cherish most.
I love having my kids in the kitchen. Although it requires time, patience, and extra clean-up, the benefits and memories of cooking with them make it totally worth it.
Getting kids in the kitchen gives them a chance to explore foods with their other senses before it's time to taste.
When kids get to chop, mix, and explore their way through delicious dishes, they challenge their creativity and patience, explore new flavors and expand their taste buds, experience community, learn to be mindful of others, and enjoy and take pride in their creations. They will discover that cooking your own food can not only be easy but real fun too! I believe that no upbringing is complete without letting children explore the kitchen and giving them a basic knowledge of how to feed themselves!
Sophia and I are so honored to contribute to @hooligansmagazine 5 year anniversary issue “5 senses.” For all the recipes that Sophia and I made check out Hooligans Magazine latest issue "5 Senses:
Homemade Birthday Cake Granola with my daughter Sophia
Makes 5 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 - 25 minutes plus cooling
Ingredients
1/2 cup neutral oil, such as coconut or olive oil or melted butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sliced dry freeze strawberries
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Directions
Heat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together the oil, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to combine
Add the oats and stir to coat.
Spread the oats into an even layer out onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. The granola is ready when golden-brown and the oats have toasted a bit.
Remove from the oven, and let mixture cool completely. Granola will dry and crisps as it cools.
Once cooled completely give it a toss, add the sprinkles and freeze dried strawberries to combine.
Transfer the completely cooled granola to an airtight container. It will last up to a month.
Granola is delicious served with fruits and yogurt or top oatmeal for an added layer of crunch.
