Let's Get Cookin'

If you haven't tried cooking with a 4-year old, you don't know what you're missing.

This week my little one has been studying the letter "G".

So she pulls out this fabulous cookbook she received for her birthday, flips to a recipe for Granola, and says, "This is a G, can we make it?"

I know, brilliant.

If you haven't heard of Mollie Katzen, I encourage you to check her out.  She has some great cookbooks, for adults and little people.  My favorites are The Moosewood Cookbook and Simple Suppers.  My 4-year old loves Pretend Soup and Salad People.

So let's make Granola!

First ... collect the ingredients ...

... make sure you pose ...

... show Mommy the step by step instructions ...

... put it all in the bowl and start mixing ...

... like totally get your hands in it and squish away!

... and when Mommy's not looking ...

... sneak a taste.  I mean, who wouldn't do that?  You know you would.

Spread it in the pan and bake it.

When it comes out of the oven you add the dried fruit ...

and it looks like this:

Totally yummy!

Here's the recipe:

Letter "G" Granola

(adapted from Salad People by Mollie Katzen)

*mix together:

3 cups of old fashioned oats

2 cups of raw pecans

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup brown sugar

*whisk together:

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup honey

1 TBS vanilla

*pour over dry ingredients and mix well to coat.  Spread into greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking time.

Remove from oven and add 2 cups of dried fruit.  We used raisins and cranberries.  Toss well and let cool completely.  Then break up into chunks.  We love sprinkling it into yogurt!

Finally ...

... after all that hard work and learning, take a much deserved break!

Enjoy!