Jello

JELLO!!! Easiest, Best snack to make with kids! 

Ok so there is some sugar in it but it's fun to introduce science: steam, evaporation, dissolving, etc. 

Red food is a fav in our house, so raspberry was an easy choice. 

I showed them how to stir slowly and gently so they didn't splash and stain. I demonstrated how the red dye can stain and cause problems with clothes, towels, rugs, etc. One reason the don't have shirts on right now :) 

We discussed the idea of steam, what is it, where it comes from, etc. 

                       

They each got turns mixing, dissolving, and telling the difference between hot and cold water. 

Fun in the kitchen with kids!!!!!

I love giving my little ones more vocabulary everyday and letting them practice. Make sure you give your little ones the chance to practice the words they hear you use. Making time, having conversations builds such strong foundations for language and their use of it! 

Sweet Letters

Cooking or Baking with kids is such a great activity.

This provides so many opportunities to talk with your kids about what you are doing, helping their vocabulary grow, practice measuring/reading recipes/learning fractions, and bringing out the creativity in your child. 

 

We made simple sugar cookies (our recipe was from Betty Crocker, a classic)  and then made an easy royal icing frosting to decorate. 

It was amazing to practice patience! He had to practice waiting his turn to help and taste test. We would frost a cookie and the little man could have a little 'extra' frosting on his finger. Repeat.... needless to say he had a little 'extra' several times.

 

We opted to practice letters and numbers. He loves talking about letters for mommy, daddy, and his sister. So we spent time practicing specific letters! It's always a good idea to focus on a few letters or numbers with your young toddler so they become more familiar and secure with those without over loading or over stimulating. 

Easy Baby Food

I LOVE making my kids baby food! It is so extremely easy! You don't need to be crafty, handy in the kitchen, or have a ton of time. It's great to have a full freezer of healthy goodies!!!

Here's the easiest set up ever: 

1. slice and dice your veggies

2. microwave in a Pampered Chef steamer until tender and cooked through

3. Puree in blender or food processor until smooth

Today, in less than 30 minutes I made 10 -2 oz jars of sweet potatoes, 10 - 2 oz jars of peas, and 11- 4oz sweet potato, apple, banana mixed pouches. 

I love these easy containers to send to school with my infant and as carrying cases for snacks and formula, when necessary. These containers were cheap and easy to clean. Since they are cheap, I don't mind if they get lost at school or not returned to me right away. They do break easily under pressure but the benefits outweigh the cons.

I bought a Freeze Squeeze system this morning and love it so far. I am looking forward to trying reusable storage for my toddler and mid-aged infant.

Thinking about how much our family loves and enjoys Plum Baby pouches, I want to see if this is a better deal than the 10 for $10 at various stores :) 

1 lg sweet potato 1.10

4 med apples 2.50

1 lg banana (paid about a $1 for 4 bananas earlier in the week)

So..... for about $4 made 11 pouches. The system costs about $30 and $17 for 50 extra pouches. 

Doing some extra math the pouches are $.34 a piece and depending of the cost of food each filled pouch will cost about $.65-$.75 each. Saving money for those families who are on the go and want homemade food for their little ones.