(Shared by monthly contributor, Daniele from Domestic Serenity)
There are days when quick ideas for kids in the kitchen are best – sometimes we’re simply short on time (or energy)!
Other days, such as rainy days or off-from-school days, allow for a little more time to create and take time with a recipe. Baking is a kid favorite, and making bread offers a whole sensory experience kids love!
We’ve enjoyed making pretzels in our kitchen. Both preschoolers and older children can get involved from the making to the eating.
You could also whip up the recipe yourself and then allow the children to shape pretzels, cook and eat. The idea is to enjoy the time together, not to stress yourself out!
dress-up is also something we enjoy!
Our family has used this simple pretzel recipe, but there are also others which don’t even require the dough to rise. I’ve included a few below.
And yes, we like to make pretzels dogs by wrapping the dough around our favorite hot dogs!
Baking is also a great way to focus on simple skills & learning in the kitchen, such as:
- washing hands for health & hygiene
- using measuring cups & spoons for exact measurements
- leveling off flour or other dry ingredients
- safe use of kitchen equipment
- kneading and punching down dough
- all about yeast & what is does to the dough
- and more!
I find my kiddos always have lots of questions when we’re baking or cooking. Remember that little ones are naturally curious, so a dose of patience will be required. 🙂
A few pretzel recipes if you’re short on time:
30 Minute Whole Wheat Pretzels
and check out this article for more info on how much kids learn through baking!
Enjoy…
Daniele is a homeschooling Mama of five kiddos and a voracious reader of books. Passionate about her faith, home and family, she blogs about the intentional lifestyle at Domestic Serenity and writes for other online and print publications. Daniele thinks life is made more enjoyable with a cup of herbal tea in hand!
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