Baking With Kids – Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

September 21, 2016 by 2 Comments

chocolate chip cookie recipe

 

Baking with kids is a great way to spend some quality family time together.  It’s also an opportunity to teach them a science lesson or two! Have your kids ever wondered how mixing flour, eggs, sugar, and baking soda can create a delicious cake? Or how about what makes cookies chewy or crunchy? Within every batter or dough, there are multiple chemical reactions occurring at once to create the perfect baked treat.

First, mastering the science of baking can be a challenge.  Shari’s Berries created an infographic that breaks down the most common baking ingredients.  It also illustrates how each ingredient interacts with each other. The infographic is divided into six main sections.  Next, they describe the science behind different flour types, shortening, leavening agents, eggs, sugars, and salt. Check out the infographic below to inspire your kids to get baking!

The Science of Baking

Now that you and your kids are armed with baking knowledge, it’s time to start baking in the kitchen! Feel free to print out this guide and stick it on your refrigerator for your next baking project. Before you know it, your kids will transform from being little bakers to mad scientists!  Start with this Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe shared by my blogging friend, Tammy  Whitten, at www.womenmanagingstress.com:

 

Baking with Kids – Chocolate Chip Cookies:

 

baking with kids

 

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • 2 sticks of butter
  • 1 T. molasses
  • 3 T. water
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 3/4 t baking soda
  • 2 1/2 c. flour
  • 3/4 c. toasted chopped walnuts
  • 1 egg
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 3/4 t salt
  • 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Next, preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cream butter, egg, vanilla, molasses, and water in a bowl.  Sift together the sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour.  Combine the moist mixture with the dry ingredients.  Add the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.  Be sure to chop the walnuts before you toast them.  Toasting should take approximately 5-10 minutes.  Keep an eye on them.

 

 

baking with kids

 

 

Finally, shape dough into one inch balls and place one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 12 minutes or until edges are just brown.  Cookies will be slightly doughy in the middle.  Place on a cooking rack.  Dunk in a glass of cold milk.  Yum!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Ideas To Create Mother Daughter Memories

May 29, 2016 by 14 Comments

Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on creating mother daughter  memories. It seems like only yesterday that we gave birth, sent them off to kindergarten, and read them bed time stories.  Before we know it, they’re asking for the car keys and eventually heading out the door to live life on their own.  So, we need to capture memories while we can.  

 

 

mother and daughter activities, creating memories with girls

 

 

When I was raising my daughter I decided to create mother daughter memories for us.  You know those special days when it’s just the two of you talking about boys, finding the perfect dress, eating ice cream or doing each other’s nails.  My daughter and I did lots of family activities together.  These are those special moments that I’m talking about now.  The days when I left the office early and headed to the school to pick her up for a day of fun.  Those Saturdays when I left the laundry and the cleaning just to spend time with her.  Those days when it’s just the two of us bonding and being friends.  These are a perfect ways to create memories of those Mother Daughter days.

I created Mother Daughter Memories when my daughter was a teen. That’s when it dawned on me that she was growing up fast, and would soon be heading to college.  She would be meeting new people and doing different things.  I had to make the few years that we had left together count.  I’m so thankful that I did, we still talk about those days.  I’m encouraging you to do the same.

Let me place emphasis on the two of you.  This wasn’t difficult for me because I only had one child, but if you have more than one, spend that quality time with each daughter. It’s important that they get that individual attention.  You want to make them feel special, as if they’re the only person besides you in the world.  It’s an opportunity to share things that happened when you were growing up or maybe they will share an embarrassing time in their life or a secret. It’s unlikely they will do this with others around. There will be times when you will find yourself looking at each other and giggling, because only the two of you know about what was shared.  It’s such a great feeling.  Everything is not for everybody, so you will need to create memories that fit into your lifestyle.  meaningful to you.

 

How to Create Mother Daughter Memories:

 

  1. Shop for Special Occasion Dresses – We would spend the day visiting boutiques to select party dresses, dresses for her junior high school dances, and later her homecoming and prom dresses.  We looked forward to this day every year from junior high to her senior year of high school.
  2. Spa Treatments – Nothing like being seated next to each other at the spa getting our nails done and saying nothing.  Just enjoying each other’s company.
  3. Trips To Dairy Queen –  My daughter loved strawberry sundaes and I loved their chocolate cones. We had some much fun laughing and enjoying our treats.
  4. Looking At The Christmas lights –  This speaks for itself.  We would spend hours just driving through neighborhoods being in awe. To this day, Christmas is a special time for us and lights are included.
  5. Going Out To Lunch or Dinner – Apple Bee’s was my daughter’s favorite place to eat growing up.  She loved their lemonade.  We would sit for hours and talk about everything and everybody.  It’s funny she won’t enter the place now.  Ruth Chris is one of her favorite eating places. So glad she has a husband to pay the bill for that one.
  6. Watching Movies –  We would spend the day watching movies on Saturdays.  One of our favorites movies to watch was Gone With The Wind and of course Girl Flicks. When one of our favorites is on now, she calls to let me know.
  7. Sharing A Beach Week-end  – Every year I would take my daughter and 3 of her friends to the beach for a week-end.  Ocean City, MD was the go to at that point in our life. The interesting thing about this trip is that I have a bridge phobia, and I had to drive the girls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The bridge is about 4.5 miles long.  I can drive across bridges, but I’m holding my breath, praying, counting and anything else I can think of.  I drive slow and look straight ahead. It doesn’t matter if the bridge is long or short.  The effect is the same for me. To this day, my daughter doesn’t know what bridges do to me.
  8. Spending the Day At a Book Fair – We would spend the day at the book fair browsing through isles and isles of books.  We would take our selections home and plan when we would spend the day reading them.
  9. Read Your Favorite Books – We would curl up on the sofa and read our favorite book at the time.
  10. See A Show – One of our favorite bonding moments was when we went to see a ballet or Alvin Ailey.  We still look for shows that we can see together.

I hope my bonding moments have inspired you to create Mother Daughter Memories.  You don’t have to spend a fortune, find activities within your budget and they will love you regardless of what’s in your purse.  If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Mother 2 Mother before you leave.  You may also like Making Memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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22 Places Kids Eat Free

December 3, 2015 by
Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on places kids eat free.  Need a break from the stresses of the day?  While the kids are eating for free, you can relax and possibly have a cocktail or a nice dessert.  Furthermore, we all need to take time to unwind and just relax outside of the house.  So, lets check the places that help families have a night out that won’t break the bank:    
places kids eat free

 

  1. Applebees – First, kids eat free Monday and Tuesday nights at participating locations. Be sure to signup for 
  2. their Email club for a free entree for your birthday.  Other nights kids eat for $1.00.
  4. Au Bon Pain – Free birthday lunch. Sign up for their eClub.
  5. Backyard Burger – Kids eat free on Tuesday. Sign up for their eClub for additional deals.
  6. Bennigan’s – Kids 12 and under eat free on Tuesdays after 4 pm with paying adult.
  7. Bob Evans – Kids eat free after 4 pm with paying adult.
  8. Buffalo Wild Wings – Get a order of snack wings or dessert for your birthday when you join the Buffalo Circle. Captain D’s – Join the Kid’s Club and get a special birthday greeting and a free meal. Ages 12 and under only. Kids 12 and under can eat from the kids menu for just 99 cents on other days.
  9. Chick-fil-A – Next, kids eat free between 5:30-7:30 pm. One child per adult.
  10. Cici’s – Kids eat free every day with paying adult.
  11. Denny’s – Free Grand Slam on your birthday. Valid ID must be presented.
  12. Firehouse Subs – Free sub on your birthday. Valid ID must be presented. All kiddos eat free when an adult combo meal is purchased on other days.
  13. Friendly’s – Free sundae on your birthday when you join the BFF Club.
  14. Golden Corral – Kids 3 and under eat free.
  15. IHOP – Kids under 12 eat free everyday between 4 pm – 8 pm accompanied by paying adults/parents.
  16. Johnny Rocket’s – Additionally, kids can get a free hamburger on your birthday.  Join the eClub for additional deals.
  17. Lonestar Steak House – For each paying adult, 2 kids get to chow down for free all day long and they’ll happily feed 2 kids per adult.
  18. Marie Callender’s – One child eats free with each  adult entree purchased.
  19. Perkins – Get a free meal for children 12 and under with each adult entrée on Wednesdays from 4 – 9 p.m.
  20. Pizza Hut – Kid eat free Tuesday evenings.
  21. Red Robin – Furthermore, kids can enjoy a free burger for their birthday when you sign up for their eClub.  Kids 10 and under eat free with paying adult on other days.
  22. Shoney’s – Kids 4 years and under eat free with adult entrée.
  23. Tony Roma – Kids 11 and under can eat ribs free.
  24. TGIF – Kids eat free on Mondays or Tuesdays.  Call your local TGIF for the day in your area.

So, I recommend that you call ahead to ensure that the establishment will be able to accommodate you and your children.  Be sure to ask what days and times they offer free meals and what ages are included.  Take advantage of the freebies on family night, birthdays and anniversaries.  Finally, we hope that you will take advantage of places kids eat free, and have a great family night out. You deserve it.

 

 

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How To Establish Grandparent Boundaries

March 4, 2015 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on establishing grandparent boundaries.  These grandparent tips will help establish a respectful relationship with your children and grandcildren.  I’ve been a proud grandmother for 13 years.

Most importantly, I see my role as their Mawmaw just as important as my daughter’s. First, I want the best for my grandchildren just like my daughter and son-in-law.  So, today I’m offering tips on how you can grandparent successfully too.

 

 

grandparent tips

As grandparents we have an obligation to ensure our grandchildren are healthy, nourished, clothed, educated, have a roof over their heads, and they enjoy life.  It’s important that we, as grandparents, create memories of them spending time with us as well.  How many children do you know that protest going to visit their grandparents?  There’s a reason for that, and that’s why we have the title “Grand”.

It’s a special relationship, one that differs somewhat from raising our sons and daughters.  We have more experience in the parenting field, know the history of the family, and most times are in a better financial position than we were when we were raising our children.  My daughter and son-in-law depend on me to assist in the upbringing of their children.  But, they made it clear that they are the parents and I need to abide by their rules and wishes.  Establishing grandparent boundaries is simple, just have a conversation  and talk about expectations.

Next, accepting my daughter’s wishes was a hard hard pill for me to swallow.  However, I knew that I did not want to jeopardize my relationship with my grandchildren or my children  So I swallowed the pill.  There are times when they are being disciplined that I really have to bit my tongue.  But, I have learned to be respectful.  Because I have made a conscious decision to not overstep boundaries, I have been able to build a great relationship with my grandchildren without offending my children by following these grandparent tips.

 

grandparent tips

 

Here’s a few tips on establishing grandparent boundaries:

 

  • Don’t cross the lines –  Children need to understand the roles of the adults in their life and see that you’re on the same page as mom and dad.
  • Establish traditions with your grandchildren –  Each year I take Xavier to the pumpkin patch and make sure he gives Santa his Christmas list.  Zarriah is now old enough to be included in these traditions.
  • Create memories that are only available at grandma and granddad’s – I make special pancakes and waffles for their breakfast when they’re visiting.  We have craft time, go out to lunch or dinner, and they love MawMaw’s chicken wings. My daughter does not attempt to duplicate any of these special moments.
  • If you’re divorced and I am, demonstrate that you can co-grandparent – So, I ensure my ex-husband, Ga Ga, is involved in activities at my home when they’re visiting.
  • Become involved in their school and after school activities – I make an effort to meet teachers, attend school and sporting events etc.  I want to know who’s responsible for their education, who’s providing child care and I want them to know me.
  • Keep the children on track – Stay on schedule with bedtimes, bath times, manners and discipline.  You don’t want to cause any setbacks for the parents.
  • Be creative – Also, tell them a story about your upbringing or their parents.  My granddaughter loves for me to make up stores about her being a princess and including family members.
  • Become the family historian – Talk about other family members and your memories of them.
  • Polish your craft skills – Children love making things for parents and grandparents.
  • Take your grandchildren on a road trip – Spend a few days at the beach, camping or snow tubing.  They will remember it forever.
  • Never discuss conflicting issues in front of the children – If there are disagreements on raising them, discipline concerns etc., discuss them away from the children.
  • Keep the lines of communication open – Let your children know that you’re available for advice on parenting or just to listen. My daughter values my opinion on raising the children and life.

 

 

My daughter enjoys listening to me tell the children stories and watching us make cookie and brownie treats. She looks forward to me visiting and spending time with the children.  Fortunately, she knows that I respect her as a mother.  In return, she respects me as their grandmother. Many times she wants to participate in the activities as well.  As a result, it’s a great feeling when she calls and asks when I’m coming to visit.

So, my advice to parents is to accept that grandparents play a special role in a child’s life. We’re sugar queens and kings and we become sneaky creatures. Yes, our perspective on things have changed from when we raised you. We can justify anything that our grandchildren do as long as they’re not bringing harm to themselves. Last, our job was to get our children out of the house, however, as grandparents our job is to get the grandchildren in.  Finally, I hope that our tips on establishing grandparent boundaries will be useful.

Last you may also like:  Celebrity Grandparents

 

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5 Reasons Family Is Important To Children

September 1, 2014 by
Family is important to children. We may not like some of our family members. but we can’t change who we are.  Our experiences with family have been different, I’m sure.  Some of us come from single parent homes, alcoholic homes, or two parent homes that were loving or not so loving.  We can choose to ignore, stay away from or disown our family.  However, we can’t get away from who we are.  That is a fact.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on the importance of family to our children.
 importance of family

 

When I was growing up,  family reunions, backyard BBQs, and Sunday gatherings were a given. You never knew how the day would end, but we would all return eventually.  As children we spent time with siblings or cousins.  We played baseball, hop scotch, did cartwheels, or picking walnuts and berries for treats.  We still laugh about the good times that we had together as children.

Here’s 5 reasons why family is important to children:

Teaches Children About Who They Are – Learning about your heritage is important to understanding who you are. What better way to learn than from great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Listening to stories from relative’s childhood can help teach children about who they are and who family members are.  Forming a bond with family members can last a lifetime, it teaches children that they will always have someone to turn to with family.

 Teaches Children About Trust – Spending time with family builds a bond which can lead to trust. We must teach our children who to trust in the family.  Sadly, not all family members should or can be trusted.  We all have drug addicts, alcoholics, thieves, liars and a host of other negative traits.  It may be hard to admit it, but it’s important to guide your children on trust.

 Provides Examples For Children – Spending time with family members gives children a first hand example of how other family members live.  Some family members will be doing better than others financially, have bigger and more beautiful homes, and be the most unhappy.  It also gives children an opportunity to see those that are not doing well, but are the happiest.  Seeing things from a different perspective is always good.

Helps Develop Self-Esteem – It’s important that children become comfortable with who they are and accepted. What better place to start building a solid foundation than with family. No matter what, family should love and accept your imperfections, strengths and weaknesses.

Gives Children A Sense of Security – Knowing that you’re loved by family gives children a sense of security.  Understanding the importance of family will help them feel safe and accepted. They can be free to be who they are.  When they not afraid of being who they are, their self-worth soars.

No matter what happens in life, family will remain.  Children should understand the importance of family. So many children yearn for the love of family, security, a sense of who they are and examples of how life can be.  If you have the opportunity to expose your children to extended family gatherings, I encourage you to do so.  Understanding the family tree is essential to learning who you are.  You may also like the Importance of Family.  

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First Lady Cookie Recipes

November 9, 2012 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on First Lady cookie recipes.  Every 4 four years we can look forward to a Presidential election and a cookie bake off with the First Lady and the hopeful First Lady.  These recipes are are from Michelle Obama and Ann Romney’s bake off.  Michelle Obama shared her Mama Kaye’s White and Dark Chocolate Chip recipe and Ann Romney shared her M and M Cookies recipe.

 

 

first lady cookie recipes

 

The holidays are approaching, and I thought I would share the cookie recipes since they didn’t get much attention in the midst of the battle for the highest position in the land.  As wives and mothers, we often take a back seat.  So, I’m sure both Michelle and Ann would appreciate you whipping up a batch of their delicious cookies.  Furthermore, make a batch for snacks or put them in a Christmas gift baskets.

 

first lady cookie recipe

Family Circle Magazine announced the winner of the bake off in their October 2012 issue.  The winner, Michelle Obama. I have not made either of the recipes, but intend to whip up a batch of each for Christmas gifts this season.

 

First Lady Cookie Recipes:

 

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 stick Crisco butter-flavored solid vegetable shortening
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup each white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips (or Andes mint pieces)
2 cups chopped walnuts

 

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 375°.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter, vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. On low speed, beat in flour mixture. By hand, stir in white and milk chocolate chips, mint chips and walnuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto un-greased baking sheets.
6. Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Makes 5 dozen.

 

First Lady Cookie Recipe

 

 

Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (such as Karo)
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
6 ounces chocolate chips
2/3 cups M&M’s candies

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream sugars, butter, peanut butter and corn syrup on high speed until well combined. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together oats and baking soda. Stir into peanut butter mixture until combined. Mix in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
3. Using a standard-size ice cream scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets (about 9 per sheet). Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.  Makes 3 dozen.

 

I hope you enjoy the cookie recipes.  Pin this post for a snowy day activity.
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Christening Day – Selecting A Cake

July 24, 2010 by

First, I remembered the night my daughter called to tell me she would be dedicating my grandson to the Lord. Oh what a blessing.  Although I hadn’t said anything to her, I had wondered when the day would come.  We had to make the day special.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on selecting a Christening Day Cake.  

 

Christening Day Tips

 

 

We planned everything from his Christening suit to the meal after the service.  I chose his Christening suit and hosted the meal after the service. My daughter and her husband attended the required classes at church and contacted those who had been selected as the Godparents.  A role that is not taken lightly in our family. After all, the Godparents are involved in his upbringing and could possibly raise him if the parents are unable to.

 

 

Besides baby and the dedication, the cake will be the center of attention. We wanted to carry a religious theme into the meal.  As a result, we decided to incorporate the cross on his cake. It turned out beautifully. We selected yellow cake with a butter cream icing rather than fondant.  I have found that fondant icing can be pretty to look at, but removing the fondant and getting to the icing is difficult.  As a result, it makes it hard to really enjoy the cake. I wanted everyone to enjoy desert.

So, not only was the cake beautiful it was delicious. To stay within our budget, we had the bakery at one of our local grocery stores create the cake rather than a private bakery. Their cakes are just as delicious, and we saved enough to purchase these adorable Tiny Blessing Blue 10″ Octagonal Dinner Plates (8 count) and the accessories.  They are available in pink and blue.

 

We purchased the dinner and cake plates as well as the cups, napkins, and a matching table cloth for the food table. We purchased light blue table clothes and utensils at the Party Store. The tables turned out just as special as the day. I ordered the plates and cups on-line, however, Target now carries the set in pink and blue. 


Image-Christening-Cake


Xavier dropped his pacifier for a taste of the creamy goodness on the cake. He loved his pacifier, so we knew that we were in for a special treat with the desert. We served potato salad, pasta salad, meatballs, green beans and corn and fresh fruit followed by ice cream and cake under white tents. There was a wonderful breeze, so the setting was perfect.

If you’re having a ceremony, other ideas for a cake are:

  • Angels
  • Christening Shoes
  • The Bible
  • Baby Jesus
  • A Lamb
  • Christening Gown

Finally, I feel at peace as a mother and grandmother. Knowing that my daughter’s faith is strong enough to dedicate her son to the Lord is a mother’s dream. I hope this post gives you a few ideas to make Christening Day special for you and yours. May you each be as blessed as we are.  You may also like 11 Christening Day Tips.

 

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