I’m always looking for ways to get my boys in the kitchen. Simple recipes like this one help get my little guy involved.
I began getting him involved at the grocery store. I showed him what ingredients were on our shopping list. He helped me find Rice Krispie cereal, large marshmallows, butter, and sprinkles. Letting your child make fun decisions like, “What sprinkles would you like to use?” allows them to have ownership in the process.
In the kitchen, we took time to count out the marshmallows. We are working on counting to ten so we counted five different times. Yes, I’m very intentional when “teaching” in the kitchen. It is natural learning and having fun at the same time.
While standing on a stool beside me, he watched while we adding heat. We watched as the butter melted and then the marshmallows melted. He smelled the yummy vanilla. And he added the food coloring and was excited when the color began to transform the marshmallow mixture.
He scooped up the cereal using a measuring cup. You can’t mess this recipe up so it’s okay if the cup is overflowing.
I think his favorite part was using the sprinkles he picked out. Lots of sprinkles were added.
As we waited for the treats to cool, I asked him “Who should be share these treats with?”. I’m trying to working with my boys to be outward focused. It is a daily conversation. “How can we bless someone today?” “Who’s day could be brighten?” “How can we show the love of Jesus today?”
He quickly decided that some neighbor friends might like these treats. We packaged them up in disposable aluminum pan. (I try to keep these on hand. The Dollar Tree always has the best assortment and they are one dollar.)
I loved that before he even tried his treat, he was skipping out the door with his brother to deliver the goodies.
It is the simplest recipes and experiences in the kitchen that can get your child involved. Yes, it will take longer and there might be more messes. I believe the quality and intentional time together makes it so worth it.
On Mission in the Kitchen,
Amanda
3 T butter and additional unsalted butter to grease pan
4 1/2 cups of large marshmallows (we use 50 large marsmallows)
Red food coloring or gel
1 t vanilla (I used Mexican vanilla)
6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal
Assorted Valentine’s sprinkles
Prepare your 13×9 pan or whatever shape and size you desire by coating the pan with butter. Set pan aside.
In large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla. Then add red food coloring to achieve the desired color.
Add Kellogg’s Rice Krispie cereal. Stir until well coated.
Using a buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into your prepared pan.
Sprinkle the mixture with sprinkles. Press in sprinkles. Allow time to cool.
Using a knife, cut your treats to desired shapes. Rice Krispie Treats are always best if served the same day.
Sing and Dance in the Kitchen 