You know that commercial where a guy is just handed food day to day by his mother not really seeing how it’s made and then eventually, when he goes off to university, he looks at a pan and just chucks it, not knowing what to do with it? That scares me.
Any chance we get, my four year old is in the kitchen with me. It’s important for me that he sees how food is being prepared and that he’s involved in the process. I definitely don’t want him to end up like the guy in the commercial.
Q can be a picky eater. He’s moody with food and there’s always negotiations. I know that this is just payback for all the times I gave my parents a hard time. I have noticed a huge difference when my little guy helps in the kitchen though. He feels a sense of ownership over the food and he is so proud of what he has made that he truly wants to eat it and he enjoys it so much more. He helped make curry a few weeks ago, measuring everything out on his own and stirring the pot. There was a huge sense of accomplishment and he ate way more than usual that day. I loved it.
Last week, when I had some time to spend in the kitchen, he decided he wanted to make apple pie. Since I was busy making other stuff, this became his project.
I peeled the apple and he went about cutting it with his little knife into bite sized pieces.
He measured out the cinnamon and brown sugar, folded the pastry into a triangle and happily brushed the tops with a beaten egg.
He was so proud of himself and thought the apple pie that he made all by himself was the best thing ever. He couldn’t wait to eat it, asking every few minutes, “is it done yet”? This excitement of something that he has created for his family to enjoy is truly amazing. This is a simple recipe that is perfect for getting the kids involved. Super yummy too!
Apple Pie Triangles
1 sheet puff pastry
1 apple, peeled and chopped
2 TB brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 TB flour
1 egg, beaten
In a bowl, combine the apple with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and flour. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into twelve squares. Place filling in the middle of each square and fold over, making a triangle. Crimp the edges with a fork. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg and cut a couple of slits to allow steam to escape. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
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