PERFECT PANCAKES

Kids can help mix the batter and, with a lot of supervision, drop batter into fun shapes in the pan. Afterwards, kids can help decorate the flapjacks with chocolate chips, fruits, nuts, whipped cream, and the like.

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 5 teaspoons sugar
• 1-1/3 cups milk
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil
• Topping ingredients of choice
  

Method

In a bowl, combine egg, sugar and half of the milk and whisk to incorporate. Add the flour slowly and mix completely. Add the rest of the milk and baking powder, stirring slightly. The batter should be thick. Add a little oil if the batter is sticking to the bowl too much. Beat until smooth. Pour some vegetable oil in a pan and heat over medium-high heat. Using a large spoon or ladle, carefully spoon in some batter. When the top of the cake becomes bubbly, use a spatula to peek at the underside; it should be golden. Flip and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds. Decorate with favorite toppings.

THE CORNBREAD MUFFIN MAN

Quick breads are a fun and easy way to make a delicious dish with kids, and, who doesn't love muffins? Let kids measure, pour and stir. Mix up the muffin a bit by adding in some blueberries or some dried currents for a slightly sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cups corn meal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Dash salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• Blueberries or dried currents, optional
  

Method

Preheat oven to 400F. In a bowl, add flour, corn meal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, oil and egg. Stir to just moisten dry ingredients. Add in fruit at this time if desired, and stir just a few times to incorporate. Spoon batter into a paper-lined muffin pans, and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until muffin tops are golden.