Caleb's Cinnamon Pretzels
Today, I decided to let Caleb REALLY make something for a snack. Usually, if I let him cook with me, I am measuring out the ingredients, and just letting him pour, or stir. Today, I finally thought...you know, I should probably let him (and Bonnie) become a little more independent in this area...so I told him that he was going to make some cinnamon pretzels, all by himself, without my help (except in reading off the list to him and helping him understand the directions.)
I was so proud of how he handled it. I was sure that he would spill some of the ingredients, or make a mess, and he didn't! My 8 year old boy was working at it like a pro. I let him do everything, including shaping the pretzels himself (Bonnie and Noah helped him shape them too). The only thing he really didn't do by himself was stick it in the oven.
He was so proud of himself when the pretzels were done, and all of the kids enjoyed his cooking. Tomorrow I plan to let Bonnie cook something on her own too.
Here are Caleb's cinnamon pretzels:
You can get the recipe here! These are really yummy!
I was so proud of how he handled it. I was sure that he would spill some of the ingredients, or make a mess, and he didn't! My 8 year old boy was working at it like a pro. I let him do everything, including shaping the pretzels himself (Bonnie and Noah helped him shape them too). The only thing he really didn't do by himself was stick it in the oven.
He was so proud of himself when the pretzels were done, and all of the kids enjoyed his cooking. Tomorrow I plan to let Bonnie cook something on her own too.
Here are Caleb's cinnamon pretzels:
You can get the recipe here!
These are really yummy!
Posted by Bethany at 4/9/2008 8:47 PM 
Categories: My kids and the cute things they say and do,Family
Categories: My kids and the cute things they say and do,Family
That is really inspiring Bethany. My 8 year old always wants to 'help' and I never take time to let him. I am going to do this for him. Thanks for reminding me.
It's true, the more skills they have, the better they feel, the more responsible they are.
Thanks again.
Reply to this
I would agree with Debra. With my 3 older children who are now 19, 17, and 14 I never let them do much in the kitchen because I was afraid of the mess. This was the one of the worst things I could have done. Now as older teens, while they can clean up the kitchen and do on a nightly basis, they don't do it without prodding from their father. Also, they don't just go in the kitchen and cook for themselves..too reliant on me. With me now pregnant I wish I would have taught them better because there are days that I just don't feel well and would love to have someone take care of me. They are great kids and I love them to death but this is one area I would love to go back and change.
Reply to this
Thank you both! Actually, what you just said, Shelly, is one reason that I have tried to let the children learn how to do things on their own at an early age.
When I was growing up, my mom never really taught me to cook. I think I knew how to make 2 things by watching her do it(hamburger helper, and spaghetti), but I was rarely allowed to cook because my mom was scared that I would hurt myself and also that I would make a mess. lol
So I think that although her intentions were good, it did hinder me from learning for a while.
When I first got married, those two things were the ONLY things I knew how to make. I ended up buying lots of canned and frozen foods which were already pre-prepared.
It took years, but I was finally able to teach myself to cook a lot of new things, and I do have a lot of fun being creative in the kitchen.
I can imagine that having learned sooner how to cook might have helped me a lot when I first got married.
Eating ramen soup and grilled cheese sandwiches every day because I dont' know how to make anything else, just isn't too great!
Thank goodness for internet tutorials and recipes!
Reply to this
I also was not taught to cook as a young child. I was taught to do other things, but in the kitchen because my mother was not allowed I never really learned. I could cook tuna cassarole when I first got married and that quickly became old to eat. I remember when I first attempted fried chicken...oh how I ruined many dinners. I can cook better now but only for two reasons: my children being hungry and my husband constantly encouraging me to try and not be so negative and hard on myself. One thing I am changing with the younger set of children is to set up after dinner chores and allowing them in the kitchen to help me cook whenever they want to. My youngest so far probably because she is home still loves to come into the kitchen and cook with me. The mess is terrible but she has a ball. I tried the amish bread and my husband loved it. I may make some more this week. Thanks for all of your recipes.
Reply to this
That looks like a yummy treat!
Reply to this
Count that as home ec. credit! I bet they were delicious. I bet you are proud of all 3 children.
Reply to this