kitchen fun

We had a rainy day and needed to do something fun. The best part of these moments is that I don't need to look far for fun entertainment. We have science kits, weaving kits, inventor kits, sewing kits, bracelet making kits, you name it. On this particular day, I looked into the big pile of stuff that doesn't get used as much. We settled on the Big Bag of Science Fun.

There were so many ideas in the book that we didn't even know where to start. Whoever came up with these things deserves a huge bonus check! The directions are easy to read and understand. There are mini lessons about what types of science you are using. There are pictures and fun facts.

One of the experiments was one we used to do a lot when she was younger. It's even easier than baking soda and vinegar explosions (it smells better, too). You fill a pan or bowl with corn starch. Slowly add warm water until the consistancy feels like honey. Your fingers will get stuck like it's quicksand. Then the more you play with it, the more it drips. 

Voila. Homemade quicksand. Cheap and easy with no smells. It wipes up easy, too. For a 9 year old that is in love with science, this was the experiment that lastest the longest with the most smiles. I have to remember that sometimes the little things are the big things for little people. Fun is not about specific items. Sometimes it's about seeing what you have and working with that. 

an ode to a messy kitchen

The fresh zucchini meant fresh zucchini bread and I have an amazing recipe for Zucchini carrot bread. Everyone loves it (thank you, Pillsbury!!). Since we had time, the junior chef decided to pull out her new cookbook and chose to bake mini apple bundt cakes. And since we don't actually own bundt pans, we did mini cupcakes with shaped, silicon cupcake tins.

This is what a kitchen with two bakers now looks like. I must say, it wasn't as messy as I expected. The apples went to compost and the egg shells were crushed and sprinkled in the garden (we teach being green AND being resourceful here!). She read and followed her recipe and I read and followed mine. I even generously shared the use of the Kitchenaid mixer for her ease and I mixed by hand. Now THAT is love!

A rule of thumb is to call out the measurements as you go so you don't miss anything. Once my breads were in the oven, I assisted her work. We realized that 6 tablespoons of oil is NOT optional and that got added. In addition to the 3rd egg. She thought it said 2...

She measured and mixed the powdered sugar glaze, put the food in the oven AND pulled it out by herself. She measured: math. She baked: science. She had to troubleshoot: real life! She cleaned messes: Health??? I was so proud. She even licked the entire batter spoon clean.

So it was hot this afternoon, yet we baked. Mistakes were made, but we laughed about it. Spills were made, but we laughed about it. Ever spilled flour on a black lab? It was kind of hilarious. Ever watch a dog get excited to eat spilled flour and then realize it's NOT sugar? It was kind of hilarious.

If all my days were spent like this, I would be the happiest ever. I would love to bottle up the 9-year-old-going-on-19's cute sweetness and keep it forever. Rumor has it they don't stay little for long :( If letting her cook, bake and also clean keeps her happy, content and glad to hang with mommy, then bring on the next baking project! 

Follow up: zucchini bread is fantastic. Apple cupcakes are unique and chewy. We will try them again when I can supervise fully on the measurements!