ABCDessert

When it's a dessert day, Spencer will unload the dishwasher without whining. We cleaned up the kitchen, cleared off the countertops, got out the step stools, and put on our aprons. After measuring the flour, salt, and water, we realized that I haven't been shopping since before spring break and my butter supply was gone. So we put on our shoes and went to go buy some. Since we were out anyway, we went ahead and did all the errands.  By the time we were home, Julie was hungry and tired. We fed her lunch and let her take a nap. I'm a little sad that she didn't do this project with us, but she was not disappointed to wake up to fresh eclairs. Spencer felt really strongly about cutting the butter into three pieces before adding it to the water. I'm not sure where he came up with this idea, but he was adamant that it was necessary. The eclairs turned out pretty good, so maybe he knows something I don't. I tried to take a shortcut for the filing and use ...

Making a cake is always a multi step process. Making a cake with Julie involves two baths and a load of laundry. We had to start this project twice because Julie was a little overzealous with the baking soda the first time around.  Spencer made his devil's food cake in a tuna fish can so that he could have his very own cake. Then we used the rest of the batter to make cupcakes. Honestly, I sent the kids to go play while I made (and sampled) the frosting unassisted. -L ---------------------- Isaac's favorite part of making cake is greasing and flouring the pans, followed by measuring the flour.  He was impatient waiting for the cake layers to cool and snitched bites out of each layer.   We froze the cake layers for a couple hours, which made them easier to stack and frost.  Devil's Food Cake is a staple at our house.  We have tested many recipes over the years and this one is our favorite.  (Althou...

Spencer is still improving his egg handling skills, but I think he has perfected his crepe flipping technique. Printable recipe here

Separating eggs with a preschooler is intense. Luckily this recipe doesn't require tempering the eggs. (I'm saving that skill for later in the alphabet when we get to ice cream.) Printable Recipe here

As far as pies go, this is a kid-friendly recipe. The crust is pressed into the pan rather than rolled, and the top is more streusel than pastry. Julie is better at slicing apples than I expected, and Spencer has mastered this letter. "No Mom. We can't put cinnamon in our pie. Cinnamon does not start with A" Printable recipe here