Making Memories In The Kitchen

Some of my best memories were made in a kitchen. I remember being a little girl in my Papa's kitchen and helping him make mashed potatoes for Sunday lunches. He would always give one beater to myself and one to my sister so we could have a taste before the whole family gathered around the table for the meal. Even as an adult I continue to make memories in my own kitchen, with my husband and son. My husband and I love trying new recipes and it is fun to come up with some on our own. Our son, Connor, is limited in what he can cook because he is 4, but he sure loves to help us stir sauces and batters.

I want our son to grow up and remember the smell of baked goods in his home. I hope he passes on the recipes we will teach him, to my future grandchildren. One way to help him enjoy cooking time with us, is to make things he can really get his hands into. I don't wont Connor to only help with "Break and Bake" cookies, I want him to really enjoy an entire creative process. It is fun to take adult recipes and turn them into something a child might enjoy. 

This a fun, totally hands-on recipe that children of any age would enjoy making and especially enjoy eating:

Microwave Popcorn Balls

1/4 cup butter

6 cups miniature marshmallows

1 package JELL-O Jelly Powder, any flavor

12 cups popped popcorn

*Optional Ingredients: 1 cup peanuts, coconut, raisins*

Place butter and marshmallows in a large microwave safe bowl. Cook in microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Add dry jelly powder and stir until well blended. Pour marshmallow mixture over combined popcorn and/or optional ingredients. Stir quickly to coat well. Shape into balls or desired designs (try dinosaurs or crowns!). Decorate as desired. 

This recipe makes about 36 popcorn balls.