For Mother's Day, it's always a a good idea for the children to take over cooking duties, at least for one meal. I think the best thing is to start with dessert. Sweet recipes are the most fun to make, and usually the easiest too.
Kids, the most important thing to remember in the kitchen is food safety and your safety. Wash your hands before you start and after handling food, especially raw meat and eggs. Keep cooked and uncooked food separate, and always promptly refrigerate food. Be careful around knives and hot surfaces, and ask a grownup to help if you are unsure. These easy kids recipes can be made by anyone!
1. Classic Pancakes
Linda Larsen
Pancakes are easy, yet impressive. The kids will need a little help with the skillet or griddle, but measuring, mixing the batter, and flipping the pancakes are all things they can do. Mom will love it!
2. Red and White Tortellini
Linda Larsen
For this super easy kids recipe, all you have to do is mix five ingredients in a pan, then cover it with foil. Let Dad put it in the oven if you're not old enough to touch hot things, and have him uncover it when it's done. You could add some frozen fully cooked meatballs or some chopped cooked chicken or ham if Mom likes that.
3. Waffle Quiches
Linda Larsen
Waffles are used as the base for an egg mixture in this super-easy recipe. Be sure to use oven mitts when you take the hot pan out of the oven! You can make these without meat, or use Mom's favorite cheese. Peaches or apples can also be used instead of the pears.
4. Mock Cheese Souffle
Linda Larsen
This super simple recipe just uses bread, cheese, milk, and eggs to create a delicious main dish you can serve for breakfast or lunch. Some bacon or sausages on the side would be perfect. If you're pressed for time, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating for two hours; it will be great!
5. Microwave Chocolate Crisp Bars
This recipe, a variation on one from my About.com Guide to Shortcut Cooking, is a delicious crisp and chewy no-bake bar. Just be careful using the microwave; the melted marshmallow mixture can get hot! This bar cookie is also great for lunchboxes.
