Down Home Kitchen

This is something that you can do with your children and have fun while doing it……….

1(18oz) jar Peanut butter

1(14.5oz) box Ritz Crackers(use 48)

12 oz. chocolate-flavored almond bark

Chopped nuts

white chocolate chips(melted) to decorate

Spread peanut butter on 24 crackers.  Top with remaining 24 crackers , making 24 sandwiches.  Melt almond bark in double boiler on low heat. Dip sandwiches into chocolate and place on wax paper to cool.  While still warm, sprinkle on nuts and drizzle with melted white chocolate to decorate.

Now, if you don’t have a bunch of fun doing this as a family, then I don’t know what to tell you……..

1/2 cup rolled oats
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
2 eggs
3 cups semi-sweet, chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
Directions:
Grind oats in a food processor or blender until fine.
Combine the ground oats with the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Cream together the butter, sugars, vanilla, and lemon juice in
another medium bowl with an electric mixer.
Add the eggs and mix until smooth.
Stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture and blend well.
Add the chocolate chips and nuts to the dough and mix by hand until ingredients are well blended.
For the best results, chill the dough overnight in the refrigerator before baking the cookies.
Spoon rounded 1/4 cup portions onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Place the scoops about 2 inches apart.
Bake in a 350°F oven for 16-18 minutes or until cookies are light brown and soft in the middle.
Store in a sealed container when cool to keep soft.

I’m sure your asking me what I’m doing writing this type of post. Just imagine, how much more fun your baby can have eating the food your eating.

If you can eat it, your baby can. At least the babies, that are already eating “baby food” will be able to. Rather than pay all those expensive prices for baby food, just pop some of the meat or veggies in the blender, with a couple of teaspoons milk and puree. They can enjoy the same food your eating and develop a better sense of taste.

Sure you can have the jar baby food to take with you when you aren’t at home, but use that as a substitute. Cooking at home for the family, gives the special pleasures of smelling the aroma’s. If your baby associates the smells with eating, then it will be all too ready, when the food is offered.

Pureeing the food, gives it the smooth texture of regular baby food. So, why not let your baby enjoy a meal right along with the rest of the family? It’s a good way to interact and give your baby the same pleasures, you get from sitting down to a good meal.