Recipes

Preparing to give up a few precious days slaving in a hot kitchen baking up some special cookie shaped cheer for your rowdy bunch of holiday revelers? Tired of the old cookie standards you seem to have memorized because they've been in your family for decades yet don't want to sacrifice any nostalgia? Well, Gourmet magazine has done a fine, fine thing. They've published a list of their favorite cookie recipes from 1941-2008.

That's when they say "a what-a what-ia for lunch?" What can be sweeter than mixing a history with food? Teaching through their tummies. And that's exactly what I love about this well put together Cornucopia Lunch recipe compliments of Gourmet Mom on the Go. Her how-to is complete with recipe and instructional video. She's even included a link to a "color and cut out cornucopia activity" and historical background information on the cornucopia.

Yet again Family Fun doesn't let us down. Not that there will major cupcake consumption with the ol' pumpkin pie on the Thanksgiving table ready to be sliced up and topped with some whip cream but there's some pretty over-the-top Thanksgiving themed cupcake action happening on the Family Fun site worth checking out. It boggles the mind what these folks can do with some decorating frosting, a cookie and some candy.

Bringing new meaning to the term brain food Instructables's member Scoochmaroo has provided a pretty stellar how-to on carving your melons into the coolest brains chock full of smart wrinkles. Check out her "Melon Brains" Instructables, perfect for your next Halloween bash or just for when you need to jazz up the ol' melon for the kids. Smarts never tasted sweeter.

It's Halloween. Your kids like sweets and crafts. Anything tastes better pumpkin flavored. Pumpkin flavored food season officially began October 1st. Why not whip up a few batches of some tasty pumpkin cookies?

Karen from Off the (Meat) Hook generously shares a kiddie crowd pleasure cake straight out of her childhood. Check out her simple yet awesome "Super Tall Amazing Rainbow Birthday Cake" recipe complete with pretty pictures, detailed tips on how to make the six layered creation actually stand and a quick frosting recipe.

The kids are bored. You're out of ideas. They like ice cream. Science can be pretty tasty. Why not whip up some cool, sweet fun? This is the perfect opportunity to pull out the ol' "Let's make some ice cream in a coffee can" trick. The kids will love this hands-on, delicious activity and you probably won't have to prep too much with the exception of some rock salt and empty containers. Check out the details for this sticky, satisfying project on my Instructable.

Found via the Seattle Times, another entry in the "kid tested, mother approved" line of healthy-yet-appetizing recipe books for kids: Real Food for Healthy Kids. From the publisher:

"In an era of McDiets, packed schedules, and stressful jobs, it's harder than ever to incorporate nutritious food into our children's daily lives. But you no longer have to rely on microwaved hot dogs and frozen pizza. In this essential cookbook, food—and parenting—experts Tracey Seaman and Tanya Wenman Steel offer help and hope, whether you're experienced in the kitchen or more inclined to head to the drive-through.

"It’s hot out. You like money. How about starting a lemonade stand!"

This hilarious yet informative little video gives some very good tips and information for running a successful lemonade stand. Important tips from a perfect lemonade recipe to "Make sure everything looks clean, even you." And they even include a tip for beating out the competition..."Putting "Gourmet" and "Secret Recipe" on your sign will make you stand out."

Go on kids. Get out there, squeeze up some lemonade and make some cold hard cash in the hot, hot heat.

Don't need to go outdoors to appreciate the beautiful blue sky with this Sky Jello recipe. Featured on Huber Hof Academy's home school site as part of a week long study of the sky this recipe is fast, easy and sure to delight the kids. A sweet, refreshing dessert to celebrate the wild blue yonder on those hot summer evenings. Drop in a few gummy butterflies or gummy jets for extra fun, giggles and squeals.