Cooking with kids makes fun, nutritious meals and memories

    Mother’s Day is a special time for you and your child or children to do something together. Why not head for the kitchen and stir up something good to eat. Cooking can be both educational and fun and often results in a tasty treat, too.     During a cooking session, you can teach children about nutrition, work with them on measurements, particularly fractions, and share your culture through your family’s food history. With cooking experiences, kids also can learn how important it is to read carefully and follow directions.
    On the subject of nutrition, explain that eating a variety of foods is important so that you get all the nutrients your body needs to grow. Different groups of foods provide protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.     The fun part is in the preparation and eating so have the kids do tasks suited to their ages and abilities. Maybe the youngest ones can help stir, older children can measure ingredients and teens can slice and dice and do the actual cooking. Simply choose a recipe that includes ingredients with wide appeal and let the children add other ingredients, such as favorite flavorings, if they like.
    Both Brontosaurus Egg and Wagon Wheel Frittata were designed with kids in mind. In addition to being easy to make, these recipes are based on all-natural eggs which offer the highest quality protein of any food and are a favorite of most children.

    Directions: Let the frozen waffle thaw for about five or six minutes. With a 2- to 3-inch diameter cookie cutter, cut out the center of the waffle. Or, set a drinking glass upside down on the waffle and cut out the center of the waffle by cutting around the glass with a small knife.
    In a medium-sized omelet pan or skillet (about 6 to 8 inches) over medium heat, heat the oil or melt the butter. Sprinkle a few drops of water into the pan. If the drops “dance” and sizzle in the pan, it’s ready for cooking. Place the waffle and the cutout in the pan. Break the egg and slip it into the hole in the waffle. Immediately turn the heat down to low.
    Let the waffle cook until the bottom is lightly browned, about three minutes. With a pancake turner, carefully turn over the cutout and the waffle with the egg inside. Sprinkle the egg with the cheese. Cook until the egg white is completely set and firm and the egg yolk begins to thicken, about three to five minutes more. With a pancake turner, lift the cutout and the waffle with the egg inside onto a plate. Spoon salsa, taco sauce or catsup on top of the egg, if desired.