This is having a toddler. Wet days become about the less horizontal parts you manage to grab before retreating to whatever fun you can find indoors. Rain, unless it's 'soak you through to your knickers' wet is not necessarily a deterrent. However, I draw the line at horizontal and soggy knickers.
Instead, we tried baking......
Instead, we tried baking......
For our toddler sized baking session I chose scones for 2 reasons: no raw egg, and you can hide goodness in them such as sweet potato, courgette or in this case, Marmite and cheese. I also learned that anything you mix with your hands then 'cut out' is a hit too.
I use a basic scone recipe but sub in a little wholemeal flour (about 50g) and if I have it in I also use buttermilk too. It makes for delicious fluffy scones.
Having had a complete success with this activity, here's some top tips for cooking with toddlers:
- Food safety- think dry goods rather than raw eggs or cross contamination. Hands go everywhere and often in mouths!
- Simple tasks that we found easy: greasing the tray, squashing butter, sieving flour, stacking bowls and measuring spoons.
- Have everything you need ready before you even start- even the washing up bowl of soapy water!
- Make a game of washing up. Washing up is great water play and helps you deal with the tidy up. I use sensitive washing up liquid anyway and she loves the bubbles.
- Don't wear anything you care about getting dirty (see picture above for further explanation)
- Allow enough time. Flour is great sensory play so let it fly safe in the knowledge you don't have to be anywhere soon
- Secure seating: balancing acts and hot stoves/ flour are not a good combo. We used the tray of the high chair which made clean up easier too.
Most importantly though is enjoy the scones together afterwards. That's surely the best bit about baking??
You can find a sugar and salt free recipe, suitable for toddlers and babies here.
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