A Fun Child Cooking Activity Includes Making P.B. & J. Muffins



Posted: Wednesday, September 06, 2006

by Nancy Johnson
Creative Child Activity Notebook

A child cooking activity includes a lot of fun in the kitchen. Cooking with kids opens the door for learning opportunities such as math, science and nutrition with the end result being something yummy to eat. There are lots of simple recipes to use when cooking with kids. Since kids love peanut butter and jelly, I have included this Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffin recipe for you to try with your child.

Before beginning a cooking activity review some health and safety tips with kids. It is important that they wash their hands before, during and after handling food. This reduces any food borne bacteria (germs) being transferred to the food they are going to eat. Review safety tips on using knives, electric equipment such as mixers and blenders, and basic kitchen rules such as not running or participating in any horseplay during this activity. Provide aprons for the kids to wear and tie any long hair back off the face.

Now you are ready to begin a cooking activity with your child. Pick an easy recipe to begin with and go over the recipe with the child or group. Set out all the cooking tools that you will need. This is a perfect time to review math concepts such as measuring, fractions, time and temperatures. You can also discuss science concepts of how certain ingredients like baking powder, baking soda, and egg whites can effect the properties of food.

These Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins are a wonderful snack, breakfast treat and school lunch box item.

Tools needed to complete this child cooking activity:

  • Mixing bowls in small, medium and large sizes
  • One to two spatulas or large spoons
  • Measuring spoons
  • Dry-ingredient measuring cups
  • Liquid measuring cups
  • Muffin pans
Ingredients needed are:

  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/3 cup jam (any flavor)
Instructions to make your muffins:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray muffin pans with a nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, peanut butter, egg and melted butter.
  4. Add the dry ingredients and stir until the flour disappears. Do not stir too much or the muffins will be tough.
  5. Fill the muffin pan wells half full with batter. Top each with ½ teaspoon of jam, then spoon more batter over the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Store any leftover muffins in a resealable plastic bag or container. Kids will have some much fun with this cooking activity that they will be asking to cook all the time!

As a mother, grandmother, and child development professional, Nancy Johnson, shares over 20 years experience working with children and planning activities on her website, Creative-Child-Activity-Notebook.com. Check it out for more school age child activity ideas including learning, holiday, party, cultural, and nature child activity ideas.

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