Tiny had a a great plan: purple pancakes! We bought a packet of Bisquick mix which makes ten pancakes. We added one cup of water and many drops of red and blue food coloring to arrive at what were really lavender pancakes. Then she wanted to add sprinkles too, so I shook some rainbow jimmies on each pancake once I had spooned them on to the griddle. The sprinkles melted into each pancake, and melted really nicely as you can see. Somehow the pancake being a pretty color made them taste better too. Tiny wanted peanut butter in them too, but I suggested we just put it on them after, which we did. ~ What adventure have you had with food coloring? ~

Whenever anyone asks for a good recipe to make with kids, or if I need a quick recipe to make with little ones, I turn to Forrest Gump's Kissy Cookies. While staying in a beautiful home in Park City with my husband's college "posse," as they call themselves, I saw a baking opportunity. We had a total of four kids on the trip, with one on the way. These were good cookies to make because of all the jobs that can be created. You need a few hands to measure and mix only three ingredients. And a few kids can unwrap all of the Hershey's Kisses. Chocolate chips can also be used instead. And I always use creamy peanut butter. But you never know what you're going to get. 
~ What is your go-to easy baking recipe? ~
Kissy Cookies
1 large egg
1 cup chunky peanut butter
1 cup sugar
36 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Combine the first 3 ingredients; shape into 3/4-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets; bake at 350º degrees for 10 minutes. Immediately press a chocolate kiss in center of each cookie; remove to wire racks to cool. Yeild: 3 dozen. From Forrest Gump My Favorite Chocolate Recipes, by Oxmoor House. 

My friend Alicia, mother to a picky eater, an elementary school teacher and a very creative home cook, came up with her most ingenious idea yet. She has proven first, that if she puts sprinkles and white chocolate chips on anything, her daughter will eat it. And also that you can camouflage a lot of nutrition within a bowl of chocolate pudding. Her recipe is below, and it really is good. Tiny and I had to try it to believe it.

Sneaky Chocolate Pudding
Heat 2 cups unsweetened chocolate almond milk. Add 1 scoop 365 Whey Protein Powder, 1 scoop Amazing Grass Kidz Superfood Chocolate Flavor, 1 jar of baby food prunes and 1 small box of Cook and Serve Chocolate Jello Pudding. Keep stirring with a whisk until smooth. Pour into small bowls or cups and top with sprinkles and white chocolate chips. Refrigerate for at least one hour.~ Have you tried any sneaky recipes? ~

During past Passovers, I've made charoset on cruise ships and hotels, cutting with plastic knives and mixing it up in water glasses. Of course I've made it at home in the food processor as well. This year, probably influenced by "Top Chef," I thought a deconstructed charoset would make a fun tot snack. Traditionally charoset contains apples, nuts, wine and cinnamon. I cut apple slices and set out bowls of peanut butter, raisins and cinnamon to dip the apples in. It was fun for Tiny and I to prepare and eat, dipping the apples in the peanut butter first, then the raisins and cinnamon which stuck on well. It really did have the taste of charoset. You could use any nut butter or chopped dried fruits. What a nutty idea. ~ What deconstructed snacks do you prepare? ~