Make Reading Recipes a Festive Holiday Treat!

The holidays can be a magical time filled with laughter, joy, and the wonderful aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air. What better way to celebrate this festive season — and sneak in reading time — than by cooking together as a family? Involving kids in cooking creates sweet memories and helps them learn valuable skills and practice their reading.

Bonus:  Kids practice reading, following instructions and sequence of steps (an executive functioning skill), and math.  Want to add to the math challenge, ask children to double the recipe or cut it in half so they will have to do some calculations!

So, put on your aprons, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Here are five fun and easy recipes to try with your kids.

1. Holiday Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons sugar for decoration
• Festive sprinkles for decorating

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
4. Combine: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, then roll them in sugar. Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Use a fork to flatten the balls slightly.
6. Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven or until golden. Let cool before decorating with sprinkles.

2. Festive Fruit and Nut Mix

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Optional: chocolate chips or M&Ms for extra sweetness

 Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, mini marshmallows, and cinnamon.
2. Mix It Up: Stir everything together until well mixed. If desired, add chocolate chips or M&Ms for an extra festive touch.
3. Serve: Package in festive bags or jars for a perfect holiday snack or gift!

3. Cheesy Holiday Quesadillas

 Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked chicken or veggies (optional)
• Salsa for dipping
• Cooking spray or a little olive oil

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Assemble Quesadillas: Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half with cheese, and add chicken or veggies if using. Fold the tortilla over.
3. Cook: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted.
4. Slice and Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa for dipping. These are great for a festive family lunch!

4. Hot Chocolate Bar

 Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, peppermint sticks, and sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Heat Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, whisking until smooth and heated through.
2. Prepare Toppings: Set up a fun hot chocolate bar with all the toppings in bowls.
3. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and let everyone customize their drink with their favorite toppings.

5. Decorative Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (strawberries, grapes, melons, pineapple, kiwi)
• Wooden skewers
• Optional: yogurt or chocolate for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruits: Wash and cut fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Assemble Kabobs: Let the kids thread the fruit pieces onto the skewers in fun patterns. Get creative with colors!
3. Drizzle (Optional): If desired, drizzle yogurt or melted chocolate over the kabobs for an extra treat.
4. Serve: Arrange the kabobs on a platter for a healthy and festive snack!

Cooking together as a family during the holidays can be a memorable experience - and help your kids keep learning over the break. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and make this holiday season one to remember through the joy of cooking (and reading)!

Happy holidays!