Nothing like watching your 4-year-old bake muffins and pies!
Ever since Sammy began walking, Randy and I have encouraged him to be independent and to problem solve. I love the fact that baking involves learning and using many life skills. Two of our favorite homemade baking treats are apple pies and banana, chocolate chip muffins. Let me share a couple of adventures!
Last year, Sammy and I visited the apple orchard for the first time. What joy watching him study and handpick apples! Once home, Sammy was so excited to wash and count his apples, and then transform them into delicious apple pies. I must say, I was quite delighted myself observing him throughout it all.
Recently, with bananas just ripe in our kitchen, we decided to bake again. We searched the internet for a muffin recipe just right for our bananas and apples. (These are two healthy fruits we make sure to keep on our grocery list.) Using a few key words, our Google search resulted in the “Super Easy Apple Banana Muffins” recipe on MomSkoop.com.
A success from beginning to end!
Appreciating all the hands-on learning that is involved in baking with children, let alone the authentic relationship bonding, I intentionally read the recipe and ingredients aloud to Sammy. I encouraged him to listen and talk about the sequential order of steps. I then had him confirm that we had all the recipe items by physically and independently obtaining the ingredients from key places in the kitchen. Sammy collected the vanilla and cinnamon from the spice cabinet, and one egg (with some assistance from me) from the refrigerator.
As he counted, measured, and poured, it was evident he was developing and reinforcing language, math, and science skills. His eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills were on display as Sammy mixed the dough, cracked the egg, measured and poured the vanilla, and smashed the bananas — all with his little fingers and hands. The outcome was amazing! His “Apple Banana Muffins” were so moist, gooey and yummy! Randy, Sammy, and I ate quite a few that evening before going to bed.
A Little Chef could certainly use a personalized apron!
For years, I’ve purchased personalized items from personalizationmall.com. Upon first glance, I couldn’t resist getting Sammy his very own apron:
Little Chef Sammy: Lover Of All Things Chocolate
Set the stage and atmosphere for baking and learning!
Sammy’s been baking since he was 4 years old. He likes to listen to soft, contemporary instrumental and classical music playing in the background as we bake. I just adore the way he moves his little body all around the kitchen with both autonomy and a mind that explodes with curiosity and risk taking. We talk constantly about our actions and anticipation.
Now that he’s 5, and can differentiate healthy choices in foods, I admire how this too is value added in his education. Sammy has a children’s cookbook and a fruit and vegetable coloring book that his MiMiMa gifted him which are excellent resource tools as well for him. “Toddler Coloring Book (Fruits and Vegetables)” by Cherina Kohey and “Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook” by Heather Wish Staller are favorites in our household.
As Sammy’s “Sous Chef”, I always make sure he’s physically, mentally and emotionally involved in the baking from beginning to end. Of course, safety is always #1. There are specific things that I always handle for protective reasons.
The most important thing is spending quality time. Talk with your child about healthy and favorite foods. Search for recipes together. Make yummy and delicious creations together as a family. You may even want to create your own, personalized family aprons!
Now that the autumn season is here, and pumpkin, nutmeg and saffron all abound,
I anticipate baking with Little Chef Sammy again … very soon!
How wonderful & entertaining, not to mention, seeing Sammy’s development 1st hand!!
Thank you LeSans! I’m so glad you read my latest blog about Sammy the Chef! It’s amazing seeing firsthand all of the developmental skills that our young children pick up when exposed to fun, hands-on, engaging activities like baking and cooking!
This is wonderful! Has Sammy started making brownies yet? This is 5ths best kind of learning!
Girl….. I’m going to need for Beth (Elsa) to do a Guest Blog baking with Sammy and those delicious brownies! We haven’t gotten to those awesome chocolate brownies yet but thanks for the reminder! LOL
Lesley,
Such a Delicious blog!
Sammy has such focus to be so young. His pictures continue to tell a Great story!
I enjoyed reading this from Scratch to Scrumptious AND now my mouth is watering for some Yummy Sammy Treats!
I love that: From Scratch to Scrumptious Gloria! Thank you for reading my latest blog and commenting. Randy and I continue to be amazed at Sammy’s focus in baking and other things which he enjoys to do. I think it’s all about giving children opportunities to do what they enjoy doing. And so many wonderful things will come out of it. Thanks again!
Great chef Sammy keep baking, great pictures, save me some,
Thank you Pearl! We will be sure to save you some future baked treats from Little Chef Sammy!
I love this!!!!!
Thank you so much Susan! I truly appreciate the fact that you read all of my blog posts! That means a lot to me! I’m glad you enjoyed this latest blog. As I write this, Sammy is playing with water and sand and food coloring! SO MUCH FUN and DISOVERY! 🙂
Oh my goodness! So sweet. I enjoy watching Sammy learn and explore. Thank you for letting us to experience these things with him! And you and Randy!! Love love love
Thanks so much Leigh for reading my blogs and commenting. I am glad that you enjoy watching Sammy learn and explore! Can’t thank you enough!
It’s delightful to observe Sammy’s growth and development. I can just imagine his delight as he consumes the finished product.
Oh my goodness! All three of us enjoyed the muffins so much! We devoured quite a bit that evening! I am so glad that you are enjoying my blogs and am appreciative of your taking the time to comment Mary Lee. I’ll continue to share Sammy’s growth and development. Thank so much again!