Cooking with Kids: Scones with Jam & Cream

On Wednesday this week the kids had a Father’s Day breakfast at Kindy. Where possible, I like to let them participate in the cooking for events like this as it gives them a sense of pride.

Admittedly doing this before getting ready for school was not one of my brighter ideas… but we not only survived it, we managed to have fun doing it.

(Full Disclosure: Mumma did use her cranky voice once)

I guess what I’m saying is think about the times that are going to be most conducive to cooking for you and your family. That will really reduce any stress around it.

Here’s What We Used:

This is not the traditional scone recipe, but I find it much easier when cooking with kids

4 cups self-raising flour
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1 cup lemonade (Sprite/7 UP/ Schweppes for my American friends)
1 cup cream
1 tablespoon milk for brushing the tops of the scones

Here’s What We Did:

Step 1: Sift 4 Cups of Flour

Measuring is a great pre-math skill

When you have 2 kids working together they really need to cross the midline… and cooperate. Win/Win

Sifting is so good for developing hand strength needed for writing and other fine motor skills

Step 2: Add 1/2 Cup Caster Sugar

You can start some pre-math skills by showing that 2 half cups are the same as 1 cup

Step 3: Add a Pinch of Salt

Using a salt grinder is one of my favourite activities for bi-lateral coordination

Step 4: Add 1 Cup of Lemonade

After developing their pouring skills while cooking, Mr L & Miss S are now confident pouring their own drinks, or adding milk to cereal

This is one of their favourite parts – seeing the bubbles that are created when they add the lemonade

You can discuss the science behind why we use raising agents in baking, or just let the kids enjoy the vision of the base reacting with the acid

Step 5: Add 1 Cup of Cream

Through experience they have learnt about viscosity of liquids and how careful they have to be based on how “thick” or “thin” the fluid is

If they are interested in science, you could always introduce them to The Sci Guys, and watch a clip about viscosity. If you have younger children, the explanation at the end will most likely be beyond them, but might find they ask interesting questions or would like to undertake a similar experiment at home.

Step 6: Stir and Knead Gently

You can always encourage them on how to grip the spoon, or just let them do this in a way that is natural for them, and over time with exposure they will change their grip

Kneading the dough is a great way to interact with the food and help with sensory integration. If you have a child that is concerned about getting their hands dirty, consider spraying their hands with cooking spray first (if they’ll tolerate that texture better)