I am always so excited by a new school year. Maybe it’s the smell of freshly sharpened pencils nestled inside their new pencil cases or the crispness of the new school outfits, but my heart beats a little faster and I get a new bounce to my step as soon as the kids go back to school. (OK, you got me – it’s the newfound freedom after a long, long summer).
But along with everything new, I like to dust off my old, tried and true favorite kids recipes to celebrate Back to School season. I want to reward the kids for being so brave in the face of new teachers, new classrooms and maybe even new schools. Just about every Friday, my son and I hosted a Kids Party at our home after school where the kids would come by and play with water pistols or just kick around a soccer ball. We usually served pizzas and home-made treats afterwards. The crowd favorite was always the
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting . I have tried many chocolate cake recipes and I have found this to be the easiest and the most fail-proof recipe for bakers of all levels. Once you try it, I am sure that you will never go back to the cake mix box and pre-made frosting ever gain.
For those who would like an alternative to Chocolate Cake, there are always the good old
American Brownies . I usually make mine without nuts since so many children are allergic, but please feel free to add them if you like. This particular recipe makes slightly fluffier brownies than the thick sludge that you usually find in stores and the kids really love this moister version.
Other favorite kids treats, especially for those kids who are not partial to chocolate, are
Palmiers or Elephant Ears. Huge versions of these Palmiers can be found in bakeries all over France tempting kids of all ages and they could not be easier to make. This puff pastry recipe can also be made in advance and frozen so they can be popped in the oven before you want to serve them for a warm, flaky, sugary treat.
And finally, lest you think that I serve only unhealthy, sugar-laden treats, I want to share with you my recipe for
Home-Made Granola . I am never happy with the store-bought granolas that always seem to lack any flavor and taste so dry and artificial. The home-made versions are delicious on their own or mixed in with plain or vanilla yogurt. They make great healthy treats for kids for mornings or afternoons. Try them and I am sure that you will be coming up with your own granola recipe variations in no time.
I sincerely hope that you will try out some of these easy recipes with your kids and share your tasty creations with your family and friends. And please don’t forget to email me at
nameeoberst@hotmail.com and send me your favorite tips and recipes. I really look forward to hearing from you.
Wishing you a wonderful new school year,
Namee Oberst
Founder, Food for Cause
Back to School
Saturday, August 20, 2011