DIY Toys: Water Play

This is something we've done a few times to keep my little guy busy and in the kitchen so I can keep an eye on him while I cook.  It can get a little messy, but hey, it's just water!

I put the stopper in the sink, turn the water on at a trickle, and give him some kitchen tools to play with.  I also toss a towel on the floor between the counter and his chair to catch the drips.  When the water level reaches a few inches, (never give them more than you want to clean up!), I turn off the water and let him continue to play.

When it started getting really messy I took his clothes off.  This picture also shows the towel on the floor.

This is a great free game that keeps my little guy busy for a good 30 minutes.  Hooray!

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin English Muffin Bread

One of my favorite smells is this bread baking in the oven.  Delicious!

Ingredients:

3 cups while wheat flour

2 cups white flour

4 1/2 teaspoons yeast (2 envelopes)

2 teaspoons salt

4 teaspoons sugar

1/4 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

2 cups milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup raisins

sprinkle of cornmeal

1. Microwave milk and water for 5 minutes on half power. While that's heating...

2. In mixer with dough hook, combine wheat flour, yeast, salt, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon.  Mix until combined.

3. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Gradually add white flour and raisins.  I usually have to use a spatula to hand mix at the end.

4. Grease two loaf pans and sprinkle cornmeal in the bottom.  I use coconut oil to grease the pans.

5. Place dough in pans, cover pans with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 45 minutes.

6. Bake for 25 minutes at 400 degrees.  

Variations:  This recipe actually started as a plain English muffin bread.  To make it plain, substitute white flour for wheat and omit cinnamon and raisins.  I'd also like to try it with cheddar cheese and chives some time!

Dark Chocolate Edamame Bark

I love the dark chocolate edamame from Trader Joe's and we have been out if it for a while.  The store closest to us is 85 miles away, so I only go about ever other month.

This recipe came out of desperation!  I just had to make something similar to satisfy my sweet tooth.  Here's what I made.

Ingredients:

1 bar dark chocolate (mine was 5.29oz)

1/2 cup dry roasted edamame

1/4 cup raw almonds

1-2 tbsp flaked coconut

1. Break chocolate into pieces and place in microwaveable bowl.  Microwave 1 minute and then stir.  Continue to microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time until completely melted.  I only needed 2 minutes total to melt the chocolate.

2. Stir in almonds and edamame.  Continue  until everything is coated in chocolate.

3.  Spread mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

4. Put the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden up.

5.  Break apart and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pesto Hummus

We have been enjoying hummus in our house, and this is a very easy way to whip up a batch in a hurry.

Ingredients:

1 can white beans or chick peas

1/4c prepared pesto

1 tbsp tahini

*If you make with chick peas you may need to add a little bit of olive oil to make it smooth.

Drain the liquid from the beans and combine all ingredients in food processor.  Add a little olive oil and blend longer if needed.

Enjoy!