see the kids cooking at http://www.weecookery.blogspot.com/

Eileen’s Spicy Gingerbread Men (from Allrecipes.com)

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 molasses
1 teaspoon ginger
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar, stir in the molasses and egg. In separate bowl mix flour, spices, salt and leavenings together; blend into molasses mixture until smooth. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheet two inches apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool cookies before decorating with icing.

Potato Soup

Leeks sliced
Potatoes diced
Carrots diced
celery diced
dried parsley and minced fresh rosemary (optional)
chicken broth or vegetable stock
evaporated milk
butter
salt and pepper

Basically, you put in the amounts of ingredients based on your taste preferences. Saute leeks in butter until soft, add potatoes, carrots, celery and herbs. Cook slightly before adding broth or stock to cover vegetables. Cook vegetables until soft, add evaporated milk, salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook until milk is heated but not simmering.

Roasted Root Vegetables

This method of cooking is good with any root vegetable. We will use potatoes, carrots, turnips, and yams, but I have also tried it with parsnips, beets, and rutabagas. My favorite rooted vegetable is asparagus but thinner veggies require reduced roasting time.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel Russet potatoes and yams, but red potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes and other root vegetables do not need to be peeled unless skins are overly rough and hairy. Slice vegetables into 1/2 inch pieces. Put pieces in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil, stir to coat all. Place vegetables on a greased cookie sheet in single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper or Mrs. Dash seasoning. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender.

Hot Fruit Turnovers

This recipe is open to many creative possiblities. Let your imagination add to the suggestions here.

Trim crust from slices of any soft whole-grain bread. Flatten with rolling pin, spread lightly with jam or honey, and place 1 tablespoon filling in center of each slice. Fold into a triangle and press edges together with tines of fork to seal. Brush with a mixture of melted butter and honey, place on an oiled baking sheet, and bake in a 400 degree oven 15 minutes, until golden.

Fillings:
honey sweetened cream cheese and fruit
cinnamon applesauce and raisens
peanut butter and mashed banana
marmalade and banana slices
almond butter and chopped dates

Save the trimmed bread crusts for drying and turning into bread crumbs.