Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag

5 ingredients + 2 storage bags + 5 minutes = Tasty Summer Treat

My creative friend, Staci, taught our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group how to make ice cream in a bag. Now, if you’re like me … you may be doubtful about how easy & tasty it really will be. I was hesitant, but it was great! Then, my kids made their own at home and absolutely loved it! My 7-yr-old daughter thought it was a cool science experiment. My 3-yr-old son just enjoyed pouring the ingredients and eating, of course 🙂

Here’s what you need:

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup milk or half & half

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

6 tablespoons rock salt

ice cubes

1 pint size plastic food storage bag

1 gallon size plastic food storage bag

Here’s what you do:

1.  Fill the large bag half full of ice, then add the rock salt.

2.  Put milk, vanilla and sugar in the small bag, then seal it.

3.  Place the small bag inside the large one. Make sure both bags are sealed.

4.  Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.  TIP: This gets cold! I wrapped a towel around the bag and let the kids roll it on the counter.

5.  Wipe off the small bag, then enjoy!!

Hope you have fun cooking with your kids! I’d love to hear about the tasty treats you make with your children 🙂

Cooking with Kids: Mini-Pizzas

My daughter finished 1st grade yesterday and today marks the beginning of our summer break. Yes, it was nice not having to pack a lunch at 6:30 this morning!

Since I will be making lots of summer lunches, though, I wanted to make a new category on my blog for how to involve your kids in the kitchen. Below is how we make mini-pizzas from English muffins … and they are actually good.

Here’s what you need: 

English Muffins

Pizza Sauce

Mozzarella Shredded Cheese

Mini Pepperonis

Other toppings (optional)

1.         Preheat oven to 400°.

2.         Take ½ of an English muffin and spread pizza sauce on top.

3.         Cover with shredded cheese.

4.         Arrange mini pepperonis as a smiley face. Be creative! You can also use additional toppings and make other shapes, letters, etc.

5.         Bake 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

* Put some fruit and veggies on the side and you have lunch.

* Just a note, my daughter wanted a “cooking” birthday party a couple years ago and we made these, the kids loved it.

Here’s how you can help – I need more recipe ideas for my summer lunches. You can post as a comment so other moms can benefit from your creativity. Have fun cooking with your little ones 🙂