Starting From Scratch

In a spiral bound notebook, Rosalind asked me to write down some recipes that she can make all by herself. Having a mother who bakes for a living, she is not a blank slate. I haven't made any special efforts in inducting her to the world of pastry but she somehow lives in that world. In fact, she learned fractions by measuring ingredients for chocolate chip cookies! Still, transcribing recipes for her was not as easy as photocopying from a cookbook. The directions needed to be simplified, baking terms defined, and abbreviations expanded.

Her recipe book now includes pancakes, waffles, and chocolate chip scones. Yes, she does love breakfast food, but I think what she loves even more is making it for her family. Her eyes sparkled with undeniable pride as she presented us with a plateful of warm scones one morning. There is something phenomenal in creating something so yummy just by mixing a handful of ingredients and then heating it all up. What was even more amazing was that these recipes only required her to dirty a bowl, a pan and couple of cooking/measuring utensils, thus she easily cleaned up her mess and left the kitchen as she found it.

For my part, I am proud that she appreciates hand-made stuff when all around her mass-produced things abound. At least that's how it is for now. If there's anything I've learned during my eight years of parenthood is that children are fickle. Maybe next year, she won't prefer the Statue of Liberty costume her grandma sewed for her over one that can be purchased at the Halloween store, but I am hoping that she will continue to appreciate food made with wholesome ingredients. I understand that I won't have her attention forever, so this is my chance to help her get to know what she eats.