Cooking with a Toddler?!

This morning Addie made biscuits with her Grandmama. I have never thought to make biscuits with Addie for a couple of reasons. First, I am from the north, and quite frankly, I have never actually made a biscuit. Cakes… yes. Cookies… yes. But biscuits? You only can get those at Cracker Barrel. Second, it never crossed my mind that a 17-month old could help cook. It should have – as a young child, my mother and Auntie Debbie had a cake business, and they always let me put the eggs into the batter. One time when they were in a rush, they made the mistake of not letting me put the eggs in, and I spent the next hour or so with tears rolling down my face repeating the phrase, “put the eeeeeeggs in.” I know this not because I can remember the moment, but because they have told this story many times over the years, particularly to people I dated.

Jane put out a step-stool, and Addie climbed right up and was able to work with her Grandmama at the counter. I was amazed to watch Addison carefully help Jane with each step of the recipe, from sifting flour to rolling the dough. She even sampled the dough several times. (And with no eggs, there was no worry about her doing so!)

The biscuits were so good, and easy to make with a toddler, I want to share the recipe! (If you have the 1972 edition of the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook, it’s on page 57.)

Baking-Powder Biscuits

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 milk

Sift dry ingredients into a bowl. Cut in the shortening until the mixture is like coarse crumbs. Make a well and add milk. Stir quickly with a fork just until the dough follows the fork around the bowl. Turn onto a lightly-floured surface. Knead gently 10-12 strokes. Roll or pat dough 1/2 inch thick. Dip cutter into flour; cut dough straight down. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes 16.

Now that I know my toddler can cook, I will be including her in the process more often!