Cooking with the Kids

So, today I was going through all of my old magazines as a part of my Spring cleaning. I have soooo many! I tried to pawn some off on my neighbor but she didn't want but 2. (That didn't help me too much!) The one magazine that I never throw or give away is Family Fun. It is my all time favorite magazine! I got a subscription for me and my sister in 2007 until 2010 for $5! That's an amazing deal. So worth every cent!

So, I have been reading this magazine since Dayton was a baby. Trying to find the best new baby toys, games, ideas for crafts, places to visit across the US, holiday ideas (they have the best Halloween costume ideas!) party ideas (the best!) and so, so much more. I could never throw them away! As a mother, I depend on this stuff!

So, I sat down today & tore out the recipes that I have used and loved over the past year or so. My kids love to help cook, especially Sierra. She brings a bar stool up to the counter and helps me mix, stir, pour and taste-the best part! The boys help sometimes but they aren't really into that kinda thing-except licking the spoon full of cake batter. I ended up with quite a stack of pages. I indeed will be using these recipes often. The kids have one night a week that they get to pick what to eat for dinner. Monday is Austin, Tuesday is Dayton & Wednesday is Sierra. They are pretty easy meals. Austin usually picks mexican, Dayton is usually some sort of meat & potatoes and Sierra varies-a lot! lol

So, I am going to start sharing what the kids chose to eat on "their" night. Every week I will share the recipe along with a picture. I am really looking forward to this!

Here is one of my favorite (easy) recipes that me and the kids have made.
Enjoy!

Cheese Calzones

Easy Pizza Dough
3/4 cup Quick Marinara Sauce
1 1/2 cups grated cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli crowns or 1 1/2 cups sliced precooked sausage

1. Make a batch of Easy Pizza Dough and prepare a large baking sheet.
2. Divide the dough in half. With floured hands, press each half into a large oval, then switch to a rolling pin and roll it out until it measures about 6 by 9 inches.
3. Now your child can spoon sauce across the bottom half of each oval, leaving a 1-inch border uncovered. Then she should sprinkle on the cheese, followed by the broccoli pieces or sausage, dividing the toppings equally between the 2 calzones. TIP: Cut the broccoli into small pieces--the steam in the baking calzone will cook it to just the right tenderness.
4. Use a fingertip to lightly moisten the entire edge of the dough with water, then fold the top over the side that's piled with toppings, matching up the edges. Pinch together the edges, making sure the layers stick. TIP: When sealing the calzones, pinch together the edges and give them a short roll to create a roped edge.
5. Transfer the calzones onto the baking sheet, spacing them well apart, and use a knife to poke 3 or 4 small steam vents in the top of each one. Let the calzones rest for 10 minutes while you heat the oven to 400°.
6. Bake the calzones on the center oven rack for about 30 minutes, until dark and crusty on the top and bottom. Slide the calzones onto a wire rack and let them cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Be careful--the steam inside can be very hot. Serves 4 to 6.