Gulf Coast Family

Have you ever noticed how your childrens' faces light up when you pull them up to the counter and let them stir something? The kitchen is a center of activity in many homes, and as a result, children want to be involved. Letting children help to prepare meals is a wonderful opportunity to teach them about responsibility, creativity, science and the importance of following instructions. Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started.

Oven Fried Chicken

On the Fourth of July, millions of us will celebrate America's birthday with a festive picnic and what would a picnic be without fried chicken. This classic American dish doesn't have to be fried, it can be baked and your children will have a blast preparing it.

• 6 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks

1. Place corn flakes and flour in separate gallon size zippered bags; season flour with salt and pepper to taste; place milk in a shallow bowl
2. Place 2 or 3 drumsticks into the bag with the flour; seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken
3. Remove chicken from the flour; shake off the excess flour and place in the milk, turning to coat
4. Place drumsticks into the bag with the corn flakes; seal the bag and shake well to coat
5. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 with remaining drumsticks
7. Bake at 375 for 45-55 minutes until meat is no longer pink and juices run clear

Flag Cake

Celebrate the fourth of July with a bang! This American flag cake recipe, made with strawberries, blueberries and lots of whipped topping, is a perfect patriotic dessert.

• One cake mix, prepared according to directions for a 9x13 cake
• 4 ounces blueberries
• One 12-ounce container non-dairy whipped topping
• 1 pound strawberries, halved

1. Prepare cake as directed and allow to cool completely
2. Frost cake with non-dairy whipped topping
3. Arrange blueberries and strawberries in a flag pattern (blueberries for the star field, and strawberries for the stripes)

Serves 12

Have a great recipe your kids love to make and eat? Send it to us at articles@gulfcoastfamily.org, and we may feature your young cooks in a future issue!