In the mood for baking?

It's sometimes difficult to find simple recipes that the whole family can make together. Kids always want to help, or do it themselves!

Here are a few recipes that are very simple and require minimal adult supervision:

Chinese Cookies (a recipe from my grandmother)

6oz. butterscotch chips

6oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1c. peanuts

1c. chow mein noodles

Place butterscotch and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium power for two minutes. Stir, then microwave in one minute increments, stopping to stir each time, until the chips are melted and smooth.

Pour peanuts and chow mein noodles into the melted chip mixture and stir.

Drop teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets lined with waxed paper. Let sit to harden, or speed up the process by placing cookie sheets in the freezer for fifteen minutes.

Note: If someone has a peanut allergy, you can substitute another type of nut, sunflower seeds, etc.

Stained Glass Fudge (from the book Gifts to Make and Eat, by Elizabeth MacLeod)

1 1/2 lbs white chocolate, broken into pieces

1 (10oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/8 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups mini gumdrops (all colors except black)

1/2 tsp. vanilla

In a large microwavable bowl, combine the chocolate, milk and salt. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds, until the chocolate is melted. Stir in gumdrops and vanilla. Pour fudge into an 8-inch square pan. Refrigerate for two hours or until firm. It will keep for up to two weeks if kept covered in the fridge.

If you're looking for more recipes to make as a family, here are some books to try:

(click on the title to reserve)

Holiday Cooking Around the World

This beautifully illustrated book includes:

+ An introduction to food-based celebrations around the world

+ Basic cooking rules, utensils and terms

+ Metric Conversion tables

+ Two sample international menus

Desserts and Sweets from Around the World

This colorful cookbook includes:
+ A glossary full of cooking terms and their definitions
+ Recipes rated by level (easy, medium and difficult)
+ An introduction to ingredients and kitchen rules

Bake and Make Amazing Cookies

Part of the fantastic "Kids Can Do It Series, this book includes:

+ Recipes for:

- Holidays

- Special People

- Seasons

- Just for Fun

+ Colorful illustrations
+ Suggestions for packaging the baked goods