Chef Keenan!

Keenan made a meal in the crockpot today. I didn't eat any of it because it had meat in it, but it smelled divine and everyone loved it. He did a great job of reading the recipe, finding the appropriate measuring cup that was called for and measuring out the ingredients. And he was so pleased with himself. I am trying to let the boys do more in the kitchen. They love it and it's a great exercise in patience for me:) I would let Gretyl do more, but she doesn't want to. Here is the recipe for Keenan's dinner:

CROCKPOT GARLIC BROWN SUGAR CHICKEN
Chicken pieces-enough to feed your family-legs, thighs etc.

1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup lemon-line soda
2-3 Tbls. minced garlic
2 Tbls. soy sauce 1 tsp. pepper (regular black or cayenne (stage 2))

Place chicken in crockpot. Mix all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice or noodles. You can thicken the juices after cooking with a little cornstarch. If using cayenne pepper, it gives dish a szchewan flavor.

We also had FUNNEL CAKES for breakfast!! They turned out great and were so easy. I was the best mom in the world for an entire 20 minutes or so. Here is the recipe for those..we will definitely be making these again! A word of caution, I got this recipe off of a blog for a family of 15 (link is at the right), and it makes a TON. You might want to cut the recipe in half.

Funnel Cakes
1. Heat three cups of vegetable oil over medium high heat until it reaches 350-375 degrees.

2. Whisk together 4 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons , 1/2 teaspoon sbaking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well, then add 2 1/2 cups milk 3 large eggs. Whisk until smooth.

3. Put batter in gallon sized bag. Remove excess air, and seal. Cut 1/4 inch wide hole in bag. Carefully squeeze 1 cup of batter back and forth into oil making a free form lacy web. Cook until golden on bottom, about 2 minutes. Using tongs, turn the cake over and cook until golden brown on other side, about 1 more minute. Transfer funnel cake to paper towels to drain.

4. Dust funnel cakes with powdered sugar and serve warm.