I think it is because it’s like play dough and then you get to eat it too. So she gets to play and eat; her two favorite things. And I’m so glad that she likes it because that means I get to spend more time with her.

Homemade Focaccia

My daughter calls this Pizza bread because it kinda tastes like that, but better. It’s the kind of bread that is hard to stop eating. Filled with herbs and topped with the best part of the pizza, cheese.

The dough is just like my Homemade Pizza Dough with a little less water. I suggest doubling the recipe so you aren’t disappointed when it’s gone in like 2 seconds.

That’s what happens at my house. I turn around for just a minute and poof, it’s been devoured.

Easy Homemade Focaccia

 

Print

Prep time

45 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

1 hour

 

Seasoned with Italian Herbs, this bread tastes even better than it looks.

Author: True Aim

Recipe type: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Serves: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2¼ tsp yeast (1 package)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 tsp oil
• 2½ cups unbleached flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ cup sliced grape tomatoes
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• handful of fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Meanwhile, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl or mixer and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Then add 1 tsp oil, flour, salt, pepper, and herbs. Beat until smooth. Dough will be sticky.
3. Add ¼ cup of flour to a flat surface and knead it into the dough for 6-8 minutes or until smooth and stretchy.
4. Grease your large bowl with 1 tsp of oil and place your dough in it, turning once to coat the top of the dough with oil.
5. Cover with foil, turn off the oven and let the dough rise in the warm oven for 30-45 minutes or until doubled.
6. Remove from the oven and punch down the dough. Recover and let it rest for 10 more minutes while reheating the oven to 400 degrees.
7. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 9 in. x 13 in. and place on a greased or lined baking sheet.
8. Cover and let it rise for about 30 more minutes. After that, make small indents in the dough with your finger tips and brush with remaining tsp of oil.
9. Top with tomatoes, basil and cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool on a wire rack.

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Do you like making your own bread? What’s your favorite meal to cook with your kids?

The post Easy Homemade Focaccia Flat Bread first appeared on True Aim.

Is it just me, or is there something wonderful about cooking with your daughter?  I love the way she claps her hands together and squeals when we’re cooking something she really likes; her enthusiasm for cooking things all by herself.

If we have a big get together with the family, she can’t wait for everyone to come and try the food she’s made.  As she greets people at the door, she can’t help mentioning what she helped cook.  Even before they take off their jacket, she’s off to get them a sample before they can protest.

I tell her that very soon she’ll be teaching her younger brothers and sisters how to make this dip.  Heck, she’ll be making the whole meal before we know it.  She blushes a little and gives me a small sneaky smile, like she doesn’t want me to know she’s proud of herself.  Of course, she’ll have to get used to the mixer a little more first

If you’re making this to bring somewhere, make sure you save some for yourself because it won’t last.  Although I kick myself when I go to the platter excitedly only to find some veggies left, I’m glad people enjoy my famous Blue Cheese dip.

Cooking with Kids: Blue Cheese & Herbs Dip

 

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Prep time

1 hour 15 mins

Total time

1 hour 15 mins

 

The cheese in this irresistible dip can be changed for a more mild flavor. One of the only Kid-friendly Blue Cheese dips ever made!

Author: True Aim

Recipe type: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Cream Cheese softened
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• ¾ Cup Blue Cheese, Gorgonzola, or Salted Butter for a very mild flavor
• 2-3 Green Onions (White Part)
• 1 Clove Garlic Minced or ½ Tsp Dry
• 3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme or ½ Tsp Dry
• 4 Fresh Basil Leaves Finely Chopped or ½ Tsp Dry
• 4 Sprigs Fresh Chives or ½ Tsp Dry plus more for garnish
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions

1. Whip cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the sour cream and blue cheese and whip until combined.
3. Mix in the remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

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Dips are always handy to get kids (and adults) to eat more veggies too.  Feel free to lick the bowl!

Do you like blue cheese?  I’d love to hear about your favorite blue cheese dish.

For more family friendly recipes, like us on Facebook and follow us on Pinterest!

The post Cooking with Kids: Easy Blue Cheese & Herbs Dip first appeared on True Aim.

Surprisingly, fish is one of my daughter’s favorite dinners.  It helps when I have a great recipe and this Baked Herb Crusted Salmon is one of the best I’ve tried.  It is so simple that kids can cook it practically by themselves!  Scroll down so you don’t miss your chance to win a great Herb Giveaway at the bottom of this post!

This recipe from McCormick.com will make your child feel like a real chef!  It is kid-friendly because it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and cook!

The herbs are what make this dish.

The special blend is:

1 Teas McCormick California Style Onion Powder

1 Teas Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

1/2 Teas McCormick Dill Weed

You’ll also need:

1 Pound Salmon Fillets

2 Teas Oil

450°F Preheated Oven

How to Prepare the Salmon

While I washed and cut the salmon, my daughter Audrey prepared the spice blend.  She oiled the fish with 2 teas of oil and sprinkled the herbs evenly over it.  You could have your butcher pre-cut the salmon into equal fillets so your child can make this all by himself.

Audrey put the fish in a greased dish, and I placed it in the oven for 12 minutes.  The recipe says 10 minutes, but my fillets were large and I like my fish well done.  You can also place the fish close to the broiler after baking for a minute or two to crisp up the herbs a little more.

We served it with lemon wedges and my Easy Veggie Rice for a complete meal in less than 30 minutes!  Next time, I might add just a little melted butter on top of the fish for a richer taste.

It was a HUGE hit even with my toddler!  Check out my Instagram video of him below.  Audrey will definitely be making this again.  She was so proud to be able to cook salmon for dinner.  Find the full recipe here: Baked Crusted Salmon.

Homemade in America McCormick Gift Set Giveaway!

McCormick is going to give one of my readers an awesome Herb Gift Set!  Please leave a comment on which McCormick Recipe you would like to try for a chance to win.

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For more recipes you can cook with your kids, like me on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest.  Thanks for your support!

The post Cooking with Kids: Baked Herb Crusted Salmon first appeared on True Aim.