Here are some suggestions for little hands who like to help in the kitchen.

2 year olds can: Wipe table tops, break apart cauliflower or brocoli, tear and wash salad greens, and fetch ingredients.

3 year olds can also: shape dough, mix ingredients, pour liquids, and spread soft spreads.

4 year olds can also: peel oranges and hard-cooked eggs, mash bananas with a fork, and set the table.

And, 5 and 6 year olds can also: measure ingredients, cut with a blunt knife, set timers, and use an egg beater.

Even though most older kids dislike helping with anything; they find it more acceptable if you are in the kitchen with them. In order to make them more agreeable, break up the chores into smaller ones. Let them help you decide who will do what. And, nothing is set in stone. You can always reassign tasks to keep harmony.

Plan the menu. Shop for groceries. Prepare the hot foods. Prepare the cold foods. Set the table Serve the food. Pour the drinks. Clear and wipe the table. Put away leftovers. Load the dishwasher. Clean the kitchen counters.

Now....let's get started *S*

Cheesy Corn and Burger Wraps

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 (10 oz.) pkg. Green Giant Frozen Southwestern Style Corn & Roasted Red Peppers
• 4 (8 or 9 inch) soft flour tortillas, warmed
• 1/2 cup Old El Paso Cheese 'n Salsa Dip

1. In large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain.

2. Remove corn mixture from pouch; add to ground beef. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are thawed.

3. Uncover; stir to break up vegetables and mix well. Cook an additional 2 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.

4. Spoon about 1 cup beef and corn mixture down center of each warm tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons cheese and salsa dip. Fold up bottom of tortilla; fold in sides. Secure with toothpicks.

Prep time: 20 minutes

4 wraps

Crunchy Nacho Dogs

• 1 (8 oz.) can refrigerated Cresecent Dinner Rolls
• 4 (3/4 oz.) slices American cheese
• 4 hot dogs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup crushed nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips

1. Heat oven to 375 deg. F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Separate dough into 4 rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal.

2. Place cheese slice on each rectangle; place hot dog in center of each. Fold short sides of rectangle over each hot dog; roll up to cover hot dog. Press edges to seal. Brush rolls with milk; roll in crushed chips. Place rolls, seam side down, on greased cookie sheet.

3. Bake at 375 deg. F. for 15 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown. If desired, serve with ketchup, salsa or sour cream.

Prep time: 40 minutes

4 sandwiches

Tuna Melt Biscuits

• 1 (10.2 oz.) can (5 biscuits) Pillsbury Grands! Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
• 2 (6 oz.) cans chunk light tuna in spring water, well drained
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup purchased honey mustard salad dressing
• 5 (3/4 oz.) slices American cheese

1. Heat oven to 375 deg. F. Bake biscuits as directed on can. Cool slightly. Split; arrange, cut side up, on same cookie sheet.

2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine tuna, celery, pineapple, onion and salad dressing; mix well.

3. Spoon mixture evenly onto split biscuits. Cut cheese slices in half diagonally; place 1 piece on each topped biscuit half.

4. Bake at 375 deg. F. for 5 to 7 minutes or until filling is hot and cheese is melted.

Prep time: 30 minutes

10 sandwiches: 5 servings

Games for kids

Always remember, treat your children well and they will turn out to be people you will be pourd of. And above all, enjoy each other and cherish every minute together!

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