Thursday, April 23, 2009

Oh No! We Are Mess!

"Oh no! We are mess!" 
The above are famous last words heard after mommy left the children washing dishes in the kitchen to go into the other room to get the phone.

Okay, training children to wash dishes is important but they sure can get wet! 

Whatever you do, do not forget to reinforce the lesson that the water pressure coming out of the faucet should be kept fairly low to avoid the water-spraying-all-over-the-kitchen debacle.

As my sister said listenting to us over the phone: "At least they are learning and having fun."

I guess that is what home education is all about.




Best Cinnamon Bread Recipe For Bread Machine

We just made some of this cinnamon bread yesterday and my family is clamoring for more already!  The kids like getting involved.  I am nearly out of cinnamon so they grated a few sticks using the ginger grater and a multi-grater we have.  I use the bread machine for the dough. Then they punch it down, let it rest, divide it into two, roll it out, spread the butter, sprinkle the sugar mixture then fold over into thirds.

Here is the recipe:

1 c warm water
2 tbsp butter
1 egg
3 c flour
3 tbsp dried milk
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar
1 and 1/2 tsp bread machine yeast

Put all ingredients in the bread machine on dough cycle.  When done, remove, punch down and let rest for 5 minutes.  Dust surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll out into a large rectangle. Take 3 tbsp of butter, softened and spread half on each rolled out rectangle

Mix 1/2 cup brown or white sugar, 1 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl.  Sprinkle half on each rectangle and then fold into thirds.  Pinch center seam closed and pinch and fold ends under. Place dough seam side down in greased loaf pan. Let rise in warm place until doubled (about 1 hour for us, on top of a warm oven).  Bake for 25-30 minutes at 325-350 degrees.  Take out of pan, put on cooling rack once done, slice after 5 minutes and enjoy.