Cooking Methods & Recipes

About Supplies Activity Steps Reflection Questions Related Activities Shop 4-H

Virtual 4‑H Camp » Food, Nutrition & Cooking » Cooking Methods & Recipes

About the Activity

The previous two activities lay the foundation for this fun final challenge that will teach kids about different cooking methods by making pretzels, granola and banana dips to enjoy!

 

Topic: Cooking, Healthy Living
Grades: Pre-K-2
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

 

Brought to you by Utah State University Extension

mixing bowls and wisk

Supplies

Utensils

  • Cookie sheet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 package yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt
  • Cooking Spray
  • Knife

 

Stir Crazy Granola: substitute any of the ingredient below for anything you have on hand

  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup dry powdered milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Sealable bags

Banana Dips:

  • 1 banana per person
  • Chocolate chips
  • Popsicle sticks or skewers
  • Wax paper
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Activity Steps

Preparation
Depending on the age of the kids, you can prepare the dough for the pretzel bites ahead of time: Dissolve the yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until smooth. Add the rest of the flour until dough is stiff. Knead for 5-10 minutes.

 

Pretzel Bites

  1. Make sure to wash hands before beginning.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Divide the pre-made dough into pieces. Roll several pieces of dough into a snake about 15 inches long.
  1. Place the snakes on a greased cookie sheet. Brush the dough with beaten egg. Top with salt and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. When cooled, cut the pretzels into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Move on to Stir Crazy Granola while the pretzels are cooking and cooling.

 

Stir Crazy Granola

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a large bowl mix the oatmeal, wheat germ, coconut, sunflower seeds, dry powdered milk, and cinnamon. Add the honey, oil, and vanilla. Let each child take a turn stirring the mixture until it is fully mixed.
  3. Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Allow the granola to cool and then divide and put into sealable bags.
  5. Move on to activity #3 while the granola is cooking and cooling.

 

Banana Dips

  1. Pour the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until the chocolate is melted.
  2. Peel a banana and place a popsicle stick in one end.
  3. Place a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet. Dip the banana in the chocolate and place it on the cookie sheet.
  4. Place the bananas in the freezer until the chocolate hardens.
bananas

Reflection Questions
Questions for your kids and teens.

REFLECT

  • What are some important things to remember when baking in the oven?
  • What should you always do before you begin cooking?
  • Which was your favorite thing you made today?
  • Have you helped with any cooking at home?

APPLY

  • Why is it important to wash your hands before cooking?
  • What are some healthy snacks that you could help make at home?
  • Why are cooking skills important to learn?
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Shop 4-H Curriculum and Products

Shop4-H.org offers university-backed curriculum, educational kits, products and supplies to expand your knowledge of cooking, food, and nutrition.

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4-H Clover Cookie Cutter

The only thing better than cookies? Clover-shaped, 4-H-made cookies. Bring 4-H into your kitchen with this metal 4-H cookie cutter. This cutter makes for an excellent cooking competition or food demonstration prize.

$1.25

4-H Cooking 101 Curriculum from Shop 4-H

4-H Cooking 101

Grades: 6-12

 

Learn how to avoid spreading germs while cooking, measure and mix ingredients, test baked goods for doneness, brown meat, and set the table for a family meal. The curriculum comes as loose-leaf paper to make it easier for youth to pull out recipes.

$10.05

4-H clover aprons from Shop 4-H

4-H Clover Apron

All good cooks need an apron when they are whisking around the kitchen! Cook in style while showing your 4-H pride!

Available in green or white.

$16.99

4-H oven mitt from Shop 4-H

4-H Oven Mitt

Turn up the heat in the kitchen while showing off your 4-H pride! The 4-H Oven Mitt makes a great gift for the chef in your home.

$7.95

Fresh-Chefs-Cooking-Essentials-Bundle-382x360

Fresh Chefs Cooking Essentials Bundle

Get cooking with the Fresh Chefs Cooking Essentials Bundle. This kit helps your aspiring chef learn their way around the kitchen, with tools designed especially for them. This set includes a spatula, measuring cup set, and 2 Flex-it cutting boards.

$15.99

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Fantastic Foods: Six Easy Bites

Grades: 3-12

 

This food activity guide helps 4-Hers learn about different food ingredients, food characteristics, and food safety issues. 

$8.95

Brought to you by:

Utah State University Extension

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