Baked Apples and Carrots, for Lil chefs!

Cooking is one of the very best ways to teach science and math, even with little-bitties~!
Here's a recipe that is perfect for doing with kids, no matter the age. Just adapt so your sous-chef can be involved however appropriate! My 15 month old mostly watched, but wanted to hold the apples, touch the peel, stir, and know the names of everything I was using. It was close to naptime as we cooked, so she was not in a calm enough mood to actually help much, but that is okay too.

So here's the instructions:
-peel 2 apples
-cut into small chunks
-cut about 10 baby carrots in fourths lengthwise
-put all in a microwave-safe bowl that has a cover
-half an orange and squeeze the juice of one half into the bowl
-add a sprinkling of cinnamon (about 1/2 tsp)
-add some brown sugar to taste (about 4 Tablespoons) (we used less)
-stir!!
-cover loosely and microwave 4 min.
-check doneness--careful for hot steam!
-microwave longer if necessary
-stir again and enjoy!

-starting around 2 children can help with peeling and chopping. I will post some pictures soon of great choppers for little ones. Plastic knives that are sturdy are great options as well. And of course all little ones need a good cutting board!
-with older children bring out discussions of fractions as you talk about 1/4 cup and what this means. Compare the sizes of teaspoon and tablespoon. Use water to figure out how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon. How many tablespoons are in 1/4 cup?
-teach children that brown sugar is measured packed. Discuss why....
-talk about the changes that occur as the food is cooked. Where does the steam come from?
Bring out as many questions as possible and follow the child's lead!

Enjoy eating a healthy snack together!!!