Since we never got around to attending that trial cooking class at Steps Ahead Learners, I decided to run my own “cooking class” at home.  Admitedly, I stole the idea from what little I had observed going on in the cooking class that was in progress when we first walked into Steps Ahead Learners.  The kids were making French Toast which I thought was a rather simple activity to reproduce at home.

I was also keen to try it because:

1. They say that kids who are actively involved in making their own food tend to eat it.

2. French Toast is something I have never tried on Gavin but sounded like something he might enjoy eating.

In the kitchen, I reckon French Toast is probably about as easy as it gets aside from boiling water, making rice in a rice cooker and cooking instant noodles.  All you need is:

• an egg
• a little bit of milk
• a couple of pieces of bread

Whisk the egg in a bowl with a fork – your toddler will have a lot of fun doing this.  Add the milk and stir it in – again something a toddler can do fairly easily with a little bit of help.  Soak the bread in the mixture – ditto.  Then pan fry the bread in a non-stick pan or with a little butter – I brought Gavin out into the kitchen to watch while I cooked the French Toast.  Top it off with a little honey and you’re done!

To date, we’ve tried this activity twice.  Unfortunately, Gavin doesn’t like French Toast.  After two bites, he gave the rest to me.  I was encouraged the second time because it was Gavin who initiated the activity.  He told me he wanted to cook egg bread and I assumed it meant he wanted to eat it.  Unfortunately, his idea was to cook “egg bread” for Mummy to eat – very sweet and thoughtful but not what I had in mind.

I haven’t decided what to make for next week, but I found a pretty interesting recipe site with lots of simple recipes to choose from.  You might also find their French Toast recipe a little tastier than mine:

Crispy French Toast

6 bread slices
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon oil

Beat eggs. Add milk, sugar, and cinnamon and mix together. Use a fork to dip each bread slice into the mixture one at a time. The key here is to dip it in the mixture long enough to soak well, but not too long so you avoid it breaking apart.

Cook bread on a hot griddle or skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Use a potato masher to gently press down so your French toast is crispy and golden in the center without burning the crust.

Serves 3.

Suggested toppings: pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, creamed honey, cream cheese.

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