Every summer, as I write lists and plan and pack for the beach, I promise myself that I will work on my blog at the beach. And every summer, vacation instincts kick in, and I don’t. This summer has been no different. However, I do have one unique post that I am going to slide in here at the halfway point of my trip. Unique because I usually focus on words over images.
Alex has a summer birthday, so every year her birthday is celebrated at the end of the school year with her class. We decided to bring in 100% whole wheat brownies, and I decided–in a stunning show of parenting faith for this control freak mom–that Alex was old enough (7) to make the brownies herself. Completely. From start to finish. Including the melting of butter with cocoa powder and sugar on the cooktop. GULP. And these images tell the story…
Studying the recipe, which can be found here.
Never let it be said any kid of mine will not know how to pack brown sugar!
Oh my lord the mess. Yes I took deep breaths and bit my tongue while she was measuring the cocoa powder.
Well like an idiot I never took any pictures of the finished brownies. I was too busy photo documenting the baking experience! And it was worth every drop of wasted cocoa powder for the expression on Alex’s face when she shared them with her class the next day!
*Thanks to my sister for the inspired title, as she knows what a control freak I am.
What a wonderful experience for your daughter (and you). The pictures are a treasure and it’s almost possible to see the expression on Alex’s face when she presented her treasure to the class – an experience not to be forgotten. Thanks for sharing this very touching story.
I only wish there was a camera on you while Alex was making these brownies. The expressions on your face must have been priceless.
Sorry I won’t be seeing you and the girls this summer. Maybe next year.
Laurie
(friend of your parents from NJ)
Such a sweet post!
I know the feeling. I know Hannah and Sophie could do more in the cooking/baking process, but I’m such a control freak. Dave does better letting them do more. Maybe I can take a deep breath and use you as my inspiration for letting go. 🙂
Way to go Alex! Love these pics
Oh this post is just precious! I know the feeling!!! I too am a control freak mum! I now have a 15 year old son that still likes join me in the kitchen (I home schooled so home ec was one of the subjects) He now has 3 certificates in French cookery, as, after he showed promise in the kitchen I booked him in to French cooking classes. The mess has eased off but now, however, because of the 100 different steps in some of the recipes, there are still 2 loads of dishwasher to get through!!! Treasure your little one (and the mess)! Its a complete package I’m afraid! 🙂