Jameson was excited to get back in the kitchen this week. With enthusiasm, he raced around looking for his cookbook to pick the next recipe while I looked around our messy kitchen with trepidation. The day had not been going smoothly but I wanted to give him his weekly lesson, so I started clearing the kitchen and cleaning an area for him to cook. Jameson dove right in and started measuring the first set of ingredients while I grabbed my camera. It wasn’t about half way into the lesson that I noticed all my pictures were yellow. To make matters worse I realized towards the end of the lesson that I completely misread the water measurement and the brownies were ruined. Jameson looked at me and said “It’s ok mama, I love you!” I tried to salvage what we could and ultimately, Jameson thought the brownies were great. My wife, being the good sport she is, took a big bite and told Sawyer how amazing they were only to look at me with big eyes which suggested otherwise. Lesson today: as parents we will not always be at the top of our game, but as long as we have fun our children will too. I am creating these cooking lessons as an avenue to create moments and experiences to enjoy as a family.

Share your thoughts, memories and pictures below in the comments.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 70 mins

Serving: 8-12

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons of water - NOT 2 cups ;-)
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

STEP ONE:

Grease an 8x8 inch pan and set aside. It might get a little messy but I let Jameson work the spray bottle.

STEP TWO:

In a medium saucepan stir together the sugar, butter and water. Using medium heat bring the mixture to a boil. When using the stove, exercise caution with smaller children. Jameson was able to communicate that it felt too hot for him and I stepped in to stir for a bit.

**Please note how much water we used - the recipe calls for only 2 tablespoons and not 2 cups! Live and Learn

STEP THREE:

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in all the chocolate chips until they are melted.

STEP FOUR:

Mix in the eggs and vanilla, stirring powerfully until smooth.

STEP FIVE:

In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking soda and salt.

STEP SIX:

Pour the dry mixture into the chocolate mixture and stir them all together until completely blended. This step might be a little harder for the younger ones so be ready to lend a helping hand.

STEP SEVEN:

TASTE THE BROWNIE MIXTURE! Disclaimer: There is raw egg in the mixture so use your discretion. Sawyer without a doubt tastes everything he makes so we let him explore the flavors.

STEP EIGHT:

Pour brownie batter into the pre-greased pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Then bake for 25-30 minutes.

STEP TEN:

Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Don’t let them cool too long though because they are only marvelous when they are still a little warm! Enjoy

Lesson #13 - Marvelous Brownies