Lesson plan #5 Feb. 4th- Feb.8th

Sugar Cookie Bar-Lesson Plan

Another fun week is behind us. Every child had the opportunity to use a hand held mixer and were taught the proper way to mix and hold the hand held mixer. The younger kids were taught to hold the mixer on the top and by the front so they can have better control of the mixer. We made sure that when they were mixing that they kept the mixing attachments straight down, even when mixing the sides. This helps avoid the dough from splattering out of the bowl.

We explained to the kids the importance of preheating the oven and how the temperature effects the cooking process what they are baking. We reiterated to the kids that they should always read the recipe before attempting to make it. This recipe called for softened butter. We explained that they can also get the same result of softened butter by placing it in the microwave for 15 seconds. Depending on the microwave, you may have to add 5 additional seconds.

The children were given several of tips. First they were told that the more you cream and mix your butter and sugar together, the fluffier cookies, breads, cakes etc. you will have. So we used our hand held mixer and mixed until it was very fluffy before adding anything else.

The kids were also taught how to crack an egg. Using a small bowl, crack your egg and look for shells before adding it to your mix. This helps avoid any unwanted egg shells. We also taught them when measuring salt to do it over a small bowl then add it to your recipe. This avoids "over doing" it with the salt and your recipe ending up with to much salt if you are doing it over the bowl.

TIP* Try using mini bowls and pre-measure all of your ingredients first and simply add them to the recipe. We also told the kids that adding sour cream to baked goods makes for a very moist goodie, they can also try using applesauce for a healthier recipe. This basic sugar cookie dough recipe requires refrigeration for at least two hours but not when making sugar cookie bars. The dough will be sticky but simply butter your hands and spread it in the pan. We used cooking spray on our hands :)

Hope your child is enjoying our class as much as we are enjoying teaching them.