Cook with Your Kids and Make Peanut Butter Brownies! #FamilyMeals

Confession time – I am terrified to step outside of my comfort zone in the kitchen.  One of my Goals for 2011 is to make one new recipe per week.  My household consists of a three-year-old in the incredibly picky stage, a four-year-old who eats fairly well, and a husband who eats nothing which includes tomatoes or white sauces.  When you add the fact that I do not eat red meat you can see that sticking with what I know works is a safe bet.

I want my girls to not feel intimidated by the kitchen.  That means we need to cook with them on a regular basis.  Really, cooking with kids only takes a few more minutes than cooking alone yet it is a million times more enjoyable.  It’s fun to explain the steps involved in cooking.  More importantly, I love hearing the girls recount their cooking experience to my husband.  They are so excited about being in the kitchen.  These are the years to foster that love rather than squash it!

Additionally, I want my girls to understand the importance of giving to those in need.  We donated 60+ food items during the month of December.  I want my family to be familiar with the food bank so we intend on visiting once per month to donate at least 10 items of food per trip.  If I can get food for free with coupons then I will get it.  If it is something we will not eat we will donate it and someone out there will appreciate it!  I grew up in a house where peanut butter, jelly, and bologna were the only stocked staples.  I know first hand how hard it is to have bare cupboards.

Last week the girls and I shopped for and made (Chocolate) Peanut Butter Brownies.  We didn’t quite get the chocolate sauce drizzled on top since my older daughter didn’t want it on there.  You can see my shopping trip here. This recipe is super easy and a great activity to do as a family!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour

Filling:
1.5 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup creamy Peter Pan peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 to 3 tbsp half-and-half or milk

Glaze:
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
1 tbsp butter

In a small saucepan you melt the chocolate and butter over low heat, set aside.  In a bowl bea the eggs and sugar, and flour and melted chocolate.  Beat until well blended.  Pour into a greased 9×9  pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Allow to cool.  For the filling beat the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and butter in a bowl.  Stir in the cream or milk until desired consistency is reached.  Spread over the cooled brownies.  For the glaze, melt the chocolate and the butter in a saucepan.  Drizzle over the filling.  Store in the refrigerator.

Cheater’s tip: If you have a box of brownies in your cupboard you could certainly use that and then make the peanut butter filling.  It is so super scrumptious!

While we were at Walmart we purchased extra Peter Pan peanut butter to donate to our local food bank.  Peanut butter is top on the continual need list for food banks.  The roads in Atlanta are “treacherous” right now, but we plan on making a trip to the food bank soon to donate our goods.

Do you cook with your kids?  We would love to hear about it!

Disclosure: I received compensation for my time and materials from Collective Bias. All opinions are my own.