Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
All grandkids love to create fun food with their grandparents in the kitchen. If you are short on time — and special ingredients — why not have some fun in a jiffy? Yes, with the help of using JIFFY mixes, you can bake something quickly that tastes delicious. Plus, it will be simple enough to make that even a young grandchild can feel accomplished.
This idea was from our community that was hosting a beginner cooking class for kids one Friday evening. Our boys were a bit hesitant, but one of them loves to cook and follow us in the kitchen. Both came back from this event very excited about what they learned and were able to cook something for themselves, that they really enjoyed eating, in a short amount of time. This really boosted their self-confidence in the kitchen and they are eager to try making more recipes.
There are many types of JIFFY mixes, but all of them are inexpensive and easy to find in grocery stores. JIFFY mixes have been around since the 1930s, started by a project of Mabel White Holmes to make an affordable pre-made baking mix. I personally use the mix to make corn muffins, but didn’t realize all the possibilities until the grandkids attended this baking class. They also brought home a cook book with all the recipes which you can also obtain by going to jiffymix.com.
The children made yummy blueberry muffins and pizza dippers and were very proud! I am including the recipes here if you want to try making these with your grandchildren. What’s nice is that once they prepare one of these recipes with you, they are simple enough to make on their own.
To make pizza dippers, you will need:
1 package of JIFFY Pizza Crust Mix
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ C warm water
1 (15 oz.) can of pizza sauce
1 package of pepperoni (or other topping)
1 package (8oz) of shredded mozzarella cheese
Prepare pizza crust mix as on package, knead the dough and roll out to a thin rectangle, (14-10 inches). Cut into squares and place on a baking sheet, then pierce several times with a fork. Top with your sauce and toppings and then bake 8-12 minutes in a 425-degree oven. This provides an easy way to create multiple types of pizza without that dreaded piece of topping landing on your own piece!
Special blueberry muffins are made by the addition of 2 oz. of cream cheese to 1 package JIFY Blueberry Muffin Mix. Also add 1 egg, 1/4 C milk and ½ tsp of vanilla extract. Fold in blueberries, or other fruit of your choice. Grease muffin pans or use paper baking cups and fill them 2/3 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Enjoy!
Have a fun afternoon baking something together in a jiffy!!
