RECIPE BOX

Kid’s Kitchen

BY ASHLEY SPRING MCCARROLL

 

Sutton Flora 

Age: 9

School: Miami East Elementary

Activities: 4-H/Youth Group

Sports: Softball 

Hobbies: Playing with my dog, Coconut 

Fun Fact: I love bird watching and doing crafts.

 

Nine-year-old Sutton loves to make food in the kitchen. Of course, she loves to eat too! When asked why she likes helping prepare meals and snacks, she gave a logical explanation. “Because I can always “taste test” or lick the spoon when I’m done. I also like to know what ingredients go into whatever I’m baking or cooking. It’s fun to see even basic ingredients go together to make something delicious.” 

Giving children a hands-on experience paves the way for their future. They not only know how to tend to their own needs but also can care for others. Even at a young age, Sutton knows that the skills she has learned are something she can use for a lifetime and invest in the future with them as well. “I enjoy learning to cook and bake because I get to spend time with my mom. Everything I’m learning now will let me be able to bake yummy treats for my kids someday too.”

Sutton and her family are an active example of what it means to take the farm to the table. Raising chicken, pork, and turkey, the family of five takes pride in raising quality and healthy products that they feel proud to consume. 

Any and all recipes are appetizing to the energetic young lady. It surely is simpler to keep kids out of the way when preparing food. I commend Sutton’s parents and all other parents who patiently sit back and allow the messes to happen while the experience unfolds. Sutton’s response to what she likes to make in the kitchen is honest and amusing. “My mom says a mess! I like to make desserts because I LOVE sweets.” 

Cheeseburgers, steak, and lasagna are Sutton’s favorite foods for meals at home. When she has the opportunity to dine out, she picks Red Robin or Five Guys. During the school week, she alternates between buying school lunch and packing. Pizza Hut day and shredded beef sandwiches are among her favorites in the cafeteria. 

The recipe she chose to share was found on Pinterest. Sutton loves this recipe for its simplicity and minimal ingredient requirements. “I like this because it’s quick and really yummy. I made this for one of my fair entries this past year in the “3 Ingredients or Less” baking category.” Besides entering baked goods at the Miami County fair, Sutton also exhibits Holland Lop rabbits, market hogs and fancy chickens and turkeys. 

Sutton was a sweet treat to interview. She adds sugar and spice to everything she puts her mind to. I can’t wait to see what Sutton mixes up next. In the kitchen, classroom, show ring, or softball diamond, Sutton is sure to stir up fun and creativity wherever she goes. 

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

 

3 Ingredient Reese’s Fudge

Ingredients

16 oz vanilla frosting basic kind- not fluffy

10 oz Peanut butter chips

10 oz Mini Reese's Pieces ice cream topping

Instructions

Take foil seal off frosting container and microwave for 30 seconds.

Put peanut butter chips in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute.

Stir the melted frosting and chips together well in the bowl.

Add about 3/4 of the bag of mini Reese's Pieces.

Spread in a greased 8×8 or 9×9 pan. Top with remaining Reese's.

Let sit on the counter until solid- about 30 minutes.

Cut into small squares and enjoy! I like to cut very tiny squares as fudge is rich.