'Plain Vanilla Cookies' Kids and Mom's baking time :)

Vacations are time for activities and fun. My art and craft skills are pretty low but being a baker I love to engage my kids in cooking and baking.

 I have a collection of some simple recipes which which are easy to prepare and delicious to devour. Yesterday we baked some vanilla cookies. Almost everything from sifting to mixing, rolling to cutting was done by kids. I was only there to open the oven and put the tray inside and then to take it out, once cookies are done.

Cookie making is a great activity for kids 5 and above but my 2 and a half years old also enjoyed rolling the handful of dough which her elder siblings spared to give her :)

Here is recipe of Plain Vanilla Cookies ;

INGREDIENTS :

• Three cups of all purpose flour
• One cup softened butter or ghee 
• One cup sugar
• Three eggs
• One tea spoon vanilla essence
• Two tea spoon baking powder

Sift flour with baking powder.( If desired add a pinch of salt after sifting. )

Beat butter, egg and sugar for five minutes.

Add flour and mix at low speed till incorporated.

Now knead with your hands till batter combines like a dough. ( Moms should do this step.) Now the dough is ready if you want to use a cookie press but if you prefer rolling and cutting then refrigerate for half an hour. A hand full chocolate chips can be added at this stage.  

Take a small portion, dust your board generously with flour and lightly roll to a 1/4 inches of thickness.

You can add crushed almonds, walnuts or sesame seeds if you like. Simply sprinkle on the top and lightly press with rolling pin. 

Cut and arrange on a generously greased tray and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 7 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool on a cooling rack or simply leave on the tray so that they can get crispy. 

mmmmmMmmmmm....time to eat :)

Do let me know if you like the recipe in 'comments' below !

Thanks a lot for reading :)

Happy baking;happy eating :)

Children and Ramadan

Somehow laziness sneakily creeps in with the blessings of Ramadan. With the first Roza starts the vicious cycle of sleeping late, waking late,jumping out of the bed right in time for zuhar prayer, rushing to wudu  while motivating kids to join mama on prayer mat, stuffing kids’ stomach with some quick meal while thinking that it looks impossible to recite an entire juz before aftar, getting the lil one dressed, tending to rooms, thanking Allah that I still have wudu for Asar, letting kids watch TV a lil longer while grabbing Quran to recite ……looking at the clock and here starts the kitchen time….aftar, dinner, Maghrib, dishwashing and finally reclining at sofa to relax before Isha and Taraweeh,  with a hot cup of tea in one hand  and remote or mobile or Quran in other ........................….phew….things go on pretty well and almost in same fashion till the end of holy month. Even kids let me recite in peace if I let them watch some more TV. Though they are not supposed to watch it more than a certain time but it becomes difficult to concentrate with all juggling going all around you and it seems safer to let them watch a lil more so that I can better concentrate.

 As the days passed by I somehow realized my failure in getting my kids involved into the spirit of holy month. Their eagerness for fasting made me forget the fact that the excitement of our lil ones exhausts way before it gets mature. They need constant reminders and continuous involvement,  to keep the spirit alive throughout the month.  Obviously, it’s impossible to put everything aside for the sole purpose of concentrating over kids, yet it’s manageable. We don’t need to sit separately for mom and child ‘Ramadan Special’ sessions; everything can be done on the go.

Look at me who realized this at the time when first ashra is about to be finished but we still got three blessed weeks awaiting us and I’m all ready to embrace them with love and reverence and here is my action plan :

·         Tell a Tale: Nothing can surpass the way in which a mom can tell stories knowing the taste and level of understanding of her each child. Lectures are boring and It’s quite a torture for kids if we make them sit and listen quietly even if it’s for ten minutes, so turn all the information you have about Ramadan into tiny tales to tell in whatever time whenever you get. It’s better to share both individually with young kids in a mom and child interaction (when you are helping them getting dressed or when they are nudging you while recitation or aftar preparation) as well as having family talk at dinner or sahoor time. My kids love to hear about the rewards and surprises waiting in Jannah, inshaAllah. They give full rein to their imagination thinking about chocolate streams, candy palaces and unlimited hours of fun and play. (May Allah bless all the kids with long, healthy and righteous lives; enable them to be a pride for the parents and ummah here and hereafter, ameen!)

·         Help them mach memorize ‘duas’ or ‘supplications’ for each ‘ashara’. I’m sure there are moms who will be doing more than this but knowing my kids' pace I have decided to choose a target which they can happily hit :) 

·         Let them help you prepare the meals. There are loads of thing which they can easily do i.e.; peeling and cutting vegetables with a blunt knife, mixing batters, arranging tables, preparing drinks.  Appreciate their efforts, tell them how are they earning rewards from Allah and yes, they may be messy, clumsy and slow but they are being a part of Ramadan instead of wasting their time in other activities. My son particularly loves to chop tomatoes and my daughter has taken the job of slicing potatoes for pakoras.

·         Every family member should tell one good deed every day. I have specified dinner time for this and to keep it simpler I’ve specified deeds as well; “controlling your anger in a debate with siblings”. Which they have many and it’s a giant task for both of them to hold their tongues :P “Listening to mama.” Well, they mostly listen to their father, it’s mama who has to perform the yelling job even for a tiny task :O and “ helping siblings.” However when one claims that he or she has helped , other totally refuse the effort and another debate starts so I try to avoid this and concentrate on first ones.

·         Encourage kids to supplicate after prayers. Inspire them to ask Allah whatever they desire either it’s a toy or a task.

·        Ramadan is the month of Quran. Motivate them to spend time with Quran daily. You can decide how? I'm being easy in this too. I've asked my kids to rememorize all the surahs which they have forgotten. Though I so want them to understand the meanings as well but so far it's difficult to manage :(

·         Encourage kids to behave nicely with each other. Don't forget to be in your best moods to set an example.

·         Keep remanding them that Ramadan is a beloved guest which will leave us soon, so we should try to avail as much of its barakah as we can.

·           It’s good to be dressed nicely than usual.

·         Kids love cartoons and you can find lots of Ramadan themed cartoons, rhymes and stories on the web.

·        Repetition is very important. Keep asking questions from the stories you are telling them.

·         Prepare aftar boxes to distribute in laborers. Kids love to sort the packed food into bags.

·         Don’t forget to buy presents for your little jewels to celebrate their efforts at the end of Ramadan.

·         Motivate kids to buy small gifts for their siblings too.

Remember, aim is not to burden the kids’ innocent minds with rituals and chores but to light the incense of gratitude and graciousness which slowly seeps into the hearts. The way we cherish this bliss today, will determine the attitude of our kids, tomorrow. 

May Allah enable us to cherish each and every moment of this blessed month with our maximum faculties, ameen! Here are some links to Ramadan related activites. I really appreciate the efforts and creativity of all the wonderful people who has created them. May Allah accept our efforts and make us excel in His path, ameen!

Ramadan Puzzels and Word Games

Ramadan Facts

Creative Ramadan Activites

Ramadan Craft Ideas on Pinterest


Are your kids ready for Ramadan ?

Ramadan colouring pages

The Lantern 'a Ramadan story'

thebeTTerME: Deliciously easy dinner for weekend :)

thebeTTerME: Deliciously easy dinner for weekend :): Everyone loves weekends! Nothing can surpass the joy of re tucking in quilt after Fajr! No rushing and screams but bed, blanket and dr...

Cinnamon toast ; a deliciously simple breakfast treat both for kids and mommies :)

It's so simple and soooo delicious. It's a rare occasion when I'll go for another piece of bread while having my breakfast but it's not less than three slices when I make these crispy,buttery,sugary treats infused with wonderful cinnamon aroma. What you need is one table spoon of butter or margarine per toast, one heaped table spoon of cinnamon sugar and slices of bread. 

Cut the sides and apply butter or margarine ...mmmMmmm!

Now is the time to add cinnamon sugar :)

Now bake them till sugar melts and base of bread turns into golden crisp. It may take five minutes in an oven toaster while in regular ovens it may take a little longer. My cooking range usually takes more than ten minutes.

They are served with scrambled eggs and my kids like them that way but my sweet tooth makes me devour them just like this :) 

Multicoloured rosette cake :)

Today was the last day of school and my kids wanted me to make cakes for their favorite teachers. I thought that you may like it if I share ' how to do' a multicolred rosette cake with you. So here we go :)

Instead of making one big cake, I prefer to bake two. So here we have two moist chocolate cakes resting on cooling racks:)

I prefer to level my cakes for a better look. You can use a serrated knife for this purpose.

Here it is :)

Buttercream is better for icing the cakes. Easy to make and easy to work with. Put more than sufficient amount on one layer and spread with a spatula. Ensuring that there is enough icing between the cake and spatula when you frost your cake.

Here it is now :)

Place the second layer.

Ice the top first and then sides. Don't worry about crumbs, we'll cover them larter :) Refrigerate for fifteen minutes or till icing is no more sticky.

Now you need an icing bag, brushes, 2D tip by Wilton which is also called closed star tip and some colours.

Insert the tip inside your icing bag.

Invert the bag on your left hand. You can use a narrow glass as well to keep your hands free.

Dip the tip of brush into the colour and draw a strip starting from begining to 3/4th part of the bag.

Add three to four strips.

• Keep bag in an upright position making 90 degrees angle. With steady pressure start squeezing in an anti clockwise position. Keep piping till your entire rosette is piped.Now stop pressure and slowly pull away.

Draw five more rosettes around the first one.

Continue till entire cake top is covered.

Now is the time to cover the sides. 

So here is our multicolored rosette cake:)
Happy Decorating :)
Do share your pics when you decorate your cakes in our facebook page

Summer Camps in Riyadh :)

And once again Kingdom is getting held by  scorching Summer. Heat has taken over the entire land and extending its powers with every passing day. Days are getting dull and dreary while evenings an excuse for long talks, short walks and swimming sprees.

It’s almost mid of the May. Exams fever is fully on, opening vents for vacations and the much needed break J  

Though you may find it exaggerating but I so love vacations J To me it’s a break ,yet I need some diversions for kids too, to prevent this break from breaking me down :P

Here is a list of few camps and classes happening in Riyadh this Summer 2014. If you know about any event or summer camp to keep the kids busy, do share with us :)

•  Enjoy a summer of family fun at the AMANI Community Center!

  Timings: 9:00am - 12:30pm

Fee: 1500 SR for 1 child

1750 SR for 2 children and

2000 SR for 3 children or more (price for each month).

Register via this form:      registration form

Payments can be made via the bank, paypal or in person at the AMANI Community Center.

An open day and the last day for registration will be on 29th May, 6:00pm -8:00pm

Limited spaces for 8-12yrs boys.

Email or call: ummyusuf@amanicommunity.com or 0563472990

Clicl here to contact       contact us

• Super summer fun for the little ones! Last chance to sign up ! — at Dragonfly English Kindergarten
• Me and Mama is a children playing centre which has different activity corners . For details you can check their website at    me and mama website  

           Here is their facebook page   facebook page 

• Crayons International
  Don't miss their amazing activities during this summer, from 1st -26th June 2014, Sunday to Thursday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.                                                                      Children age : 3-12 for girls & 3-6 for Boys          Registration closes on May 27th.

• Enchanted studio provides art activities and education that develops drawing and painting skills, for both kids and adults.                                                                     For registration and more information:  0541877772-0567802775
• You can find an overview of summer activities in Riyadh beautifully done by Layla at blue abaya

Have wonderful time with your kids this Summer. Do share with us if you come to know about any other activities, classes or camps. I’ll also update  the post if I get any further information J

On board with kids :) Part two

On board with kids :)



Travelling with kids always freak us out. But a little planning physically as well as mentally can make it real FUN for all of us. Here I'll share some of my hands on knowledge which I gained over last many years after a real LOT of travelling :) 

This is second part of my blog ' On board with kids ' . You can read first part herehttp://mommyinanook.blogspot.com/2014/05/on-board-with-kids.html

TRAVELLER MOM'S 101

·                     What a relief it is to reach hotel even if its a two hours flight! The whole lot of work which you've been doing over last so many days is about to be rewarded! But a little bit of work on the very day or night your reach your destination will turn your days into no messing no fussing time. Yes, you're right, I'm about to suggest lets unpack! Though its a tiring step to take on very first day but nothing can surpass its effectiveness. The energy and time you'll spend now for maximum an hour will earn you coming days full of relaxation and leisure.

·                     All the hotel rooms have closets and chest of drawers. Allocate one drawer to one child. Put their stuff inside and make them in charge of it. Once their clothes ( denims, shirts, undies, socks) will be arranged, it will be easy for them to pick and wear whatever they like. Particularly when everything inside is their favourite :) Read part 1 :)

·                     Once bags are empty and everything at its place, stack them on the holder or place them in a corner.

·                     Turn the vacant part of your room closet into a laundry hamper. Fold and dump all your soiled and dirty clothes there. It will end the hassle of opening and closing bags again and again. Even kids can easily manage to do this. And in the end all you are required to do is to pick up all the clothes and dump them in your suitcases.

·                     Specify a place for shoes :D     You may dislike the idea but it really freaks me out to see shoes everywhere so on the very first day I specify a corner for shoes and try that kids drop their shoes in that corner.Though mostly its me who is doing it because either my kids are tired or not in a mood or in a bad mood or will definitely do it later :P

·                     Spot the nearest shop or superstore and get a good lot of milk packs,water,cereal bars, kids' favourite spread ,bread,some fruits and a pack of zip lock bags to keep sandwiches. Each morning, before leaving hotel put required number of bars, milks packs, sandwiches and water bottles in your backpack to avoid sudden hunger pangs which soon turns into tantrums. I prefer to take cereal bars as they are more convenient and my kids love them. Bread and spread are better to curb in room cravings.

·                     Don't bring any junk food to your room!

·                     Don't try to stuff kids with food against their will. Its not a good idea to turn vacations into food wars with kids. I know for us moms its mission impossible to hold ourselves back from fussing over unfinished meals but believe me that you will get better results if you ignore it, only for vacations. They will not starve themselves, they will come to you asking for milk or fruit or cereal the moment they will feel hungry. And please no reprimanding when they come to you like....' I knew that,you always do this...when I was begging you to eat you were running away and now you want to stuff your stomach with these bars....remember, they are for emergency not for your untimelycravings..............you love to trouble me............................!!!   

·                     ' Happy Mom Happy Family ' whenever I've tried this its effecectiveness was beyond words so try to be in good spirits all the time and everyone around you will rock :)

·                     Its not an old story but a short tale from our last trip abroad. We were in Malaysia and got late in the morning. We quickly dressed up and left hotel in an excitement as we were going to the bird park. Kids were really excited. As it was almost around twelve and everyone was hungry so we decided to have lunch first. My hubby suggested to go to McDonald which was very close to hotel  and kids agreed but I simply refused on the grounds that we should try something new and local. Well, there was an argument between me and my daughter who so wanted to eat McDonald. However with the support of hubby I won the contest and we headed towards the nearest mall. Food was really sumptuous but lunch was a disaster. Both the kids simply refused to eat as they didn't like the taste and grumbled that food is spicy, little one refused to sit in high chair and kept on running, me and hubby kept on bribing .... you're so good mashAllah please eat and then we'll get some ice cream, threatening ...... we'll not take you to any other trip if you cannot eat local food :O   and eventually scolding ........ look all this food is getting wasted :-/         Unfortunately by the time lunch was finished, all of us were in low spirits and bad moods. Lesson learnt was that there is no harm to try new cuisine but not at a time when;

you have to reach somewhere

you are running short of time and your mental muscles are already strained

its a new place and you're not sure of taste of food they provide ( my kids were right, food was way spicy than they are used to eat !)

kids are not interested

Following evening we tried a nice Malaysian restaurant and it was a great hit because

We had plenty of time and were not in a rush

It was a mutual decision and kids were prepared to try something new

We read and reread and reread menu and wisely chose our dishes

·                     Vacations are incomplete without photos. But sometimes we spend most f our time in calling and collecting family members for perfect family pic. Everyone wants to have beautiful recollections to enjoy in future.But in this past and future duel we neglect our present. So be there! Capture memories but without a big fuss. Let your kids walk,talk,run,play and laugh and keep on clicking as much as you want without bothering about proper poses. However one family photo per place is a must to have :D

·                     Its almost impossible to visit all the places of any resort so don't rush from one place to another. Plan according to your family preferences and enjoy !!!

·                     In childhood nothing can surpass the Joy of licking an ice cream cone,munching pop corns and gobbling candy floss while you are on vacations. So let your kids have some junk and memories to cherish!

 Vacations are the best time to bond and connect! And being 'mom' you are the centre of gravity! With little effort and hard work, some planning and preparation, lots of hugs and too much of kisses you can turn your vacations into ever lasting memories for your kids :)