What You Need:
- Your favorite cookie recipe
- Enough of ingredients to double the batch (if you don’t have a favorite cookie recipe, use the one given below)
What You Do:
- Begin by looking over the ingredients with your child. Ask him to identify the fractions within the recipe.
- Ask your child to convert any whole numbers into fractions. For example, 1 cup of milk can be changed to 2/2 or 4/4. This puts all numbers in fraction form. Remember: All fractions must have common denominators in order to be added or subtracted. Be sure that you guide your child to convert all fractions with a common denominator before he attempts to do his math.
- Ask your child to rewrite the recipe by doubling the amount of ingredients.
- Ask your child to rewrite the recipe subtracting a given amount from each ingredient. For example, subtract 1/3 cup of flour or subtract 1/8 teaspoon of salt. You won’t use these measurements: they are only meant to give a pinch of practice in subtractions.
- Using the new recipe for a double batch, start cooking! Let your child do the measuring to give him lots of practice with the fractions.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) chocolate chips
Directions: PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. (Nestles Toll House)