5/10/2009

You know that I have 14 nieces and nephews, so I am “all in” when it comes to kids. I was recently introduced to Flat Stanley. I had no idea who Flat Stanley was until I got a letter from a John Sanderson in Texas. John had cut a piece of paper in the shape of a man and colored him. John named him Flat Stanley. He asked me to take him with me on an excursion.

Flat Stanley had a blast with our busy schedule. He was in Ohio coloring Easter eggs and went to a number of family dinners during the holiday. He also helped with chores around the house like working in the greenhouse getting the plants ready for the garden. He loved getting the chance to paint pottery with the boys. I had to go to Atlanta and cook for the team, so I took Flat Stanley on a plane trip to the races. He worked with me in the kitchen as well as visited with Jeg Coughlin Jr. John has a lot of catching up to do with Flat Stanley.

I would like to thank John for thinking of me and allowing me to be part of such a fun project.

I remember when Aunt Vi used to come to town when I was a kid. She is the best! She would always let me help cook. It may be helping make cookies during the holidays, or canning tomatoes in the summer. One of my favorite things was making cheese. I think that it is very important to include kids as much as possible when making dinner. The recipe that I am going to share with you this time is one for the kids. This is also fun activity for kids at a party.

Flat Stanley Fruit Pizza Bash
(Dedicated to John Sanderson in Texas)
(You need to find 6 kids for this recipe!)

Ingredients:
6 Each Pita Bread
8 Ounces Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar (Sifted)
2 Tablespoons Butter
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla
Your Choice Fresh Fruit

Procedure:
Bake the Pita bread at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it turns a little firm (approximately 4 minutes). Do not overcook the pita bread or it will become too brittle. Remove from oven and let sit until room temperature.

Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

This is not an adult project except for getting things ready. Make it simple for the kids to enjoy. Have a variety of fruit cut, the pita baked, and the cream cheese mix done before the kids arrive. Let the kids decorate their own pita and eat their creations.

Enjoy!