My little helpers

We have been very busy this past week. Tonight Kathleen's grandmother will be in town for a visit, Sunday we leave for a week, and house inspection will take place while we are gone. I have been trying to get things ready for our trip plus clean up the house. Most of the cleaning is done. The challenge is to keep it that way until we leave. We spend Sunday night in Great Falls, and then continue on Monday to Billings for the CMA Rocky Mountain District conference. Thursday, the conference ends, and we will go to Cody, WY to spend some time with the Hines family.
It has still been snowing here (everyday except yesterday), so I am hoping for some warmer weather on our trip!
The pictures of Kathleen and Caleb washing dishes on Tuesday. We had quite a few to wash. Kathleen helped after breakfast, Caleb after snacks, and Isabelle after lunch. (She didn't want me to take her picture, though). We have to do them in small loads, because after a certain amount of "help" I get a little stressed. I appreciate their willingness to help me, and it is a good way to spend some one on one time with each of them.
At the end of the post is the Master Cookie Mix recipe. It is hard to make cookies that Ian can have, but this one works (except the peanut butter.) I substitute oatmeal for the nuts in the banana cookies.
I have also made a Versatile Oat Mix that makes Oatmeal Pancakes, Oatmeal Muffins, and Peach Crisp, and a Snack Cake Mix that makes Applesauce or Banana Snack Cake. I have never been able to find pre-made mixes that Ian can eat, and I was really glad to discover these recipes. They save time, and are healthier than the store bought mixes.
Now I am off to make an Applesauce Snack Cake with one of my lovely assistants. :)

Master Cookie Mix

4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups shortening

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugars, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Yield: 10 cups

For Cinnamon Raisin Cookies:
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups Master Cookie Mix
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, cinnamon, extract and cookie mix; mix well. Stir in raisins and nuts. Drop by rounded TBSP 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set, and edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1- 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.
Yield: 2 1/2 dozen

For Peanut Butter Cookies
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups Master Cookie Mix

n a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in sugar if desired. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1-2 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Yield about 2 1/2 dozen.

Banana Cookies
2 eggs
1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups Master Cookie Mix
1/2 cup chopped pecans

n a mixing bowl, combine the first five ingredients; mix well. Stir in the pecans. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-11 minutes or until set adn edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1-2 minutes before removing to wire racks.
Yield about 3 dozen