Remember when you were a kid and helped your mum or grandma in the kitchen? You were so excited and happy when you were allowed to mix, whisk, knead, and chop. It was pure magic when simple ingredients came together to create a delicious culinary masterpiece, and you felt so proud to have contributed to it. 

Now, imagine your child, who is feeling the same, dreaming about the day when they can independently cook their favourite biscuits or make a birthday cake for their beloved mum!

There is something special about cooking with kids. Not only is it an excellent bonding and language-developing opportunity, but it’s also an essential skill that you pass on to your children, which will help them in the future to not only survive on takeaways and pre-cooked supermarket meals.

These cheesy puffs are super easy to make! You only need four ingredients and some basic tools to make these delicious treats, but I guarantee you and your wee ones will have lots of fun mixing, kneading, and cutting different shapes out of the dough.

Kids are more likely to eat the food they helped to prepare (it tastes better for some reason). These puffs make great lunchbox fillers. There is no egg in them, meaning you can take them to daycares with 'please-no-egg' policies.

I used various types of cutters for these puffs, including plastic playdough cutters and stainless steel veggie and sandwich cutters. All of these tools will do the job; however, playdough cutters aren’t as sharp and deep as the stainless steel cutters. It can be frustrating for little people when they can’t easily separate the shape from the dough or the dough gets stuck and breaks apart (lots of drama, drama, drama). I love these sandwich cutters because they have a cap on the top, so it doesn’t hurt when you press on them (great for little hands too!).

The bottom line is that if you are looking for a versatile and durable product that will make your life a bit easier and happier (not frustrating and dramatic), then this is the product for you. I would recommend investing in these cool veggie and sandwich cutters. You will use them daily when making your kids’ lunchboxes. It’s a memorable and helpful present for a toddler’s birthday or coming Christmas (let’s admit it’s most likely you already have way too many toys in the house!).

Now it’s time to invite your little bakers to the kitchen (remember to wash their hands first), roll up your sleeves and rock and roll these cheesy peasy puffs.

Get creative by adding your favourite spices - turmeric, smoked paprika, onion powder, or curry powder will complement this recipe nicely.

If you have a spare minute (and an extra pair of hands), share your fun moments with us by tagging us on Instagram or Facebook, so we can thank your little helpers!

INGREDIENTS

250g cheddar cheese (finely grated)
4 tablespoon soft butter
1 cup of white plain flour
2 ½ tablespoons of pure cold water

METHOD

Combine grated cheese, butter and flour in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands and add water. If the dough is too dry add more water until you obtain an elastic dough that comes together easily.     

Make a ball out of the dough, flatten it into a disc and wrap it into the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for around 30 minutes until slightly firm.

Preheat oven to 160C fan-baked or 180C ordinary bake.

Roll the dough out (approx. 1 cm thick) and place on the baking paper-lined baking tray. Cut your shapes on the tray and remove the excess dough.

Alternatively,  roll the dough out, cut shapes on the bench and then transfer on to the baking paper-lined tray.

Bake for about 15 minutes (smaller puffs might be ready sooner) until golden and puffed up.

ENJOY!

 

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