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Fun Recipes for Kids

Teach your kids science in the kitchen

By Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, About.com

How do you keep the kids entertained when you can't send them outside? Why not cook up some fun in your kitchen? These recipes may not necessarily be edible, but they are sure to please and will teach a bit of science and measuring skills in the bargain.

Make rock candy

Making rock candy is a lesson in science in and of itself, and you can eat the results! You can make the crystals different colors, if you wish, simply by adding a bit of food coloring. Crystals suitable to eat will form in an hour and continue for several days to a week. Pieces can be broken off and eaten after the first hour. (But, try to hold out for big crystals!) Although you may see quick results in small measure, the larger rock candy crystals you're accustomed to seeing in the candy store will take some time to form.

  • Rock Candy Recipe

    Make a crystal garden

    This crystal garden recipe is just for fun and definitely inedible and will take a little patience to see results. However, it should yield a colorful and fun lesson in science for the kids. Crystals of color will grow on coal or garden rocks after being covered with a simple concoction. You should have most of the ingredients around the house, except perhaps for the liquid bluing. Liquid bluing can be found in most markets in with the laundry soaps and products. The most popular brand is Mrs. Stewart's Liquid Bluing and is used as a laundry whitener. Be sure to use a glass or china bowl. Crystals will continue to grow if you keept watering it.

  • Crystal Garden Recipe

    Make a gingerbread house

    We tend to think of gingerbread houses as a holiday activity, but you can create any theme you want. Make mini-houses out of graham crackers and canned frosting and let the kids use their imagination to decorate as a dollhouse, doghouse, fire station, or other structure. This is a great idea for parties as well.

  • Gingerbread House Recipes

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