Real Food Grows and Ranch Dressing

I want my students to understand where their food comes from, and make wise decisions based on that knowledge.  I want them to think about what they are putting in their mouths.  I love to show my kids the ingredients list on the backs of common things.  One that I use often is the powdered ranch dressing mix. 

We talk about the different preservatives that need to be put in foods to extend their shelf life.  This one has 7.  We then talk about how we can make the same thing without those extra ingredients in them.  I am going to share with you the ranch dressing recipe that I have taught to over 200 kids.  It is easy, delicious and natural.   

This recipe has two parts, the dry mix and the actual dressing.  

For the Dry Mix:

1/2 T black pepper

1 1/2 T parsley flakes

1 T garlic salt

3/4 t salt

1/2 T garlic powder

1 1/2 T onion powder

3/4 t dill weed.  

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Mix well.

*Bonus* - Use dried parsley and dill from your garden.

 

Simple, right?  You can use the dry mix on chicken, fish, pasta, etc.  Just store it in an airtight container or bag.  If you want to actually make ranch dressing, you need to add it to a few more things. 

For the Dressing:

Put 1 c mayo, 3/4 c sour cream, 1 c buttermilk and 1 t fresh lemon juice in a bowl.  Sprinkle with 2 T of the dry mix.  Whisk well to combine.  Cover and refrigerate any unused ranch.   

ENJOY!!

Slat sign recipe card holder

Want a fun and easy craft to do with your kiddos?  These slat sign recipe card holders are just that.  And the best part, your little sprout can use it to hold their recipes as they help in the kitchen.

Materials:

1 piece of wood trim (1.5 inches x 8 feet)
miter saw
wood glue
wood clothespin (mini)

Step 1: Cut the wood into sections.  (You can get 2 signs out of one piece of wood trim)

Cut:
4 pieces measuring 7"
2 pieces measuring 6.5"
1 piece (cut at a 45 degree angle) triangle shaped

Step 2:

Glue pieces together

The 2 smaller pieces (6.5") will be the slats that act as the base.  Place them on a table the distance they will be from each other and add the wood glue.  Start with the top and bottom slat and then space the other two in. Let it sit for a good 20 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Glue base on

Use the little triangle piece as your base.  Apply wood glue to one side of the triangle.  When you place it, make sure you don't place it even with the base of the sign, it won't lean back on it if you do.

Step 4: Decorate!

This is the fun part.  You can decorate however you want.  Some of my students painted bright colors, some did graffiti style paint splashes.  They all turned out so great.

Step 5: Add clothespin

Once the paint has dried, add your clothespin using wood glue.  Let it dry and voila!  You are done!