Laney’s Breakfast Smoothie for Kids

Who doesn’t love a smoothie for breakfast? I’m proud to say granddaughter Laney already knows her way around the kitchen, so one morning I followed her as she whipped up smoothies for herself and her sisters. And as I watched how confidently and efficiently she moved through the process I was transported back in time to the first “cooking lesson” I gave her, when she was not much more than a baby. It still warms my heart every time I relive these precious memories…

Meemaw’s Cooking with Kids Tip: Start with butter knives! When our grandkids were VERY young, I would hand them a butter knife or cheese spreader, since they are small (and DULL) knives, to get a feel for beginning knife skills.

The kids would use their “knives” to “cut” the ends off of green beans or in this case, to cut up bananas for a banana cream pie. (Laney is the LITTLE Sis in the picture above, then age 3!) Children are VERY willing to learn cooking techniques at an early age, and the time I’ve spent teaching them these lifelong kitchen skills is priceless to me.

Flash forward 5 years, and here is Laney, age 8, with her grown up Breakfast Smoothie Recipe! Laney often makes this all by herself before the school bus in the morning. As she has gained more confidence in the kitchen, her parents (and Meemaw!) have given her more and more independence. (Her goal? To start her own cooking show on youtube! Hmmm……I think she is on to something! Would you watch?)

First, some ripe bananas…

Then a scoop of chocolate protein powder…

Add lots of ice…and pour in some milk…..and a little bit of water….

Then a VERY LOUD BLEND…

Then divide it up EQUALLY. So important, since she’s sharing with her sisters, and we can’t have anyone with more than the others! Gasp! Although our grandkids do have their own motto: “You get what you get, and you DON’T throw a fit!” Amen to that!

Such concentration…and not a drop spilled.

And breakfast is served…

And notice the lids?

It warms my heart to see FUN TIMES in the kitchen, especially when children can create that fun themselves. Because time spent in the kitchen SHOULD be fun…at any age!