kids in the kitchen: homemade cheese crackers

Ethan and I admittedly love browsing Pinterest and finding fun ways to occupy ourselves during Carmen's naptimes. I mean, Carmen naps. With joy and without protest. This is not a reality I'm used to as He Who Never Sleeps (ahem, Ethan) never napped with such grace and bliss. So, Ethan and I have been trying to find fun ways to spend some one-on-one time together while Carmen naps. Pinterest for the win.

Ethan saw the post about homemade cheese crackers and we decided to try it. He's always loved cooking and baking but lately he's into taking over. I guess he's at an age where he can sort of figure out how to measure out what the recipe calls for and with me helping him read the steps, he did everything on his own. (Minus putting them into the oven.) I went with child-led over perfection so our crackers are misshapen and some are too big and some are too small, but Ethan was just beaming with pride when they came out of the oven.

Not going to lie, they're pretty delicious.

You'll Need:
12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/2c butter, softened and chopped into pieces
1 1/2c all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease your baking pan.
2. Place all ingredients except milk into a food processor and pulse until combined.
3. Slowly add milk and pulse until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out into a big ball with your hands and then flatten with a rolling pin -- or your hands, if you're 5. I hear it's the only way to do it.
5. Using a pizza cutter, cut your squares. Or whatever shape you feel like making.

6. If you feel like getting fancy, you can sprinkle on some sea salt or use a straw to make the famous Cheese-It hole in the center of your crackers.

7. Transfer crackers to baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes. They'll be nice and crispy when they cool!