While the kids were on holiday this term I had to think of activities that we could do at home that would keep my boys happy. These brownies are one of my boys all time favourite treats and they LOVE to make them with me. Baking is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your children and enjoy a hands on activity together, developing their fine motor skills at the same time. These brownies are great for parties as they can be made in advance giving you more time to focus on other preparations for the party.
Ingredients:
250g butter cubed
500g icing sugar
100ml cocoa powder
2 eggs lightly beaten
Marie biscuits (2x 200g packets)
Method:
In a large bowl microwave the butter until melted (approx. 1min30sec).
Sift the icing sugar & cocoa powder – little ones can just shake the sieve gently while older children can hold the sieve with one hand and stir with the other. Both these movements strengthen the muscles in their fingers and hands.
Add to the melted butter and mix– big stirring movements in a large bowl is a great midline crossing activity.
Fold the beaten eggs (whisking encourages hand eye coordination & muscle strengthening) into the mixture and microwave for +/- 3 minutes.
Break the Marie biscuits into pieces– use fingers, push down with hands, crush in your hands. This is a fantastic way to give your children’s hands a workout & strengthen all the muscles that are so important for fine motor skills.
Combine the Marie biscuits with the chocolate mixture and then pour onto a 20cm x 20cm baking tray– use hands again to flatten & level. Leave to cool.
Place in the fridge to set & then cut into squares or shapes etc. They also freeze well.
The boys had so much fun making these brownies and even more fun eating them!
Contributed by Margaret Hardie from ClamberClub Toddlers – Kloof
Tel: 083 259 2746
Email: kloof@clamberclub.com
Website: www.clamberclub.com