Cooking With Kids- Monster Cookie Bites

Nathan is paying close attention to directions

Getting to spend time with my grandkids is one of the best benefits of moving back to the city. Oddly enough,in the age of technology and video games and 3D movies, I have found that all three of my grandkids really enjoy cooking and making treats with Gramma. Nathan is old enough to do some chopping with a knife (carefully and slowly) and stirring things on the stovetop. The little kids Lucas and Hayla have had a lot of fun decorating cookies that were baked ahead of time and soon we will be decorating cupcakes too. It hasn't all been cookies and sweets either. We have made nachos and meatballs and plan on a lot more fun and kid-friendly meals.

Lucas and Hayla decorating cookies at Gramma's house

The finished cookies!

Spending some much-needed girl time with my friend Katie was on schedule for Saturday. Since she has a houseful of young boys I thought it would be a great idea to invite Nathan to come along and spend time with Gramma and make some new friends, and that he sure did. Football, hockey, video games, and Star Wars were among the topics discussed by the guys while the huddled around the table taking turns stirring and rolling balls of oaty peanutty goodness. Using Katie's recipe for the Monster Cookie Bites we got the guys busy in the kitchen.

Monster Cookie Bites

5 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup honey

1 cup peanut butter, I prefer chunky

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup mini m&ms candies

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup raisins (if desired)

Measure the oats in a large bowl. Pour the honey evenly over the oats. Add the peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the candies, chips and raisins, if using.

Butter hands and roll into tablespoon sized balls. Set on parchment paper lined sheet. Pop in the refrigerator for an hour. Store in airtight container in the fridge.

These tasty little bites are perfect for after school snacks or lunch box treats. Not too sweet with plenty of protein your kids- and grown ups- will love them! We did not use raisins this time but I think next time I make these I definitely would include raisins in the mixture for a little extra boost in nutrition. 

Just to clarify, the origin of the recipe is unknown. Katie found it on Pinterest.