School's out! And summer is a good time to introduce your child to chores in the kitchen!

To help you along, here are some things to remember when cooking, especially with kids. Plus a couple of kid-friendly recipes!

1. Keep temperature of hot water below 120 degrees F.

2. Turn handles of pots and pan toward middle of stove to avoid accidental bumps.

3. Wash hands with soap and warm water before cooking or preparing food.

4. Keep hands away from the face, hair and pets. If you touch your pet, wash your hands again before preparing food.

5. Tie your long back so it won't get in the way!

6. Always use potholders or oven mitts when handling something hot and make sure the potholders are not wet.

7. Always pick up a knife by its handle and never try to catch a falling knife.

8. Never put a dirty knife in a sink full of water. When it is ready to be washed, put it where it can be seen.

9. Never pull or tug at an electrical cord. Remove it with your hand on the plug.

Now for some fun recipes!

Bananas on a Stick

Crush a few graham crackers into crumbs. Peel a banana and cut in half crosswise. Insert a popsicle in flat end. Spread with peanut butter and roll in graham cracker crumbs.
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Bunny Salad

For each child, place a crisp lettuce leaf on a plate. Place a canned pear half upside down on the lettuce. Make a bunny face using 2 raisins for eyes, a red cinnamon candy for a nose, and 2 blanched almonds for ears. (You could also use small carrot sticks.) Add a dip of cottage cheese for a fluffy tail.
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A cool drink for summer!

Fruit Smoothie

1 banana
1/2 cup strawberries, halved
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
3/4 cup orange juice
1 cup ice cubes

Put all ingredients into blender. Puree until thick and smooth.

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~Charles R. Swindoll

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".

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