Apologies: This was previously published with the wrong story and photos. See correction below!
Lyla and Emmy had Monday off from school on Monday due to a teacher parent conference and Cecile had promised Lyla and Emmy that she would bake with them in the afternoon.
Making challah with our toddler granddaughters can be a wonderful bonding experience, creating cherished memories together that will last a lifetime. I love being the audience and witness to these bake fests. While delicious outcomes are welcomed, Nonnie Cecile believes the most important ingredient in baking challah with Lyla and Emmy is that they have fun. It is also about teaching the importance of tradition, as it allows you to pass down the tradition of making challah, imparting cultural and religious significance to them. It is an educational experience, whereby Lyla and Emmy can learn the basic fundamentals of basic cooking skills such as measuring ingredients, kneading the dough, shaping the challah, whisking some eggs and brushing it on the challah dough.
Having been a 5th grade teacher in Chicago, Cecile knows this promotes their cognitive and motor skills development. It also encourages creativity and artistic expression with making braids and designs and adding sprinkles and in some cases, a bit of baking chocolate. It engages their senses through the tactile experience working with dough, while stimulating sensory development. Of course Lyla and Emmy love to dress-up in their aprons. Lyla particularly loves her chef’s hat. They learn patience and focus, waiting for the dough to rise and bake, teaching them value of delayed gratification. Finally, it fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment when they see the finished product and sit down at their little white dining table to sample the fruits of their labor. Yummy!
