Nut Chews
I’ve found that children love the magic of taking raw ingredients and transforming them into something totally different. These easy cookies are a good example. Even young children can do a lot in the kitchen, with your supervision. Eggs are cracked, nuts are chopped, dough is mixed. While eating them is the reward, your children also will benefit from being taught their way around the kitchen.
Setting the table, folding napkins and learning to share food at the table also are good first steps.
Start by reading the recipe all the way through together, then assembling your ingredients. Work in a little math by measuring the pan (be sure to measure the pie plate across the bottom, not the top).
Because these are soft, chewy bar cookies, you can cut them in larger pieces and serve them as dessert with a little whipped cream on top.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Tilt the pan so the butter melts evenly. Pour the melted butter into an 8-inch square pan or 8-inch pie plate so the bottom is completely covered.
Place the eggs in a mixing bowl and, using a fork, beat them until they are all one color and look well blended.
Add the sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and vanilla, and, using a large spoon, beat the cookie batter until completely blended and smooth. Stir in the walnuts.
Pour the batter into the buttered plate or pan and bake until lightly browned, the dough feels firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, not damp and sticky, 15 to 20 minutes. Because ovens can vary in temperature, check the dough at 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into wedges or squares. These freeze well if wrapped in two or three layers of plastic wrap.
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