Episode 4: Baking with Kids

Wendy%2BMcGowan_Original.jpg — About the episode

It’s the holidays, and that means cookies! It can also mean a messy kitchen and some stress as you strive for an idyllic baking experience with your kiddos. Wendy McGowan, a professional cake and cookie decorator, is here to help make it go more smoothly — from how to set appropriate expectations, to what to look for in a sugar cookie recipe, and even how to make less mess.

MEET OUR GUESTS

Wendy McGowan is a professional cake and cookie decorator in Gilbert/Chandler, Ariz. Earlier in her career, Wendy owned a bakery in Florida and competed on a team with her friend and then-boss on the first episode of the Food Network's Cake Wars. Today she teaches both adults and kids how to decorate cookies and cakes. Learn more.

Malina Malkani is a registered dietitian nutritionist, media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and founder of Malina Malkani LLC, a nutrition lifestyle company dedicated to providing modern moms with tools, recipes, and programs that make it easier to feed their families a mostly plant-based, nutrient-dense, whole food diet (that they really like). Learn more.

Episode highlights

0:25 – Wendy’s story

2:38 – Why we need to read a cookie recipe

3:54 – Managing kids’ expectations

6:22 – Tasks you can tackle in advance

7:42 – Royal icing vs. buttercream explained

9:45 – How to store royal icing

10:42 – How to properly hold a piping bag

13:30 – Tips for avoiding a big mess

16:01 – Kitchen Questions

18:22 – Why fruit presentation matters

21:43 – Closing thoughts

Our favorite quotes from the episode

“My idea of a successful cookie decorating adventure is to plan ahead.” — Wendy McGowan

“Most cookie, especially sugar cookie recipes, ask you to chill it at least overnight, and that is important.” — Wendy McGowan

“Give them cookies so that they can mess them up and then they know that they're not going to have to give them away. It releases some of the pressure that some kids can feel when they're decorating cookies.” — Wendy McGowan

“If you slice up some fruit and have a few different offerings and just arrange it into a fun face, it could be something fun that makes the entire experience more approachable for them and it's funny now at this point in ... I've been doing that for a few years now and my youngest, who is 6, makes her own food faces now on her plate.” — Malina Malkani

“I hope you find the time to let flour fly. I hope you find the patience to let all types of sugar coat your countertops. I hope you find the time to smile over imperfections and Pinterest fails …” — Stephanie Conner

View The Transcript