Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Eggs explode

Did you know that if you crack an egg just a little and then sqeeze it just right it will explode.

That is what happened to us today. All the kids really wanted to help bake muffins this afternoon, so I let them. Carlee counted the cups of flour and sugar and then dumped in the smaller measures like salt. Ben helped me get the cans of pineapple and cranberry and then helped with the can opener. And then it was Sam's turn all that was to measure was the oil so he dumped that in and then there were the eggs.

I thought that he could help me crack them. The first one we both held it and cracked it on the side of the bowl. Then I put my thumbs in and opened the shell, neat and tidy! Well the next one he told me "I can do it all by myself Mama" Okay, why not! All that was in the bowl was the oil, how much harm could there be in letting him do it.

He had trouble cracking the egg because he was trying to be gentle, he is so sweet! I helped him a bit then told him to put his thumbs in and open it up very carefully. Well he did and I know he was being careful because it took several seconds until it exploded! I don't know how he did it, but I have never seen an eggshell break into so many pieces without being pounded on. Well, as soon as it exploded he got startled and dropped the whole thing into the bowl. He looked up at me like he had just ruined the whole thing, the poor child was about to cry. I couldn't help it, I started to laugh! Then he did too!

We giggled about that silly exploding egg while I rescued the egg shells from the bowl. Then I suggested we try that again. Would you believe that the exact thing happened again!! Except that this time we laughed hysterically! The recipe only needed three eggs, so we were done.

I think I got all the shells out and they were the best muffins I have made in a long time. I can't wait for the next baking lesson, I am now determined to have him learn how to properly crack eggs. Practice makes perfect!

1 comment:

Jane Anne said...

This post just made me smile. Why is it so hard to make time for things like this? And, then the kids aren't the only ones that have a blast! I am glad that you guys giggled together. I had 2 helpers making my cookies. It took my 5 year old 10 minutes to crack his egg. He would just barely tap it over and over until he saw the faintest crack. He hates to get his hands messy. He had me get a wash cloth and towel handy. It was too cute! My 3 year old is the opposite. He tapped it pretty hard and then he went to open it up and he just squeezed. It really exploded!

These are such great moments!