ROCKETS (Sweetcorn)

Sweetcorn cobs make a great 'toy' for young children, especially on a wet day like today. You could explain that as it's been a lovely hot summer the corn has grown nice and juicy and fat and ready to eat, and that this is the best time to eat sweetcorn as it is in season. Hopefully the video gives you an idea of how much fun can be had with 2 children and a couple of cobs.....

If it's still raining after lunch, you could teach your children about the other ways sweetcorn is eaten. A tin from the cupboard, frozen corn (mine love eating it like little yellow lolly pops) and the old favourite, popcorn.


Rainy day popcorn

Popcorn is so simple to make at home, you don't need a fancy popcorn maker, just a saucepan with a lid.

You will need:

100g popping corn
2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
50g butter
50g honey

1. Heat the oil on a medium temperature, and drop in one kernel as a tester. When it pops, the oil is ready.

2. You will want to keep your child well back for the popping, but explain what you are doing. Tell them to listen out for when the popping stops. Pour all the corn into the saucepan, put on the lid, and shake occasionally to keep the corn popping.

3. When the popping has finished, get your child to help you weigh out the honey and butter, and then put it in a saucepan and melt together.

4. Pour the honey and butter over the popcorn and divide into 4 bowls. You'll have at least 10 minutes peace whilst happy children munch.

For a delicious savoury version, melt 50g of butter with 10g of marmite (use more marmite if your children like a strong marmite taste.) Stir through popped corn.