Apple Pancake Casserole

What you need:

• 3 tart apples
• 1/3 stick butter
• 3 Tbs. sugar
• pancake mix (and water, milk, oil, or eggs, as directed)
• extra touches (optional; see below)

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Parents only: Peel apples and cut into wedges. In a medium-sized skillet, melt butter, then add apples and sugar. Cook at medium-high heat until tender, about 4 to 6 minutes. Spoon apples and juices into an oven-safe casserole dish.
3. Prepare batter for 10-12 pancakes (usually one cup of mix), following package directions. Kids can help measure and mix.
4. If you like, add extra touches to the batter. Try these ideas or make up your own:
   • Apple Mania: dried apples, applesauce, cinnamon
   • Brisk Weather Warmer: pecans, maple syrup
   • Circus Circus: caramel candy, chocolate chips
   • Comfort Casserole: walnuts, raisins
5. Pour the batter on top of the apples. Bake until brown and puffy, about 20-30 minutes.
6. Serve hot or cold.

Learning benefits:

• Teaches cooking skills
• Offers practice in measuring and reading