We took a parenting class at church.  They taught that if a kid wants to help you with a task, just let them help.  It doesn't matter if you can do it faster or better.  The teachers said that the time will come when they won't want to help you, so when they do you need to let them!  Apparently all my kids are at the helping age because I always have helpers in the kitchen.

Yes, all the boys have knives.  It worked out great.  So don't be afraid!


 Yikes!  Be afraid!

Get your helpers to hull your strawberries.  That's a fancy way of saying get rid of the leaves.  Then chop up the strawberries.  This recipe is perfect for kids because it doesn't matter what size they chop them up or if the dice is uneven.  It's all going into the blender anyway.


Add sugar to your strawberries and mix.  I added about 1/4 cup to 3 or 4 cups diced strawberries.


Taste test it if you want!  Then let it sit in your refrigerator for about an hour.


On to the pineapple!  Pineapples are in season right now.  If you can't find a ripe pineapple and your pineapple is still pretty green, you'll want it to ripen on your counter for a day or two.  You know a pineapple is ripe when the bottom smells like a delicious pineapple and it has a nice yellow tint to it.

This pineapple is perfectly ripe.  Let's cut it up!  I had my helpers watch since I used a BIG knife.  Safety first!  Cut off the pineapple's top and bottom.


Then slice off the outside inedible layer.


Poor pineapple!  You're no match for my big knife!


Cut the pineapple into four long spears.


Then cut the core out of each spear.  I know it looks like I'm about to slice off my knuckle.  I didn't.  And Steve was a great cameraman!


Then slice each spear into two or three long spears.


Next, cut each spear into 1" chunks.


After an hour in the fridge, check out your strawberries!  See that juice at the bottom?


The sugar combined with the strawberries to make a delicious strawberry juice.  These strawberries are perfect for strawberry shortcake (but that's a different recipe).


Add some of the strawberries and juice, and some pineapple to the blender and mix until it is creamy.  Add a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream and mix it up.  You're done! I fed this to my family after a hard day's work in the yard.  They said it was the best smoothie they ever had.  Since it's actually a milkshake I don't know how to take that...  They said I was the best mom in the world so if you want some appreciation, this is the recipe for you.


Strawberry Pineapple Milkshakes
Serves 3-6
2 pints of strawberries
1 pineapple
1/4 c. sugar
several scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

1. Hull and chop strawberries.  Mix with sugar (about 1/4 cup sugar for every 3-4 cups strawberries).  Let sit in the refrigerator for one hour.
2. Chop pineapple.
3. Add strawberries and juice, and pineapple to a blender and mix well.  Add several scoops of ice cream.  Serve and bask in the glory of your admiring fans!

And remember, a pineapple should never touch human skin: