Sheet Pan Supper Helpers

What you need

• Soft veggies (peppers, cucumber), 3-4 cups, chopped by an adult (peppers, carrots, broccoli, potatoes)
• Cooking oil, 2 tablespoons
• Seasoning, a few pinches
• Baking sheet, 1 sheet pan
• Knife, 1 sharp, for a grown-up
• Cutting board, 1
• Towel, 1 damp cloth and 1 dry towel
• Oven mitts, 1 pair
• Spoon, 1 big
• Fork, 1
• Plate or tray, 1 per person
• Chicken, a few pieces, raw (optional)
• Tofu, a few cubes (optional)

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Preheat the oven to about 425°F. Chop the vegetables into similar bite-size pieces so they cook evenly. Check seasoning labels for allergens (some blends contain wheat, soy, sesame or milk). If using raw chicken, keep it on its own plate and handle it yourself. Tofu contains soy. Keep a damp cloth handy, because oily hands and counters get slippery.

1. A grown-up preheats the oven to 425°F. A grown-up does this
2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
3. Pile the chopped veggies onto the cold sheet pan or into a big bowl.
4. Drizzle the oil over the veggies. A grown-up can help pour. Ask for help if you need it
5. Sprinkle the seasoning all over, like snow falling.
6. Toss everything with clean hands or a big spoon until every piece looks shiny.
7. Spread the veggies out in a single layer with a little space between them.
   Ask: Why do you think the veggies shouldn't be piled on top of each other?
8. If using tofu, nestle the cubes between the veggies.
9. If using raw chicken, a grown-up adds it, then washes hands, knife, board and counter. A grown-up does this
10. Wipe oily hands and any slippery spots on the counter or floor. Ask for help if you need it
11. Bake at 425°F for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden. A grown-up does this
    Ask: What do you think the veggies will look like when they come out?
12. Peek through the oven window, no touching, and watch the edges turn brown. Ask for help if you need it
13. A grown-up takes the hot pan out with oven mitts and lets it cool a few minutes. A grown-up does this
14. Serve up your supper parade! Which veggies will you toss and sprinkle next time?
    Ask: What would you name this dinner?

Play it again

• Rainbow pan: pick veggies of as many different colors as you can find and line them up like a rainbow.
• Seasoning surprise: try a new seasoning mix each time and vote on the tastiest pan.
• Crowd test: roast one corner crowded and one corner spread out, then see which browns best.