Tag: fall

Dancing Corn Kernels

Materials:

  • Mason jar
  • Popcorn kernels
  • Water
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Spoon
  • Tablespoon
  • Pan (to contain the mess)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

  1. Put the mason jar inside the pan so any overflow from the jar is contained.
  2. Fill the mason jar about 2/3 full with water.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
  4. Add a handful of popcorn kernels to the mason jar.
  5. Slowly pour about 4 tablespoons of vinegar to the mason jar.  If you add the vinegar too quickly, the combination may just overflow into the pan.  After a little while, the popcorn kernels will start dancing in the jar.  If this doesn’t happen, give the liquid a quick stir.

What’s happening?

The secret to the dancing corn is the reaction between the vinegar and baking soda.  When baking soda (a base) is mixed with the vinegar (an acid), they produce carbon dioxide (a gas)!  The carbon dioxide bubbles lift the corn, but as the bubbles pop, the corn falls back down!

 

Cider Donuts

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 teaspoons applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk until well blended or sift together.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients starting with the milk and ending with the butter.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the donut pans.
  5. Let cool and then brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar to taste.