Pigtails and Frog Legs is a “family” cookbook published in 1993 by Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. If you ever find one in a used bookstore or on eBay, think about buying it immediately! The colorful illustrations by legendary animator-director, Jack Jones, are worth the purchase of the book. However, the recipes are simply ideal for placing children on an exciting road to enjoying good food, fun and cooking! As the dedication page in the cookbook states…

Dedicated to everyone who was a kid…who is a kid…who will always be a kid!

I had no idea that the Neiman Marcus cookbook people knew about me!

This dedication describes me exactly! And possibly it describes some of you too! Cooking in the kitchen with children is fun and messy and worthwhile… I guess that is why I am drawn to children’s cookbooks like a magnet! I obviously have a symbiotic relationship with cookbooks since I have such an essential need for them!

 

I bought this book at Neiman’s when the cookbook first came out. I spotted the book while taking our children to lunch at one of my favorite places…The Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus, NorthPark in Dallas. My mother and I always had lunch at The Mermaid Bar when we were shopping in Dallas. Described as an “enchanted eatery”, The Mermaid Bar is laid-back and as the store says…it has a “magical ambience”. Plus, they feature a kid’s menu…that even the “absolutely only chicken nuggets” child will like!

 

Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus at NorthPark, Dallas

I distinctly remember when I bought the book because our daughter shook her head back and forth and said out loud and with a sigh…”Not another cookbook! Help! Someone get us out of here!” Our son immediately said to the salesperson, “We were really supposed to buy Legos!” and I knew that I better hurry out of the store. He was sort of past the Legos age, but never really outgrew them! Just like I never outgrew children’s cookbooks!

There are so many recipes that I would like to share from this book, but the following is one that everyone likes to help make! Have fun making JAR BARS with the children who spend time at your house…your own kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and the children who just drop in when something good is cooking!

 

Jar Bars

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

1 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Break eggs into a quart jar. Cover tightly. Shake ten times. Add oil and sugar. Cover and shake 20 to 30 times. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and shake 40 times. Pour into greased 10×7 inch or 8×8 inch pan. Spread evenly. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Cut into squares when cool. Serves 6.

Bars can be iced with favorite frosting and decorated with sprinkles!!

Enjoy!!!

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