Proper things to make with toddlers

[PersisFord]

Hello, I'm after some ideas! I've got 3 kids (twins are 3.5, baby is nearly 2) and we really like cooking together. The thing is, I don't want to just make fairy cakes every day and I was wondering what else people make with young kids that would be a bit more useful for meals etc.

They are (relatively) sensible and will cut up mushrooms, apples, bananas etc using a table knife. The twins aren't ready for sharp knives and we have tried using scissors but the baby just goes crazy if he isn't allowed them. They are good at breaking eggs, mixing, etc....but my one foray into letting the girls help me fry pancakes ended with a bad burn so we are after oven recipes really.

Things we have made that worked well are:
Cornish pasties (I made filling, let it cool and we rolled pastry, filled and brushed with milk etc)
Pancakes (I have to cook them though)
Casseroles where they cut mushrooms while I do everything else.
Pizza
Things like sandwiches and wraps that they make as they eat.

Also they need to be quite quick - my friend suggsted homemade pasta but they don't have the attention span!!

Thanks!

DH has been talking about doing a proper risotto with ours but not managed it yet. She'd like the stirring.

Have just looked up the Tickle Fingers blog someone else recommended, looks great!

Probably already said but just chopping fruit and vegetables. Not really a meal but an easy way of getting them fed.

Ok, reporting back with some more successes. Firstly, I've started letting them use the toaster. Especially successful with crumpets! I don't know why I haven't let them before really! Secondly pitta pockets (prob everyone is doing this already!!!) with grated cheese and whatever ham, mushrooms, cooked chicken we have then cooked under the grill til the cheese melts. Our grill is at their eye level so they can watch the cheese melting.

ferris thank you - that's a good idea to just give them the veg as their meal and not worry about the cooking bit!!