A good way to help make young girls self reliant is to teach them to cook. Our Granddaughter, Zoe, is nine-years-old and loves to 'make recipes'. She still needs a little help when it comes to hot ovens, but here are some of her favorite things to prepare.

Tuna Noodle Salad

1 small can or pouch of Tuna (Albacore is best)

Four Lettuce Leaves

1 package of Raimen Noodles - cooked and drained

Plain Yogurt

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Cook the Noodles and drain. Allow to cool.

Place two lettuce leaves on each of two salad plates.

Spoon half the noodles on top of each plate (and lettuce leaves)

Spoon half of the Tuna onto the noodles

Place a large spoonfull of yogurt on top of the tuna (sour cream can also be used).

Add Salt and pepper to taste. Serves Two

BANANA - YOGURT SMOOTHIE

One Small container of Yogurt (strawberry or any flavor you like)

1 Small banana - peeled.

Two or three fresh strawberries

1 Cup of Orange or Pineapple juice

Serves Two

Place all ingredients into the blender container and whip until smooth. We use a cordless hand blender as it's easier to handle and clean up.

COOKIE CUTTER PBJ SANDWICHES

Two Slices of Bread (whole grain is preferred, for health)

Peanut butter

Jelly or jam

Large Cookie cutter (a Halloween pumpkin, maple leaf, Santa Hat, Heart, etc.)

Spread the Peanut Butter and Jelly on one slice of bread, Add the top slice. Place the cookie cutter over the center or the sandwhich and press down until it cuts through. Peel away the excess (I usually eat the trimmings because I don't like to waste food). Serves One

HEALTHY FLAT-BREAD PIZZA

One Small (8") piece of flat bread or flour tortilla

1 TBS Olive Oil

Your choice of chopped sweet pepper, onion, tomato or mushrooms (you can process these in a food processor or hand chop)

1/2 cup of shredded Mozzerella or Cheddar Cheese (or "Veggie Shreds made from Soy)

Five Slices of Pepperoni

Preheat the oven to 375

Brush the bread with the olive oil and place on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet into the oven for five minutes. This keeps the flatbread from getting soggy.

Remove the bread from the oven (carefully - it's hot!)

Add the veggies, cheese and pepperoni and place back into the oven for about ten minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are slightly browned.

Serves one.