This weekend marks the annual Independence Day holiday in the United States. Throughout the country, people will gather for picnics, parties, and fireworks displays.

In addition to the patriotic celebrations, this is a big family get-together kind of holiday, with lots of kids running around waving sparklers, lighting firecrackers, and playing games. With that it mind, this seemed like the perfect time to share a certain recipe from the Draper Employee Cookbook.

The title of this recipe—Preserving Children—may sound like en entry in the “Hansel & Gretel Cookbook,” but in reality it comes from Susan & Roger Engle, both former Draper employees (Roger retired in 2008 after 42 years on the job—one of their sons still works here).

First, an editorial note: Results may vary; some ingredients may not be available in your area and substitutions will need to be made!

Ingredients

• 1 large grassy field
• 6 children, assorted
• 3 small dogs
• 1 narrow pebbly brook

Directions

Mix the children with the dogs and empty into the field, stirring continuously. Sprinkle the field with flowers. Pour the brook gently over the pebbles. Cover all with a deep blue sky and bake in the hot sun.

When children are well-browned, they may be removed. They will be found ready to be set away to cool in the bathtub.