Cooking is a bonding experience that many families enjoy together. It can also offer a good serving of empowerment and learning while kids are reading recipes, measuring, stirring and mixing their creations. Author Linda Mulholland and her son Andrew, who is thirteen years old and has cerebral palsy,  are developing a cookbook, Cooking For the Kids, to inspire all kids to get cooking. The cookbook will be disability- friendly with step by step photo instructions as well as large print. A portion of the proceeds from the cookbook, available in early fall, will go to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Independence First, Team Up with Families and United Cerebral Palsy.

1 cup flour
1 cup oatmeal
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup butter (1 stick)
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
½ cup M&Ms

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a medium bowl mix together the dry ingredients; flour, oatmeal, salt, baking soda, baking powder.  In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla.  Fold the dry ingredients into the butter/sugar mixture.  Fold in the chocolate chunks and the M&Ms. 
Bake for 8-10 minutes until just lightly golden for chewy cookies.  For a crunchier cookie bake them until darker brown.  Let stand on cookie sheet for 3-5 minutes, and then transfer to a rack.  Place cookies in a sealed container or plastic bag when cooled for chewy cookies.