Edible Asteroids

Asteroids are rocky, metallic objects that orbit the sun. Asteroids are believed to be the remains of a planet collision that occurred shortly after the formation of the solar system. Another theory is that asteroids were pieces of a potential planet that was never able to become a complete planet and dissipated into the solar system. Regardless of how asteroids were formed, scientists have been able to observe their unique shapes and sizes. Asteroids range in sizes from 1000 km in diameter to the size of pebbles. The larger asteroids have crater marks on their surface, similar to that of the moon.

Here is your opportunity to make your own edible asteroids. You will need the following supplies:

Ingredients	Utensils
Potatoes: enough to make 4 to 8 cups of mashed potatoes	Electric mixer to make the mashed potatoes
1/2 stick of butter	Cookie sheet
Salt	Oven mitt
Pepper	Mixing bowl and spoon

Step 1.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Step 2.
Take a small slice of butter and rub onto cookie sheet. It will help keep your asteroids from sticking to the sheet.

Step 3.
Make the mashed potatoes, add butter and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. The mixture should stick together. If it is too dry, add a little milk. If it is too moist, add a little flour (start with 2 tablespoons).

Step 4.
Take a handful of mashed potatoes and shape into your own asteroid. Be sure to poke holes in your asteroids to look like craters.

Step 5.
Set your asteroid on the greased cookie sheet.

Step 6.
Put your cookies sheet of potato asteroids in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until brown around the edges.

Step 7.
Remove your asteroids from the oven using an oven mitt and place on a serving plate. Let sit for 5 minutes to cool down.

Step 8.
Enjoy your asteroids.

Resource: The Space Place