Capes Of All Sizes!

I'm a firm believer in being an example for your kiddos or for any kiddos for that matter. Although I fall short constantly in this area, I'm setting my bar higher the older mine get. I truly feel like they have a few superman powers when they are under 5 feet tall. They hear more than you know and they see things that you don't. We had a close call the other day while driving home our oldest asked me "Mama, did it hurt when you where born?" My hubby and I laughed with that "here we go" look on our faces. My reply,"I don't remember babe, I was a baby.... did it hurt when you where born?". With out hesitation "Yes!!!... I mean.... mama when you .... pushed me?" OK where is this kid getting this stuff? First of all I had a c-section with her (due to the fact she was 2 months early) so no pushing necessary. Secondly, we have never had to have any of "the talks" with her before. As we turned off the radio and started to break it down with her, we realized that it wasn't something she saw on what little TV we allow her to watch (thank goodness) or even something anyone else said! She had just taken two thoughts she was having and jumbled them up. The first being mommy is better now (5 months after having little sister) and the second one was the fact that she pushed her cousin in the pool and thought that she had hurt her. We dodged it this time but we know that they are coming in full force soon.

My point being that we need to show are kids the right path to take by example. One of the many ways my parents showed me and my siblings was by my mom taking the time during a busy day and having us help with cooking. Even though it might take a little longer and be a bit messier, she did it anyways. I cant tell you how many friends I have that think they can't cook or that it takes too long so why bother, and it's all due to the fact that they were never shown. That will not be the case in our house. Ever since our oldest could stand she has been helping mom and both grandmas with cooking. At age three she can tell you most of the names of things in the kitchen and what they are used for. This is a big deal (we are what you call Foodies, so by no means are we talking about just everyday basic kitchen tools). For those of you who watched Jamie Olivers Food Revolution you know this is a much needed lesson (BTW-if you haven't watched it check it out on hulu.com). Most kids these days don't know the correct names of fruits and veggies or even where they come from.

So the rule in our house is our oldest has to help cook one meal a day. We strap on one of her three "capes" (aka aprons) and teach away. Some of my favorite times together have been when we are cooking. The talking, singing and joking that happens in the short time in our kitchen is setting a firm foundation for so many areas in her life. Oh, and please don't think its just for girls. My brother still, to this day, cooks most of the meals eaten at his house. With that being said start with something age appropriate and even meal appropriate for that matter. Remember it can be as easy or as hard as you want... breakfast, lunch, dinner or even snack, just start somewhere. Here are a few ideas for fun and very easy meals to get your little cooker started.

Breakfast:



Toad In The Hole (AKA Egg in a Nest/Frame)

1 egg (your kids favorite cookie cutter)
1 slice of bread
Tbsp butter
salt and pepper to taste

Butter both sides of bread with a tsp of butter. Use the cookie cutter to make a shape out of the CENTER of the bread slice (making sure you don't break the crust on any side). Adults-Heat your skillet to medium high and add the remaining butter. Once butter is melted place outer slice of bread in skillet and crack the egg into the center hole of bread (season if desired). Let cook till egg is half done, and flip. Then place the center piece of bread into skillet to toast while egg is finishing cooking (you will have to flip to toast both sides). Once done remove from skillet and let cool for a min.

Note-
If you prefer scramble eggs, scramble egg with tsp of water in measuring cup before cooking. If your kiddos are good eaters like my oldest then you can have them help cut veggies, meat, cheese or herbs to add to their scramble just like a mini omelet in toast.


Lunch:

Dip Lunch

1oz sandwich meet
1oz mozzarella, provolone or cheddar cheese
1oz bread (we use french bread or homemade)
Assorted dippers: zucchini, carrots, cherry tomatoes, olives,
broccoli, cauliflower, sweet peppers, really
anything you would like cut to bit size.
1/4 cup pizza sauce

Roll sandwich meet up and cut to bit size rolls (or you could use cubed meat). Cut assorted dippers, cheese and bread into bit size pieces. Pour pizza sauce in to mini tupperware and pack a small (or medium) size tupperware with all the dippers. (great for picnics!)

Note- This is a great one for kids to start learning how to use a knife. Don't be afraid to teach them, just start with a butter knife. They can also just pull off the broccoli and cauliflower florets and tare the bread in chunks if you feel better doing that.


Snack:



Apple Snack Wrap

1 small banana
1 cup chopped apple
1/3 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy)
4 7-to-8-inch tortillas (we use whole wheat)

In small bowl mash banana with fork. Add peanut butter and mix. Spread mixture onto the tortillas, then sprinkle with apple pieces. Roll up and cut each roll in half enjoy. (you may also want to chill up to 24 hours if making a head of time)



TIP:

1.) A great way to get them even more excited is to either re-name a recipe. For example we renamed my chewy oatmeal cookie recipe after our oldest kiddos favorite stuffed animal (at the time) "Georgie" Chews. We also take characters from TV shows or movies and incorporate them in the meal. For example a chili dog is allot funner if he is a Sloppy Slinky Dog (like the dog on Toy Story). Be creative PB&J roll could be a worm that a little boy would love to pretend to eat or if cut, could be rearranged on the plate to make the shape of a flower. Just a thought.


Hope your spending some time in you capes, and being creative while you do it.
Laura