Kids Cooking and Cookbook Blog Site

Watching Jamie Oliver on the Food Revolution show brings out an important aspect of cooking, among other things, and that is to really get into what you are doing (the cooking part) and SMILE. This is what Jamie told the young boy who was interested in cooking. Just to enjoy the process. So many times we get overly-concerned about getting the ingredients in just the right proportions, and being very precise about our cooking methods, that we forget to enjoy what we are doing!

Jamie has so many lessons in his TV programs, but I thought this was a very important one to teach our children – to enjoy the process of cooking.

There are different types of cooks. Some are more experimental than others. Being creative and coming up with different combinations is part of the fun of cooking. When children are young, they love to combine ingredients to see what they will do. Even combining baking soda and vinegar and seeing the results is an activity that interests children. As an adult you can explain what is happening. You can tell them that it is the carbon dioxide gas formed from mixing the two together that causes the bubbling and foaming. The resulting foam and fizz from the reaction is often used in school projects to demonstrate the eruption of a volcano.

Some recipes need to be followed closely. For example, when you are baking cakes from scratch, it is important to follow the recipe carefully, but you can still smile. As you spoon the flour and sugar, notice the texture, and yes, even the feel. The entire process of combining foods and seeing the end result can leave you with a great sense of satisfaction.

Think how enjoyable working with bread dough can be. Children love to punch, knead, and roll the dough. Then to see, smell, and taste the end product is the ultimate experience.

These are some of the pleasures of cooking at home with your child. Here are the times he or she will remember. Make it enjoyable. Let them know it is OK to touch, to feel, to taste. And make sure you convey your interest and excitement in what you are doing. It’s contagious.

Here’s how Amy Houts, author of new book, “Cooking Around the Country With Kids-USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities” shows you how to get your kids cooking all across the country.

See Snaptail Books

Get those cooking skills going!

Lee Jackson
Home and Family Living Coach

When you take a look at our website  you should be able to turn the pages on our new cookbook by Amy Houts, Cooking Around the Country with Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities. It’s fun to see it coming together and looking very good – we’re excited!  Go ahead and see what you think:  see NEW COOKBOOK.

On the page it says the author has not put in the ordering information yet – but on the website order page, you can order the book and it will be shipped as soon as it gets published.  This way you can receive one of the first signed and numbered copies.  Would love to hear from you.

Lee Jackson

Since the last post had to do with breakfast, here is a “warmer upper” super breakfast recipe idea.

Best French Toast

4 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

8 slices bread ( use the firmest, densest bread you have)

Wash eggs and break them into small shallow bowl. Beat with egg beater. Add milk and vanilla and beat again.

In a fry pan over medium heat, melt butter (ask adult to help).

Soak each slice in the egg/milk mixture until each is thoroughly saturated. Brown bread in fry pan about 4 minutes on each side. It should be a nice brown color.

Serve with the traditional butter and maple syrup or add sliced strawberries in their juice and powdered sugar or any food combination.

Makes 8 slices of French toast.

Enjoy! This is a good way to start the day.

Chef Crombie would like to hear about the favorite foods you prepare. By sharing your recipes, you can participate in the  I Love to Cook Club.

By printing off the recipes you can compile them into your very own cookbook. This can be a collection of recipes from your internet friends. You may even want to include your special interests and the reason why you like to make that particular recipe.
Cookbooks have different categories. First lets start out with “Favorite Recipes” and then we’ll categorize them from there.

OK, gang. Here is Chef Crombie waiting for your favorite recipes to roll in. . .