Kids Cooking and Cookbook Blog Site

I once read that Julia Child said there were some foods you could eat over the sink. A peach was one of those foods. That’s why I ate a juicy peach for breakfast this morning “over the sink”.

Can you think of other foods that fall into this category?

Lee Jackson
Home and Family Living Coach
Check out my website here

I just came back from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) meeting in Cleveland. One of the highlights of the meeting was hearing Michael F. Roizen, M.D. talk about living every day to the fullest through a healthy lifestyle. He and Dr. Oz host a show on Oprah and Friends radio where they discuss healing techniques, preventative medicine and the latest in health news. They also share a daily syndicated newspaper column. He is currently chief wellness officer and chair of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Roizen pointed out 4 areas of choices we make that impact our longevity and quality of life. They are:
tobacco
food choices and portion size
physical activity
stress

“No smoking” campaigns have greatly lessened the tobacco usage in the US, but smoking is on the rise again, according to his statements.

Here is information from Dr. Roizen about food choices and portion size:

Eliminate or limit saturated fat and trans fats. These kinds of fats are found mostly in meats, luncheon meats, full-fat dairy products, baked goods, fried fast foods, and palm and coconut oils.
Avoid simple sugars, including syrup (corn, malt, rice, maple).
Stay away from most white, processed food.
Use a smaller sized plate, such as a 9-inch rather than the more traditional larger sizes.

I was especially interested in his comment: “Teach cooking!” By preparing food in the home we can make a much more direct effect on our health.

Concerning physical activity, Dr. Roizen said to walk 30 minutes every day. Using a pedometer is helpful.

Five minutes of meditation morning and evening would help with stress control.

These were only some of the highlights that I wanted to share with you today.

Lee Jackson, CFCS
Home and Family Living Coach

Earlier I wrote about the spiral/non-spiral cookbook situation. Today I want to tell you about another of our apple

Apples, Apples Everywhere - Favorite Recipes From America's Orchards

cookbooks and how we solved the “cookbook stay open” issue. This cookbook, Apples, Apples Everywhere – Favorite Recipes From America’s Orchards, is a little bit larger than From the Apple Orchard and a different type of binding was used on it – one that allows it to stay open better. The larger size also helps it stay open.

The cookbook doesn’t snap shut when you take your eyes off the page. This “stay flat” binding is a big help when hands have flour and you don’t want to lose the recipe page. In printer jargon, the binding goes by different names, but I just call it “the binding that stays open”.

When checking out cookbooks, you will see that some stay open better than others. We’ve been very happy with the way Apples, Apples Everywhere responds to kitchen counter etiquette. I’m glad we chose that type because it really makes the cooks happier.

Lee Jackson
Images Unlimited Publishing
Books for cooks and apple lovers,
kids, families, and parenting professionals
http://www.imagesunlimitedpub.com

One of our cookbooks, From the Apple Orchard – Recipes for Apple Lovers, sold out in the plastic spiral binding format.  We only have the non-spiral cookbooks left in that title. So today we ordered a bunch with the spirals. Some of our customers have ordered the non-spirals in the past – they are a little cheaper – but most really prefer the cookbook to stay open and order the spiral ones.

What are your preferences? Would you buy a cookbook without the spiral if it were $2.00 cheaper? $3? $4? $5?? Your input will help us with further print runs. Thanks!

Lee Jackson
Images Unlimited Publishing

Books for cooks and apple lovers,
kids, families and parenting professionals
http://www.imagesunlimitedpub.com

I have to admit I don’t always listen very well. Sometimes others are telling me their story and I’m thinking of what I will say in response and not always tuning in completely. I remember when the children were little, one of their comments was “Mommy, you’re not listening with your eyes”.

Listening is a skill that can be developed. In order to hear what the other person is really saying take time to listen  – to be willing to give of your time and attention. You can show you are listening by nodding, smiling, making eye contact, or showing other ways of paying attention. Asking questions helps to clarify points. The art of communication has not died. It is a two-way street though- someone needs to talk and someone to listen intently.

The ability to listen does influence quality of life as well as the lives of those around us. When listening to your children, make it absolutely clear that the only thing that really matters at that time is what is being said. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Listen not only with your eyes but with your heart as well.

One of our authors, Robert Bohlken, is a listening expert and has written a book for children that enhances reading and listening skills. The stories in the book, Listening to the Mukies and Their character Building Adventures are set in a primitive society, but their problems and conflicts are much like our own. The stories are intended to be read aloud between adult and child. This encourages much sharing of thoughts, ideas and feelings about issues that concern children. There is room for discussion, such as, “if you were in this situation, what would you do?” “Do you think this is the only solution?” “Can you think of other ways to solve this?”

To learn more about this book, go to Listening Stories and Lessons.

Lee Jackson
Snaptail Books for children, families,
and parenting professionals

You say, “What will children do again today since we have another snow-day?” This has been a recurring question and theme these last winter days – at least here in the Midwest, as I am sure in many parts of our country. The children, and you, are probably tired of looking out the window at the snow coming down, or watching the birds at the bird feeder. Some may have even ventured outside, but I wouldn’t recommend it if your area is as cold as it here in Missouri.

Having something to do can be a problem, or a fun challenge, especially if the “vacation” has been extended. I always found it helpful to pack away some toys, especially around Christmas time, and then when the novelty of holiday toys had worn thin, it was time to bring out the long forgotten ones.

Hopefully, video games or TV are not the prime activity during these days. We hear so much about the sedentary life style of all age groups, including children. It’s important to plan some active games – to get out and move. This is also one way to stay warm! Maybe you and your child or children can take turns using the exercise equipment you have acquired. Get out the jump rope and see how many turns can be made before the timer goes off. Or jump on one foot. Turn on some music. Kids love to dance to music.

There are quieter activities, too, such as reading, drawing, coloring, and playing board games. Kids like to be creative. This can be seen in their dress-up play and their manipulative play. Cooking is always a good activity to engage in. They love to pour and measure and taste.

For an activity that uses food products, but is not to be eaten, is to make play dough. Here is the recipe from Amy Houts’ new cookbook, Cooking Around the Country With Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities.

Play Dough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
Food coloring

Children can help measure and pour ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan. use a few drops of any food coloring you desire.

An adult can place pan over medium heat, cooking and stirring until the mixture pulls away from the side of the pan and forms a ball. Remove from pan and let COOL. (This is important, as children will want to dig right in – it is so appealing, but so hot!) Keep in an airtight container in a cool place. This play dough stays soft and pliable.

Keep those creative juices flowing and help your kids have some fun, safely, while you are all snow-bound. They may not remember how cold it was, but they remember how you played with them and how much fun they had when the snow came down.

Lee Jackson
Books for home and family

Cats have traditionally been featured on Christmas cards, decorations, and ornaments. This children’s story book, The Littlest Christmas Kitten, reveals the legend of the Christmas Cats and why they have been part of this holiday for centuries. It will inspire everyone to take another look at the story of the First Christmas and the rich history of the cat family.

In this story Mother Cat searches frantically for her kitten. Scampering to hide from two travelers entering the stable, she jumps into a manger. There she discovers her sleeping kitten. This same manger will later become the bed for Baby Jesus.

The night’s events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats.

To order this heartwarming story that children will want read over and over again, go to ChristmasKittenBook.

Do you know that food is at the heart of every culture?       

Amy Houts’ new book, Cooking Around the Country with Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities helps parents introduce children to new tastes and different cultures through food so that they can appreciate, understand and enjoy the cultural differences that make up our country.

This is a brand new book that is ready for gift giving to children ages 5 to 15 and older.

To order this book for Christmas giving, go to CookingWithKids.

Children on your list will be glad you did.

Many schools are starting out their fall semester with a heavy emphasis on demonstrating good character traits such as kindness, politeness, respect, cooperation, generosity, helpfulness, tolerance and others. Students are told that the only person in charge of their character is herself or himself.

One way you can help your student, or others, become more aware of practicing good character traits is through interactive sharing of information about character building situations. Children from ages 8-14 can really relate to the problems and situations in the book, Listening to the Mukies and Their Character Building Adventures.

This interactive approach works because, when it is read with an adult, the Mukies, as these friendly clever creatures are called, provide the basis for an easy exchange of thoughts, feelings, and ideas about values and ethical issues. Then you can discuss them and help clarify your child’s thinking about these important issues.

As Warren Buffett says, ‘An individual needs three traits to be successful on the job: intelligence, work ethic and character. The first two without the last will not cut it.’ We want students to grow up to be responsible caring individuals with a concern and respect for others.

For a limited time only, (the month of September) you can get a FREE copy of this book, Listening to the Mukies and Their Character Building Adventures. When you order one copy of the book at our website you will get the second FREE – that way both you and your child will have a book to read or give to your child’s teacher for the classroom. Click here to order and you will receive a FREE copy of the book. – two for the price of one.

Here’s to helping your child be the best he or she can be,

Lee Jackson
Family and Consumer Life Coach
Images Unlimited Books

http://www.ImagesUnlimitedPublishing.com

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