Someone asked me the other day if I really do let the boys help me in the kitchen.  The answer is yes!  I got a new Flip Video Camera for Christmas, so we tried it out today as the two little boys helped me try out our new Fairytale Cake Pan we got for Christmas.  So here they are!  Wait until you see the final creation.  LOL  Here’s the link to watch the video.  For some reason it wouldn’t let me paste the actual video in here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqWTyE9O2Jo

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!  We had a nice holiday and actually continue to relax as my husband is off from work this week.  My boys are starting to really look forward to New Year’s Eve - the one day they get to stay up until midnight each year.  They have been asking throughout the year - “when is that one day we get to stay up really really late?”  Last year they zonked about 11:15, so we’ll see if they actually make it this year. 

 I was trying to decide what to make for New Year’s Goodies, and I came across this recipe for Chocolate Fondue and Egg Nog Pound Cake.  I just might have to try it!  The boys actually want to try out a new cottage shaped bundt cake pan we received for Christmas, so we might end up with cake instead… we’ll see! 

 Anyway, I want to wish you a Happy New Year and I look forward to sharing recipes, cooking tips, and more with you in 2008!

Christine
“The Menu Mom”

I am excited to announce that Vita-Mix has just released their latest version - the Vita Mix 5200.  If you haven’t read why we love the Vita-Mix, you can here:  http://smoothieblends.com/why-we-love-the-vita-mix  The great news is that we were able to work out a special deal for FREE 2 Day Shipping on this newest model, but this special is only available Dec. 10th -13th.  If you have considered purchasing a Vita-Mix, now is a great time!  You won’t be sorry!  We LOVE ours!  Here is the link to check it out:  www.dinewithoutwhine.com/holidayspecial

Christine

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is cook. Not only is it a great way to cut down on my own chores list, but it’s an easy way to interact with your kids and learn more about their lives. Christmas-time may be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to cook with your kids. If you look at the opportunity right, your kids can be big helpers during this stressful time.

Christmas Party
If you’re having a traditional Christmas party – or attending a pot luck style party, have your child commit to making his or her own dish. Whether it’s an appetizer or a dessert, the final product will be something that he can say “I made it all by myself!” Even a 4 or 5 year old child can assemble a simple recipe if it’s age-appropriate. Perhaps your child could make a Cool Whip Pumpkin Pie or some Veggie Dip. Supervise for safety, but try to encourage your child to do most of the assembly himself.

Busy Night Buffet
If you know you’re about to have one of “those nights” where you have 20 different tasks to do before bed, enlist help. Have smorgasbord or buffet supplies on hand in your fridge for just this type of emergency. With little help, your child can set up a sandwich, potato, salad, taco or pizza bar. Simply have the supplies on hand and assist with anything that’s unsafe (possibly warming or cutting, depending on the age of the child).

Here’s what you’ll need for each type of buffet. You’ll notice that most of the ingredients are interchangeable.

Salad – Lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, sunflower seeds, dressing, cheese cubes or shredded cheese, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, mushroom, onion, shredded carrots, radishes, meat (grilled shrimp or chicken), and bacon bits.

Sandwich – Bread (wheat, rye, buns) or tortillas, lunch meat or tuna salad or egg salad, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, pickles, sliced tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, mustard, mayo, and anything else your family loves.

Potato – Baking potatoes, sour cream, salsa, butter, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, cheese cubes or shredded cheese, tomatoes, peppers, onion, meat (grilled shrimp or chicken), chives and bacon bits.

Taco – Taco shells or tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, meat (taco meat, grilled shrimp or chicken), and refried beans.

Pizza - Pizza crust or English Muffins, pizza sauce, meats, cheese and toppings of choice.

Treats
One of the easiest ways to spark a love of cooking is to make cookies or cupcakes and decorate them. Include everything from sprinkles to gel frosting. You’ll be teaching both art and cooking in one activity. Of course, all cookies for Santa need to be decorated, as well!

These are just a few of the many ways you can have your little helpers build confidence and learn life skills this Christmas season.

Article by:
Nicole Dean is a co-founder of Kids Activity Calendar -  www.KidsApprovedMeals.com/KAC  – a resource to help parents teach their kids the alphabet in a fun, positive way.

Carrie Lauth from Natural Moms Talk Radio posted a really good blog post the other day discussing various nutritional beliefs - are they all they are cracked up to be, or do we need to just relax?  Go take a read - you’ll enjoy it!  I’d love to hear your comments here as well once you had a chance to read.  I’m with Carrie… you read something new every day about what is good or not good for you and you ultmately have to just go with your gut feelings…

Here’s her post:
http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/nutrition-are-we-too-picky-or-am-i-just-confused/

Are you doing Christmas Cookie Baking this year?  I probably won’t do much because since my husband is a pastor we end up getting lots for gifts.  However, I did want to share my very favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe with you in case you are baking up a storm.  These are quick, easy and DELICIOUS! 

Scandinavian Almond Bars
Makes 4 Dozen

1 3/4 C. All Purpose Flour
2 t. Baking Powder
1/4 t. Salt
1/2 C. Butter
1 C. Sugar
1 Egg
1/2 t. Almond Extract
Milk
1/2 C Sliced Almonds

Almond Icing:
Stir together 1 C. sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 t. almod extract and enough milk (3-4 t.) to make icing of drizzling consistency.

Stir together four, bakign powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl beat butter until softened. Add sugar and beat tll fluffy. Add egg and almond extract and beat well. Add flour mixure and beat till well mixed.

Divide dough into fourths. Form each into a 12″ roll. Place two rolls 4-5 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten till 3 inches wide. Repeat with remaining rolls.

Brush flattened rolls with milk and sprinkle with almonds. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. While cookies are still warm, cut them crosswise at a diagonal into 1″ strips. Cool. Drizzle with Almond Icing.

Please share your favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe in the comments area for other to enjoy!