Christmas Cooking Fun With Kids
by Nicole Dean
One of my favorite things to do with my
kids is cook. Not only does it cut down on my own chores list, but it's an
easy way to spend time with my kids and learn more about their lives.
Christmas season may be crazy busy, but that doesn't mean you can't find
ways to cook with your kids. If you look at the opportunity, your kids can
be helpers during this stressful time.
1. Dinner Buffet
If you know you're about to have one of
"those nights", enlist help. Have buffet ingredients on hand in
your fridge for this type of emergency. With help, your children can set
up a self-serve bar. Simply have the ingredients on hand and assist with
anything that's unsafe (possibly cutting or heating, depending on the age
of the child).
Here's what you may want for each type of
buffet. You'll notice that most of the ingredients are interchangeable.
Sandwich Buffet - Bread (wheat, rye, buns)
or tortillas, lunch meat or tuna salad or egg salad, lettuce, cheese,
pickles, peppers, cucumber, sliced tomatoes, mustard, mayo, and anything
else your family loves.
Salad Bar - Lettuce, tomatoes, croutons,
sunflower seeds, dressing, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, mushroom, onion,
shredded carrots, radishes, cheese cubes or shredded cheese, meat (grilled
shrimp or chicken), and bacon bits.
Potato Bar - Baking potatoes, sour cream,
butter, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds, cheese cubes or shredded cheese,
tomatoes, peppers, onion, salsa, meat (grilled shrimp or chicken), chives
and bacon bits.
Pizza Bar - Pizza crust or English Muffins,
pizza sauce, meats, cheese and toppings of choice.
Taco Bar - Taco shells or tortillas,
lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, tomatoes, jalapeņos,
onion, meat (taco meat, grilled shrimp or chicken), and refried beans.
2. Decorate 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 fell swoop. Plus, you get to enjoy your treats.
3. Christmas Party
If you're having a Christmas party at your
home, have your child plan to make a dish. Whether it's a salad or a
dessert, the result will be something that he can say "I made it
myself!" Even a 5 year old can make a simple recipe if it's
age-appropriate. Perhaps your child could make some Veggie Dip. Supervise
for safety, but try to encourage your child to do most of the assembly
alone.
These are just a few of the many ways you
can encourage your little helpers to have cooking fun this Christmas
season.
About the Author
Nicole Dean invites you to visit http://www.showkidsthefun.com/activity-theme/christmas.php
- where you'll find Christmas crafts and activities to make memories that
last a lifetime. If you'd like a fun way to count down the days until
Christmas, please visit http://www.WaitingforXmas.com
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