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It still doesn't seem like summer to those of us in Northern California. Yes, the kids are in camp. And we just celebrated Father's Day. But today I'm writing while listening to the rain (again) and wondering which hot chocolate recipe to make for my kids when they come home cold and tired.
(I'm sure those of you in Arizona would disagree and love a change from your triple digits)
Whether the summer is hot or not, it goes by quickly. Read below for a few ways to stop and enjoy the season - discover favorite recipes, let kids help, cook outside, and grow or pick something.
Let the sun shine!
Lisa
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*Blog Contest - Fess Up* |
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I've talked to many people lately who didn't know Petit Appetit had a blog. Well, consider yourself in the know. If you want to search for recipes, as well as share experiences, mistakes and successes in the kitchen, please visit, comment and subscribe to the blog (www.petitappetit/blog/).
I've been blogging for quite a while, but have never done a contest. Here's our first of many to come. I receive many cookbooks for review and now it's your chance to win a few. I know we all have little cooking (and eating) secrets when alone in the kitchen. I've shared a few of mine - yes, hiding chocolate from my family for selfish consumption, among other things. Read mine and then share a few of your own to win a cookbook.
My past posts from OrganictoBe.org are also there, so there's lots to read. If you want blog posts delivered via your email, sign up for the RSS feed.
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*Celebrate Independence* |
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It seems every day is independence day for our children. Learning to crawl, using the potty, feeding themselves, helping cook, going to camp, etc. Every day is a challenge with the goal of kids becoming happy and healthy and independent citizens.
Let's celebrate independence day by inviting our little firecrackers to the kitchen and seeing what they can do. I'm always encouraging kids to help and/or watch in the kitchen at any and every age. But there are still some adults out there with doubts about getting kids involved. Some excuses include, "It's too messy" or "I don't have enough time" or "Meals are quiet time alone with my spouse".
Allowing children to stir, measure, pour, count, read recipes and other age appropriate kitchen tasks, builds confidence and independence.
You'll appreciate that the time you spend now, will make your children better cooks, dishwashers and diners later.
I'm borrowing a quote I saw on the Kids Cooking Activities website. "All you need to cook with kids is...
·A dash of time
·A pinch of originality
·A cup full of enthusiasm"
A heavier meaning of Independence Day than you were looking for? How about a great Marinated Tofu BBQ recipe (it's yummy, honest)?
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*U-Pick Farms* |
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My garden is teeming with dark green strawberry leaves, taller than me pea shoots, and sturdy flowered tomato plants - but where's the fruits of our labor? Luckily somewhere there's sun and we're able to choose some of our summer favorites at the farmer's market and u-pick farms.
Picking fruit and veggies with kids is a great summertime activity. Whether it be your own garden, a community co-op, or taking a visit to a farm. There's nothing like reaching and picking a ripe peach and taking a bite under the shade of the tree. For no more than it costs at the grocery store, you can grab a basket and start picking at a u-pick farm. The only problem with picking is that you have so much fun you might pick too much. Remember there's always jams and pies to make and share with the neighborhood.
Check for local farms and get recipes and tips for canning and preserving by visiting pickyourown.org
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*Happy Birthday Summer Babes* |
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Summertime in my family means birthdays, and lots of them. Seems like I'm baking the entire month of July. So far it's been cupcakes. I got a little obsessed (as did my daughter).
If you're looking for ideas, a cupcake book review, and why you shouldn't make butter cream frosting a day ahead...
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*Whole Foods Parking Lot* |
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I can't resist sharing this with everyone I know. If you've ever been to a Whole Foods, this rap song should give you a chuckle.
Avoiding a crowded city parking lot is one more reason to visit a farm...
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