Kids In The Kitchen

From the time they were little, my children have joined me in the kitchen. At first, it was because I simply enjoyed their company. And when I mean at first, I mean a babbling baby in a bouncy seat. Gradually, the bouncy seat was replaced by a high chair, and then a booster, until finally, little legs upon a stool helped my babes reach the counter. Where am I going with all of this? Without realizing, I had bestowed a passion and an ability for cooking and baking upon my children. Life skill...cooking. Check.

One of my fondest memories from my children's childhood is Peyton and Rhett perched on their yellow Little Tikes chairs smack dab in front of the oven for an entire 30  minutes waiting for the brownies they mixed up to bake. Another is Peyton, not yet four, mixing up the incredible Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread she still makes today. Those moments with my children as littles in the kitchen may be gone, but the result of that precious time spent together is witnessed here everyday.

Madison, Peyton, and even Rhett show an ability beyond their ages in the cooking and baking department. Peyton and Madison each currently select a night during the week to plan and prepare a meal. Peyton's is most always Japanese, while Madison introduces us to new things like Pesto on Pasta. Of course Peyton is my master baker. She makes pies, cakes, cookies, and brownies, Madison made dessert tonight...a delicious apple blueberry crisp.

So, young mothers...bring your children into the kitchen with you. Show them how to mix with a spoon. Let them crack an egg...I know...Eek! Show them how to plan a meal, and how to set the table. You will make memories to store in your heart. You will also reap the benefits years down the road as you sit and watch your children prepare a delicious diner and amazing dessert. The downside? I still clean up after them a bit. I kinda like my kitchen just so. ; )

One of Madison's recent meals...Baked Salmon, whole grain pasta with pesto, and roasted vegetables...

One of Peyton's specialties...Nikujaga...

I came down Sunday morning to find my oldest in the kitchen...

preparing this. : )

Peyton's brownies are the best.

Her secret? She always adds an extra egg. Shhhh. : )

Peyton teaching Flynn, just as I taught her.

No words needed for this one.

Or this.

Madison is the queen of freshness.

While Peyton is the princess of pies...

Make happy memories my friends! : )