cooking with kids

I am over the moon excited about the new cookbook I picked up from the Library. I think I've been on the hold list for over 2 months now.

Good to the Grain.

Eloise and I spent a half an hour just looking at the pictures. I can't wait to dive in and read all the good details after the kids are in bed.

People ask me how I cook with my kids or they wonder if I spend time with my kids because I'm cooking in the kitchen. First, I spend time with my kids. Second, my kids cook with me in the kitchen b/c that's where I spend my time.

I'd also like to note that there are so many posts all over the blogosphere that cite great ways to cook with your kids. Here's my thoughts: You aren't going to have a successful time cooking with your kids if you don't enjoy cooking.

I don't craft. It makes me want to break out into hives. For some, this is how they feel about cooking in the kitchen with their kids. I've just decided that instead of forcing myself to do things with my kids where I'm gritting my teeth and worrying about every little speck of paper that falls on to the floor, I'm going to do the things that I love with them-bake and cook.

Don't be mistaken, there are many times where my patience is tried while two little girls are standing on chairs at the counter trying to box one another out for the last remaining cup of flour to dump. That, is where I need to reevaluate and find a better solution.

For me, baking and cooking has an end result that helps all of us out. Crafting, it's just another piece of clutter for me to keep or throw away. My kids do crafts at church or preschool classes, they don't do crafts at home.

So there you have it. I cook with my kids b/c I love it, but that doesn't mean it's always easy.

I'll let you know when I make something fabulous out of Good to the Grain.