Speaking of priorities, I've come to the conclusion that I want to have more fun with my kids. What better time of year to start than winter break, which is coming up next weekend? I'm not one for New Year's resolutions because they never work for me. I always break them and then feel like I've failed. Anyway, this year, I've decided to try something new. I'm not going to call it a resolution, I'm just going to try something new. It will work or it won't work, but I will succeed just because I tried. Win!
HERE IT IS: I'm going to try to cook and/or bake something with my kids every weekend as long as I'm in town and we are healthy. Yes, folks, I am insane. Yes. I know they are 12 and 14 and therefore want nothing to do with me on the weekends (unless I can be useful to them).
I told the kids about my idea. My 12 year old daughter said, "That sounds like fun! What are we going to make?" My 14 year old son said, "Hmmmmmm. Could be interesting." Which is about as close to an enthusiastic yes as I'm gonna get from him so I will declare that victory is mine (at least for the moment).
I am not operating under the illusion that my kids will instantly take a shine to my favorite thing to do just because I'm enthused. SO.... here's what I hope will be my recipe for success:
- Ask the kids to choose our recipes. If I choose, make sure we use recipes that I know they will want to eat.
- Don't focus on nutritional value. Focus on fun. Challenges may come later.
- Choose recipes in advance so I can be sure we have the ingredients on hand.
- Ensure the recipes are quick and easy so they can do most, if not all, of the work before losing interest. To that end, I took out the slow cooker and I'm going to leave it on the counter for a while. I am contemplating doing the same with the food processor.
- Let them eat what they make. If we want to make it for someone else, double the recipe.
Tune in if you like. I will post recipes and photos as the project unfolds.
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