Winter Fun in the Kitchen

jan-cooking-001aI just love a cold weekend day when I’m home and can spend some time in the kitchen. It’s the perfect time to cook pots of soups, stew, spaghetti sauce and chili. I often cook large pots of these warm treats and freeze them in containers for quick lunches on cold days.

I also remember when my kids, now both in their 20’s, were home and would love to spend the day in the kitchen with me. They’d be right there, asking what they could do to help, being my official mixers, my rubber spatula lickers, my egg crackers and my buddies for the days.  And my two poodles were right there waiting for their treats too, never leaving our side!  The kids would especially love when we’d bake.  Over the years we’ve made endless batches of chocolate chip cookies, brownies and banana breads.

jan-cooking-002For younger moms, just starting to enjoy these precious times with their little cooks, we have some really fun gear that your kids will love to wear.  They will instantly will become your official chefs in training.  And the outfits will certainly make some wonderful memories, and great pictures!

Now that my kids are older, once the soups, sauces and treats are done, I package them up, freeze most of it, and send them off to college for my younger son or when he returns to school after break and I hand the treats off to my older son when we meet for dinner and he returns to his apartment in Chicago.  They still love to enjoy homemade soups and baked treats.

So enjoy these cold winter days.  Find some time to spend in the kitchen cooking your favorites and smelling the warm treats in the oven or on the stove.  Start your own traditions and find the recipes you and your family will love to enjoy.  The memories will be precious.

Happy Winter!

Renee