Dec 3 2008
Chef mom
I'm not a craftsy person. After four years of art school, I'm done with paint, markers, glue, colored paper, and that artsy-fartsy stuff. In fact, I haven't seriously painted or drawn anything since 1987 after spending much of my childhood at a potter's wheel or canvas. I think it was the four plus years of doing "art on demand" that completely used up any artistic talent I may have had. Instead, I turned to writing and cooking (and later blogging) as my creative outlets.
However, when you have kids there is peer pressure from other moms and teachers to do crafts. They think doing crafts with your kids means you're spending quality time with them. While I agree that it's a terrific way to be active in your child's life, it's not worth the time I'd spend freaking out about the mess. Honestly, I prefer getting into bed with Nathan and Lucie and reading books or watching a video. Snuggling rules.
The one craft-like thing I do with my kids is cooking. Still it brings me to the boundaries of what little patience I possess. Normally I don't like having the kids in the kitchen. Half the time I'm worried that they're going to get burned or cut themselves. And the rest of the time, I'm worried that I'm going to trip over them or their toys and hurt myself. I'm too focused on the task at hand to realize that they're behind me playing on the floor, my peripheral vision sucks, and those mommy eyes on the back of my head need glasses, too. So I banish them to the living room or tell them to go bug their dad.
Yet, I do like it when Lucie puts on her apron, stands on a chair at the counter, and asks me what I'm doing. Occasionally, I let her help, too. But it's more like one of those cooking segments on the morning news shows -- she's the reporter and I'm the famous chef being interviewed. I let her assist to be polite, but I do all the work.
I loved helping my mom in the kitchen, so once the kids get older (and Nathan stops sticking his face in and breathing on everything I make -- gross!) I'd love to have them participate more. In fact, I'd like them to occasionally make dinner for me and Paul. Wouldn't that be fun? Until then I'll be on the search for fun recipes the children can help a little with, but mostly enjoy eating. This one, for Apple Jello Giggles, fits the bill. It's a great way to get your kids to eat apples.
Apple Jello Giggles*
Note: This also makes an attractive garnish. Vary the flavors of gelatin and use both red and yellow apples for a variety of color combinations.
Ingredients:
1 package (3 oz.) gelatin, any flavor
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
5 or 6 apples
Preparation::
1. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in cold water (kids can help stir) and set aside.
2. Carefully core apples, leaving bottom of apple intact. Hollow out some of the apple flesh to make room for gelatin. Tip: save the apple flesh to spread on toast.
3. Pour gelatin into the apples and place them in individual bowls so they stand upright. Put any leftover Jello in a bowl to eat later. Chill until gelatin is firm.
4. Cut in wedges to serve.
*From Maryland's Apple Promo Board
