Charlie Helps Out

Originally, we had planned to go away for the last weekend of summer (Memorial weekend)- but with all of the smoke from the surrounding fires, we decided to stay in the house for most of the time. The air quality was getting so bad that we were trying to minimize the outdoor excursions for Charlie and the kids.  

I loved having a weekend of no plans. We took our time on breakfast. The whole family got involved. Colin and Meli (Charlie & Will) all helped with the buttermilk biscuits. Poor Charlie was covered in flour by the end of it. 

I love these moments. It can be easy to forget how much fun it can be to do simple things. Kneading dough, is a blast for kids and a wonderful sensory activity. For Colin's age, (and even Meli's) to start looking at measurements and fractions. I loved as a kid learning the basics of cooking. 

An Appliance Christmas

This year we was a Christmas for appliances. We have enjoyed trying all of them out so far.


We got the kids a popcorn maker, since the kids are such a big fan and this will help make it an healthier option. It was funny watching the kids' reaction to the popper.

Aunt Teddy sent us an ice cream maker. Our first attempt was simply chocolate. It was easy to use and tasted great. I have started looking up different recipes on pinterest. The kids want to try candy cane ice cream next, which is fitting for Christmas. Plus, we have several candy canes left over.

My mom got me a pressure cooker. Oh my, this may be the working mom's best friend! The first recipe I tried was an Asian Chicken Rice dish. It turned out perfect and I only had to saute for a few minutes then turn the cooker on and it was done and perfect in 6 minutes! I may get part of my evenings back now!

Will's other sister, Aunt W and Uncle E sent us a karaoke machine! We have not been able to try it yet, but the kids are very excited.  I am sure this will provide some very enjoyable family night fun! Such perfect ideas that will help making our goal of no processed foods easier.



                                                           ~ Love, Hugs & Kisses ~
                                                                     The B Family

Colin's Menu: Quesadillas

Colin's 

Colin chose to make quesadillas for his first meal planning adventure. I was very impressed with him. He used a sharp knife for the first time, had to put things on the burners (turn them on) and use a skillet for the tortillas.

This recipe was very simple. All you needed was tortillas, refried beans, cheese and any toppings you wanted. Colin decided to add black beans and corn as well. So we had all of the items that required warming up on the stove going on low, while Colin cut up all of the toppings. We did tomatoes, green peppers, red onions, avocados, and mushrooms. 

Then Colin had to take a tortilla, put refried beans on it, black beans and cheese. Then place it on the skillet with either a little butter on it or spray oil. He added the top tortilla before placing on it on the skillet. I helped him with the flipping. Colin was able to cut the tortillas as well.

Plain Jane - Meli

Mine (Will's was similar)

For dessert, Colin made pudding with a galore of toppings. I told them that they will not always be able to do these type of desserts. Thankfully these are the only two days we will do desserts. Still that adds up for the month!

Sundae pudding

Meli's Kitchen: Turkey Burger

Turkey burgers

This is the first week that we are having the kids separately plan their own dinner menu (including dessert) and cook it. Meli went first choosing turkey burger sliders with pears and green beans. Will decided to add Red Lobster biscuits (one of his fave). For dessert Meli chose marshmallows dipped in chocolate and ice cream cones dipped in chocolate with vanilla ice cream. She actually did a very good job. She got to crack an egg again. She added all of the seasonings and stirred the meat. She did not want to touch the meat, which I was OK with. So, I made the patties and put them on the grill. She picked out of the condiments and veggies. I was very impressed that she would pick things that she did not like, but knew that Colin or somebody else did. Meli is super picky, so I am hoping that this will help her want to try more things. Thankfully she seems to like something in every food group. Plus, she loves protein rich foods. She just has very simple taste. Nothing mixed. 

Very yummy

So first meal was a success!! Colin is up next. He chose cheese & bean quesadillas with a vanilla pudding.

Need to work on her presentation

I think we will like the two cookbooks for kids that we chose.

Both recipes came from the Cooking Class book