Make Your Holiday Memories Sintilating

The holidays are upon us, my how time fly’s. And with the holidays comes cooking, which can be fun, or VERY stressful, it simply depends on your outlook and a bit of planning.

My plan is to have some fun, make some memories and of course have a good meal, usually in exactly that order. I’m not the best cook, and there are times I’d rather go to a good restaurant, but memories are treasures and memories can easily be made in the kitchen. A cup of coffee with a friend while you’re baking some cookies; a quick kiss as your child comes in asking for a glass of milk; a hug from your husband as he sneaks (he thinks) a cookie from the just baked batch, the kitchen is a place to make memories that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

And, lest we forget, we can “pinch a pretty penny” in our kitchens and put something away for a rainy day. Now then the trick; how does one do it?

One of my favorite memories is using my finger (I was only 8 years old at the time) to scrape the remains of the cookie dough out of the pan. My mom smiled as she watched me, and then placed the neatly arranged rows of succulent delights into the over. This is something I remember years (not saying how many) later, and something you can easily do with your children. While they might not have the culinary skills of Martha Stewart, they can help, or they can simply sit and watch and your love and patience is baked into every bite.

Most of us live hectic lives; it’s just part of the world we live in. But don’t let that fact deter you from your goal. Schedule time to be with your family and friends; yes that includes baking, cooking or simply having dinner. Build it right into your schedule so you’ll be sure and have time. And let the kids help. Who cares if a bit of a mess is made, that’s what dishwashers are for; use these modern conveniences to take some of the strain out of a busy day.

Do you like “Rap”? How ’bout “HipHop” or “Grunge”? Don’t worry, I haven’t gone off the deep end, but what we should all do is take the time to relate to our teens. Yep, those cute little cuddly kids grow up into demanding teenagers. Its part of the process, don’t fight it, enjoy it. Let them play some music while you’re spending time together; it won’t ruin your hearing (unless it’s up REAL loud) and this will give you some quality time together.

I married a man who knows how to cook. I’m a lucky lady, but that doesn’t make me special, just lucky. Whether your “significant other” cooks or not, let them participate in the meal. Maybe it’s simply setting the table, tossing the salad, cutting the meat, spend time together; it will pay off down the road.

Never… NEVER have an angry dinner. Yes I know sometimes it’s difficult after a hard day, when things have not gone right, but as much as possible, plan on having fun. Remember, it not an urban myth; it is easier to smile than to frown.

It’s easier to smile than to frown. A smile uses 17 muscles, a frown, 43.
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 24 February 1997

Are you health conscious? I am, or at least I try to be. And while no one (or few) like to have the healthy antics of a zealot (who me?) rammed down their throat (not literally of course), you can include healthy food, and positive lessons in every meal you prepare.

Why is that carrot orange mommy? Why honey that’s because of the beta-carotene inside. You see fruits and vegetables are one of the riches sources of beta-carotene which we convert to Vitamin A.

Okay, we’ll don’t go overboard, but you get the point…

The holidays can be fun, just relax, take a deep breath, and then munch on a carrot or two.

That’s all for now… June

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