Crumbs. . .

I'm sort of a prisoner in my own house today.  Which actually is just fine because there is so much I need to get done.  Or at least, started.  My neighborhood road is closed due to repairs and maintenance, so there's no coming and going while the work crew is on the job.   Not sure how my mail will be delivered, or if it even will be.  But no worries.  The only downside is that the Mister won't be here for lunch.  I think it's the first time in...what (?) years that he hasn't come home for lunch.  I love that he pops in mid-day.  We usually make him something special, even if it is only warmed up left-overs.  Years ago, he had a long freeway commute that left him exhausted and stressed, so living within a few miles of the job has been fantastic and wonderful for all of us.  It's nice too, that the girls get to see more of their dad and not just at the end of the day when we're all tired.   Sometimes he invites friends from work to join us.  That's always fun.  We really need to do that again soon when we aren't so busy.  There's always some baking and cooking going on around here though.  This quiche was delish with the addition of fresh basil from a friend's garden.   I love that little heart shape on the handle of my nutmeg grinder.  And Grace is not only a whiz in the dollhouse kitchen (with her mini cupcakes and petite sweets and what-not) but also when it comes to making real food.  Like that blueberry muffin up there.  We use the exact same recipe (a favorite from the Tasha Tudor Cookbook) but,  hers always taste better than mine.  She thinks I'm just doing the *mom thing* when I tell her that, but it's true.   When she was little, I used to ask her what she did to make her cookies taste so good, and she'd say in all seriousness, "I put love in it".   We'd laugh but it does seem to make a difference.  I'm happy that our kids know their way around the kitchen.  As soon as they could hold a spoon and stir they were given opportunities to take part.   It's always been a family affair.  The point is not so much about the end product, (which does improve over time with experience) but the joy that comes from the process and the pride in one's contribution.  Of coarse, it is important to point out here, that cooking can be filled will hazards (not just spills) so a little supervision is always wise.  I always started with simple tasks and added more as they showed ability.  There are always small steps that can be performed such as chopping nuts,  sifting flour, greasing pans.  In the beginning I chose basic standbys like pretzels or oatmeal cookies.  And all the old wisdom my mother passed down to me, I now pass down to them.  Things like, a tablespoon of sour cream will improve just about anything.  Crack eggs in a bowl before adding them to the batter.  Don't overbeat.  That sort of thing.   I do realize that there are easier ways of getting a meal on the table than asking your children to help but I've also found it's a nice way to spend time with them.   Despite the mess.  Which can be considerable.  Although, usually my doing as I drop and spill with the best of them.  This much is true. 

Comments

[autum]

Beautiful post Vicki. Both the pictures and the words. Grace's real food looks as delicious as her mini masterpieces.

[Dannielle]

awwww! Love in the cookies! Doesn't that just make ya melt?

[debbie]

How wonderful that your husband can come home everyday for lunch...mine has the long commute. The muffin looks scrumptious!

[beki]

What a lovely post! My oldest is just now starting to take an interest in my cooking. Though she's only 5, I really should let her help out where she can.
I think it's sweet that your husband can come home in the middle of the day. Such a simple luxury these days.

[Jessica]

How fun! What a fabulous family! :)

[Tracy]

I think it's wonderful that you let your children share in the cooking tasks. My mother did the same thing with me when I was a child. From her I learned wisdom and found my passion for cooking. I'm sure my fiance appreciates all those days spent in the kitchen with Mom, as he's the one that benefits most from it!

[Michelle]

The photos of your cooking and baking are always mouthwatering! Would you be willing to share your quiche recipe?

[Kathie]

Vicki,

The quiche with the fresh basil leaves looks so delicious! as do the fresh cherries!
I love that your hubby is able to come home for lunch. Mine works all over the place but when the rare occasion happens that he is near by he will either come home or treat me to lunch out. I love it.

[Tracy]

I love Tasha Tudor. Her cook book is on my to-buy list. :)

[sherry]

What a beautiful muffin! I don't think I've ever seen a bakery muffin look prettier.

[joanna]

Yum! Your quiche looks so scrummy, especially with the addition of the fresh basil leaves. And how lovely that your hub can come home for lunch every day - I am very envious :) - all that food has my mouth watering!

[Momma_Pajama]

We are blessed to have daddy home at lunch most days too. And since we homeschool, we're all here. One of the boys favorite things is when daddy takes a break in the morning after checking his emails and phone and makes them "Super Deluxe Breakfast!" For example, eggs scrambled with ham and cheese, plus bagels and juice. Not the usual quick school-day "oatmeal and an egg" that mom makes!