Not Too Young to Cook (Guest)

(Today’s post is brought to you buy a guest writer who believes young kids belong in the kitchen having fun, too!)

When it comes to kids cooking in the kitchen, the key to keep in mind is ‘quick and easy.’ Children’s attention span is usually on a short leash, and if you try to engage them in a recipe that has a long list of ingredients, they tend to lose interest. The main thing to remember is to make cooking a fun time of bonding between child and parent.

You also want to ensure that they are interested in eating what they’re making, so you might want to consider things like macaroni and cheese or chocolate chip cookies to start. Of course you want your kids to eat healthy foods, so whenever possible, use gluten-free pastas and sugar-free baking ingredients. Just make sure to let them pick out the recipe, so they will have a greater interest in the outcome.

For the younger kids, something simple like ants on a log is fun and easy. No hot stove or kitchen timer is required, and in this way you can start with something fun that will turn out great no matter what freak accident happens in the kitchen. With celery, peanut butter and raisins – what could possibly go wrong?
Besides a mess, but come on! They’re kids!

After a successful first run in the kitchen, you can then progress to something a little more challenging. Recommended recipes at the beginning of your cooking adventure should have easy-to-read ingredients so your little one can take part in reading the recipe for themselves. The more hands-on interaction they have, the better.

Letting your kids make their own lunches is a fun way to begin their cooking adventure. They can make cut-out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or even something as simple as a tuna or turkey wrap. Shredded carrots and lettuce are a healthy way for little ones to enjoy their lunch. Keep it easy and colorful and they will be happy. They don’t even need to know that the ingredients are healthy and good for them. In fact sometimes the less they know about the nutrition values, the better.

Another fun and easy recipe for the kids is ‘taco in a bag.’ You simply use a rolling pin to gently roll over an unopened bag of corn chips. Then open the bag on the side, and stuff taco-seasoned hamburger meat, lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream into the bag. Now all you need is a fork. Let the fun begin!

With so many kid-friendly recipes to choose from, such as mini pizzas, stuffed french toast, breakfast burritos, calzones, meatballs and macaroni and cheese, the ideas are limitless and the fun is guaranteed!

Just remember to keep it simple, and make sure your child has a say in what you make. It’s also prudent to be prepared if you do anything involving a stove or a hot surface. Have a First-Aid kit handy and make sure the smoke detectors have fresh batteries. Alternatively, if you happen to be one of those homeowners with a security system through http://www.totalalarmsystems.com/, then you shouldn’t need to worry since these systems can monitor for heat levels and fires, as well. After all, you want to make memories for a life time, and working together in the kitchen is the easiest and best way to make those memories – just make sure you remember it all for the right reasons.

General Mills – Free Movie On Us Tonight Promo

Oops! I completely forgot to post about this, so the news is a little old, but still completely relevant.

A couple months ago, my sister sent me a text (or an email? maybe it was a phone call first? hmm)…. Anyway, a package from MyBlogSpark and General Mills had arrived at the house. I’m staying on the east coast right now, so I told her to go ahead, open it, and enjoy. It ended up being free movie tickets and a box of cereal!

Now I’m used to offers like ‘free tickets’ not being valid in the area where my sister lives because it’s a smaller town and they don’t always participate in national promotions. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case with this and the following week, I got a text from her saying “Hey thanks for the free date night!” Awww. <3

That must have been one great bowl of cereal they shared…. ;)

I kid, I kid. They went to see The Hobbit and according to her, it was amazing. Even better. I’m glad I didn’t bother having her forward the package on to me and that they were able to enjoy and appreciate the tickets in my place.

This isn’t the first time that MyBlogSpark or General Mills has sent me items to review and as usual, I wasn’t disappointed at all.

If you want to enjoy a “Free Movie Night” of your own, you don’t have to enter any giveaways or hold your breath to see if you win. The promo is going on this entire year and all you have to do is buy a couple boxes of General Mills cereal. Most of you probably already do anyway and if you use coupons, that makes it even easier to get some free tickets.

It’s not one of those annoying setups where you have to send off for them either. Each box has a code inside and you just plug that into the movie site. You print off your ticket right there (valid up to $12) and head off to the theater. I was kind of surprised how many theaters are participating, too (check here), so don’t dismiss this if you’re in a strange area that doesn’t usually participate.

Have fun!

"Disclosure: The information, products and General Mills gift pack were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

Most innovative restaurants (Guest post)

Around the world are some truly unique and innovative restaurants. Those looking for a creative and fun way to dine need not lose hope; there are many restaurants about that will provide customers with an incredible, unforgettable experience. Here are four of the most innovative restaurants around, that offer customers magical experiences that are simply out of this world!

1. Dinner in the Sky

Dinner in the Sky is a restaurant chain currently making a name for itself in a variety of countries around the world. Quickly becoming one of the most innovative restaurants ever to exist, the delights of this eatery can be experienced in an array of destinations such as America, Spain and England. A dining experience that dangles customers 100 feet above ground, Dinner in the Sky will provide an unimaginable experience.

This suspended table seats 22 people and offers the finest of dining experiences. Whilst eating, customers will be surrounded by mind-blowing views that they are sure to treasure forever. Surrounded by clouds and blue skies, this dining experience is guaranteed to supply families and friends with unquestionable peace and quiet, allowing them to enjoy each other’s company without any interruptions. A truly innovative restaurant, Dinner in the Sky, couldn’t be more original if it tried.

Dinner in the sky is a unique way to dine.

2. Underwater Restaurant

Maldives Underwater Restaurant is truly an innovative place to dine. Instead of taking customers up into the air, this restaurant will take customers on a trip to the bottom of the ocean. Situated 5 meters below sea level, customers will be surrounded by the deep, blue waters. With its glass cove, customers will get a 270 degree panoramic view of the sea’s fascinating creatures and plants. An unusual but captivating experience, customers will be enchanted by all this restaurant has to offer.

3. In the Dark

Situated in London, this restaurant provides customers with a unique opportunity to engage with their senses. A restaurant like no other, customers will not be in control of this dining experience. Upon arrival customers must choose a menu colour, which will decide their meal for the night. They will then be led into a dark room, where their sense of sight immediately becomes useless, forcing them to engage with their other senses. Customers will enter the restaurant in a Congo style line and be led to tables by blind waiters. Whilst eating, customers can guess what food they have been given an enjoy an interactive experience. A great way to interact with others and enjoy a communal dining experience, In the Dark, is an innovative restaurant that allows customers to have a unique dining experience.

4. Ice Restaurant

Located in Dubai, this restaurant provides an experience that is undoubtedly one of a kind. From glasses to cutlery, everything customers come into contact with is made of ice. An experience that will make customers think they have gone to the Antarctic and back, this restaurant will provide a fun-filled dining experience. Customers should make sure however, to wear warm clothes, as this restaurant is bound to get a little chilly!

 
An ice shot glass, an innovative but chilly idea.
Conclusion
These four innovative restaurants are just some of the unique and unusual places around. From eating dinner in the clouds to enjoying a dining experience at the bottom of the ocean, these restaurants will supply customers with a superb experience. With so many great restaurants around, those looking for a unique way to dine are bound to find it, wherever they may be.

Image Credits: Ander Vaz and paulofierro

Tom Reynolds is a content writer for Cooks Paraphernalia, a design cookware retailer based in London, UK. Cooks Paraphernalia is offering many rare brands for its customers including wine glasses, wmf cutlery and moomin mugs.