I want to hang out in Mommy's Kitchen

Getting kids in the kitchen is one simple way to start teaching them about eating right; encouraging them to help you cook teaches them about nutrition, but it also gives you a chance to talk with them about all sorts of things. Here's a trick for you -- kids love desserts, and they're happy to help when they know you're making cookies or cake. Take advantage of the holidays to spend some time in your kitchen with the kids. 

That's what Tina at Mommy's Kitchen does. This week, she's been posting photos of the most delicious desserts ever; the eggnog bundt cakes are so perfect looking that I want to reach through the screen and grab one. Tina is a stay-home mom of three; she describes herself this way: "The kitchen is the room in my house that I feel most comfortable in. Growing up I was raised on home cooked meals and eating together as a family. Now that I am a mom I try my best to do the same for my family."

We all know that the trickiest part of the family dinner is often not the schedules but the dinner itself; with inspiration from Tina, it's easier to pull together a great family meal. Her recipes are simple and homey, but they are all delicious. My favorite is the pumpkin patch pancakes with apple cider syrup. But let's face it, this time of year, what you really want are some good cookies -- maybe Nana's Christmas butter cookies. Kids love cut out cookies; let them help roll the dough and make the shapes. And don't forget to talk while you're working!

Cooking with your kids, as Tina knows, is an important part of the family dinner. Holiday cooking offers a chance to invite your children into the kitchen with you for something fun and exciting. Make cookies for their teachers and friends and neighbors, but don't leave big plates of dessert hanging around your house; instead, use your baking time to make gifts. This teaches your kids the value of giving and the importance of moderation.

But remember to keep some of Tina's cookies for yourself! Incredible!

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