Cooking with my Daughter

All of my children love to help in the kitchen but with my daughter Loralei, it's almost religious. As soon as I start cooking dinner or popping popcorn or any kitchen activity, this two year old ball of energy is pulling up a chair and lending a helping hand. Well, except with popcorn. She generally just covers her ears and watches it pop up out of the popper.

I really enjoy having Loralei in the kitchen with me. She listens very well so it makes for some nice mommy and daughter time together. I show her everything I'm doing and let her help stir and measure. I like to think she's learning something too but even if she's just learning that she's important to her mommy then it's worth it.

Last week we ventured into the territory of tofu. My family is new to the world of tofu and I've been expirementing with ways to make it. We made a batter together (I had to stop her from going overboard on adding the sherry!) and then we fryed it, drenched it in orange sauce and put it on top of asian style noodles. She was so proud to put it on the table, even if she wouldn't try it.

We made lemon ginger muffins last week too and she stirred and measured and helped press the buttons on the blender when we ground up the ginger. She was brave enough to try this concoction and she seemed happy with the results.

I love all my children and my boys are so special but there is defiantely something unique about having a daughter. Her constant presence in the kitchen is just one of those ways.