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Thursday 23 February 2017

Our Little Chef!

Our oldest daughter (13) absolutely loves to cook! 
So much so that she's collecting cooking books, creating her own recipes, and forever asking to be in the kitchen!

As her parents, we obviously are wanting to support her in her interest (that doesn't show any signs of changing!) and give her opportunity for growth and the chance to learn from her sometimes not so edible creations! 

We're so thankful that homeschooling allows these extra opportunities.

But ...

We seemed to be always clashing with when we were both wanting to be in the kitchen!

So my husband and I came up with this plan ...


... We would give our eager little Chef one night per week that is hers for her cooking night. (She can cook as many or as few dishes as she likes; entree, main, dessert, drink, etc.)
Thursday night works best for us all, so Thursday night it is! 
When we shared this with our daughter, she was thrilled to pieces!


There are, of course, some 'non-negotiable' rules that she has to follow ...

#1.  Plan your menu BEFORE mum goes shopping (usually Monday or Tuesday)
#2.  Write out your own list of ingredients needed when shopping 
(I use grocery money that I would normally use for that meal)
#3.  Please keep it budget friendly and healthy
(I can still 'rule-out' any meals too expensive, unhealthy, or difficult etc.)


#4.  Start with a clean kitchen, end with a clean kitchen 
#5.  Read and re-read all methods carefully BEFORE cooking
#6.  Try (as best as possible) to have the meal on the table before 6pm
#7.  Keep going, and never give up
#8.  Have fun!


We've found that this is such an easy way to support her love of cooking! 
It really works well (and I really enjoy the night off too!) 

As an extra addition to her cooking 'education', she keeps her own recipe journal as well (her own idea!) It contains recipes that she's tried and are now favourites, and recipes that she's developed herself over time. I can just see her cooking for her own family from this lovely book full of delicious meals, cakes, biscuits, desserts and everything in between! 

When time permits, I allow her to bake at other times as well, so she's not restricted to only Thursday nights.

And, as you can see ... my younger children have no problem with dressing up for the occasion and being our happy little waiters! They are sooooo cute! 
(Look at that tie and those braces, and those gloves and pearls! They melt my heart!)


The last meal that our daughter cooked, she asked if she could create her own menu too (we said yes), so that was designed and printed from Word, and placed on the table at each setting. We've also said that she can have fun with the decorating of the table, and again, the younger kids enjoy helping with this as well! 

Tonight her meal (as in pictures above) was an Asian Mince, with mashed potato (we 'judge' her meals, like she's asked us to, and all said that veggies would have been nice in it too, but it was sooo yummy!) and then mini apple pies (that she made from scratch!) with custard for dessert, delicious!

This is fast becoming a fun family night together and we're so very proud of our little Chef!

I think this quote says things quite perfectly ...


Have a truly blessed week!


10 comments:

  1. I just loved reading this. Your kiddos look precious and your guys' plan is wonderful! What wonderful memories this builds as well :-)

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post and I look forward to enjoy the memories in years to come! Have a wonderful week!

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  2. Found you on the Friendship Friday linkup, and I love this post! My son wants to be a baker, and this is a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing, and your kids are absolutely adorable!

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    1. Hi Stacy! I hope this will help your son with his baking! It's really rewarding to be able to provide a way to help them grow! And thanks, I think my kids are pretty adorable too! Have a great week! :-)

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  3. I love it! What a lovely way to learn
    Blessings, Dawn

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    1. Thanks Dawn, we are enjoying our Thursday nights together a lot! Blessings to you too :-)

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  4. This is awesome! I love that you are encouraging her love for cooking. The rules are perfect. I think it's important for kids to learn that cooking is not all just fun, but clean up is included. Thanks for sharing with SYC. Love the cute helpers!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. At first my daughter wasn't that efficient with cleaning up afterwards, but she's even learnt to improve in that which is a great life skill to have! Now, the kitchen is left pretty much spotless! (I hope the cute helpers show up again next Thursday!) Lovely to meet you Jann, have a blessed week! :-)

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  5. Wow! How awesome is that! I never had a girl. It is a blessing for sure! Great job encouraging her. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Thank you and yes, both of our girls are such blessings! But boys are equal blessings as well! Have a lovely week :-)

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