Little Chefs safety in the kitchen!
Kids can learn a lot by spending time with you in the kitchen, plus they can be a great help in making school lunches and family dinners. Introduce or remind your kids about these basic kitchen safety tips so you can enlist their help when those busy back to school schedules begin!
Always wash hands before and after cooking especially when handling any raw meats.
Wash and dry all fruits and vegetables very thoroughly. (Younger kids can help hand peel fruits or use a vegetable peeler, while ages 6 and over cut fresh herbs with safety scissors.)
Check the expiry dates on packages and immediately refrigerate any uneaten food after meals.
Keep reusable plastic containers clean and safe from bacteria by washing well with warm soapy water after every use.
Stay away from hot ovens, burners, or any hot dishes that have just been removed from the oven.
When unsupervised, never handle a knife or any other sharp utensil, and never touch or move any pot or pans cooking on the range.
Wear short sleeves, long sleeves pose a greater risk of catching fire or falling into hot grease or boiling water.
Wear an apron to prevent stains on clothing and especially for protection against splattered oil or hot water.
Clean up any spills on the floor or clutter as you cook to ensure no one trips or falls around appliances and hot stoves.
Book a Little Chefs party or event and have your child enjoy cooking up some fun!
Call 519-940-1131 or e-mail littlechefs@sympatico.ca
Yours in good health,
Lori
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Healthy Snacks & Beverages for Kids
With the Holidays around the corner , we all are very busy!! Eating healthy can get abit more difficult with all the on-the-go!! Here are some great tips on healthly snacks and beverages for kids and kids at heart!
"Mom, I’m hungry!" Sound familiar? It’s important to grab the right delicious and nutritious snack for your child, since snacks make up a significant part of kids’ diet. A recent large study from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health) found that about one-third of a child’s total daily calories come from pizza, desserts and snacks. So, better make those snacks as tasty and healthy as possible! Here are our top picks.
Trail mix. Help kids make their own custom trail mix, advises Mary Friesz, a registered dietitian in Boca Raton, Fla., and author of Food, Fun ‘n Fitness: Designing Healthy Lifestyles for Our Children. Set out raisins, sunflower seeds, nuts (unless you’ll be in a nut-free zone), roasted soy nuts and dried fruit and let the kids scoop ¼ to 1/3 of a cup of their own combo into small bags. Pop in the freezer or fridge to keep fresh, and grab when you’re on the go.
Fruit, veggies and dip. “Most kids love to dip their food, so take advantage of it!” says Mairlyn Smith, a Toronto, Ont., home economist and co-author of The Ultimate Healthy Eating Plan (Whitecap). Mix a bit of cinnamon into French vanilla yogurt and dip fruit into it, or try Velvety vanilla yogurt dip with fruit. Another dip idea: mix low-fat plain yogurt with a bit of regular ranch dressing for lots of flavor without a lot of fat.
Smoothies. Whirl low-fat yogurt, fruit and ice in the blender to create one-of-a-kind – and yummy! – smoothies. Or stir a teaspoon or two of chocolate drink mix into a tall frosty glass of one per cent milk.
Roll-ups.“Turkey or chicken ‘cigars’ were a big hit with my son when he was growing up,” says Smith. Just roll up a thin slice of roasted luncheon meat, such as turkey or chicken, and enjoy. Add a smear of mustard if you want. Or, spread a small whole-wheat tortilla with peanut butter or light cream cheese, roll and slice. Tortilla “sushi” wraps are fun too.
Store-bought picks. Even if you’re pushed for time, you can still make healthy choices. Smith suggests small yogurt cups or lower-fat round cheeses like Baby Bel. Friesz likes the occasional package of “cheese strings,” baked chips and salsa or bean dip, or a small cup of lentil soup. And nothing is easier or more portable than a few whole-grain crackers, pre-washed baby carrots or a piece of fruit!Smart Snacking Tips
Kids begging for the prepackaged cheese, crackers and lunch meat? Make your own healthier version. Pick up a few reusable containers with dividers, and add fruit, veggies, cheese, whole grain crackers and other good stuff. Add a frozen container of milk, water or 100 per cent fruit juice to keep things cool until snack time.
“Make healthy snacks visible,” advises Friesz. Cut up fruit and veggies ahead of time and put them front and center in the fridge. And make a habit of saying “look in the fridge” first (rather than the cupboard where the sweet stuff likely lives).
“Jazzy names work well,” notes Smith, who found that lunch meat “cigars” were popular in her household. “Ants on a log” – celery spread low-fat cream cheese and topped with raisins – are good too, says Friesz.
From Kaboose.com
Yours in good health,
Lori
Little Chefs
Have a Party that Cooks!
519-940-1131
"Mom, I’m hungry!" Sound familiar? It’s important to grab the right delicious and nutritious snack for your child, since snacks make up a significant part of kids’ diet. A recent large study from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health) found that about one-third of a child’s total daily calories come from pizza, desserts and snacks. So, better make those snacks as tasty and healthy as possible! Here are our top picks.
Trail mix. Help kids make their own custom trail mix, advises Mary Friesz, a registered dietitian in Boca Raton, Fla., and author of Food, Fun ‘n Fitness: Designing Healthy Lifestyles for Our Children. Set out raisins, sunflower seeds, nuts (unless you’ll be in a nut-free zone), roasted soy nuts and dried fruit and let the kids scoop ¼ to 1/3 of a cup of their own combo into small bags. Pop in the freezer or fridge to keep fresh, and grab when you’re on the go.
Fruit, veggies and dip. “Most kids love to dip their food, so take advantage of it!” says Mairlyn Smith, a Toronto, Ont., home economist and co-author of The Ultimate Healthy Eating Plan (Whitecap). Mix a bit of cinnamon into French vanilla yogurt and dip fruit into it, or try Velvety vanilla yogurt dip with fruit. Another dip idea: mix low-fat plain yogurt with a bit of regular ranch dressing for lots of flavor without a lot of fat.
Smoothies. Whirl low-fat yogurt, fruit and ice in the blender to create one-of-a-kind – and yummy! – smoothies. Or stir a teaspoon or two of chocolate drink mix into a tall frosty glass of one per cent milk.
Roll-ups.“Turkey or chicken ‘cigars’ were a big hit with my son when he was growing up,” says Smith. Just roll up a thin slice of roasted luncheon meat, such as turkey or chicken, and enjoy. Add a smear of mustard if you want. Or, spread a small whole-wheat tortilla with peanut butter or light cream cheese, roll and slice. Tortilla “sushi” wraps are fun too.
Store-bought picks. Even if you’re pushed for time, you can still make healthy choices. Smith suggests small yogurt cups or lower-fat round cheeses like Baby Bel. Friesz likes the occasional package of “cheese strings,” baked chips and salsa or bean dip, or a small cup of lentil soup. And nothing is easier or more portable than a few whole-grain crackers, pre-washed baby carrots or a piece of fruit!Smart Snacking Tips
Kids begging for the prepackaged cheese, crackers and lunch meat? Make your own healthier version. Pick up a few reusable containers with dividers, and add fruit, veggies, cheese, whole grain crackers and other good stuff. Add a frozen container of milk, water or 100 per cent fruit juice to keep things cool until snack time.
“Make healthy snacks visible,” advises Friesz. Cut up fruit and veggies ahead of time and put them front and center in the fridge. And make a habit of saying “look in the fridge” first (rather than the cupboard where the sweet stuff likely lives).
“Jazzy names work well,” notes Smith, who found that lunch meat “cigars” were popular in her household. “Ants on a log” – celery spread low-fat cream cheese and topped with raisins – are good too, says Friesz.
From Kaboose.com
Yours in good health,
Lori
Little Chefs
Have a Party that Cooks!
519-940-1131
Monday, November 3, 2008
Holiday Baking Events at Little Chefs
Here is a copy of some upcoming baking events!!!
Sugar and Spice Holiday Baking With Little Chefs!!
Gather your kids for a fun-filled hour of baking some cookies for the holidays! The budding bakers can explore hands-on making and decorating of holiday cookies!
Little Chefs will provide all the ingredients.
Drop off your child for some sweet fun!
Sunday Nov 23nd 10:30am 3-6 year olds
12:30pm 7-12 year olds
Saturday Dec 6th 10:30am 3-6 year olds
12:30pm 7-12 year olds
PLUS** Parents we will have Little Chefs " Dough to go" available to take or order!
Cut dough frozen, place on cookie sheet, thaw 15 minutes and cook!!
Available in Mini 8-12 cookies depending on the cookie size and Maxi 18-24 cookies
Location: Peekaboo Child Care Centre
69 Third Street, Orangeville.
Cost $ 10.00 per child * Bring a food bank item and receive 15% off!!
Contact Little Chefs to reserve your spot! Yummy!
519.940.1131 or littlechefs@sympatico.ca
Cook Up Some Fun Today!
Yours in good health,
Lori
Sugar and Spice Holiday Baking With Little Chefs!!
Gather your kids for a fun-filled hour of baking some cookies for the holidays! The budding bakers can explore hands-on making and decorating of holiday cookies!
Little Chefs will provide all the ingredients.
Drop off your child for some sweet fun!
Sunday Nov 23nd 10:30am 3-6 year olds
12:30pm 7-12 year olds
Saturday Dec 6th 10:30am 3-6 year olds
12:30pm 7-12 year olds
PLUS** Parents we will have Little Chefs " Dough to go" available to take or order!
Cut dough frozen, place on cookie sheet, thaw 15 minutes and cook!!
Available in Mini 8-12 cookies depending on the cookie size and Maxi 18-24 cookies
Location: Peekaboo Child Care Centre
69 Third Street, Orangeville.
Cost $ 10.00 per child * Bring a food bank item and receive 15% off!!
Contact Little Chefs to reserve your spot! Yummy!
519.940.1131 or littlechefs@sympatico.ca
Cook Up Some Fun Today!
Yours in good health,
Lori
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Kids Halloween Trick or Treating
Tips for staying safe for kids at risk (allergies)
Halloween is fast approaching. As the kids get ready to have some fun, remember some key rules to keep them safe.
For parents and kids at-risk:
Be organized
Always have children accompanied by an adult when out
Remember to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or Twinject)
Wear MedicAlert identification
Dont go out hungry
Ensure the kids have a hearty dinner before venturing out so they will be less tempted to snack enroute
Emphasize the 'no eating' rule when kids are out
Check all treats
Ask the kids to wash their hands as soon as they come home
Have the kids sort through the candy with an adult at the end of the evening
Read the label carefully on each treat - no label, no candy
Consider donating the extra treats to your local food bank
For the community:
Don't be shy - ask when kids come to the door: "Does anyone have a food allergy?"
Be prepared - have food packages and their labels nearby, so you can check ingredients if asked
Think outside the candy box - if in doubt, have non-candy treats available too such as stickers or trading cards
We wish you all a happy and safe Halloween!
Anaphylaxis Canada
Yours in good health,
Lori
Halloween is fast approaching. As the kids get ready to have some fun, remember some key rules to keep them safe.
For parents and kids at-risk:
Be organized
Always have children accompanied by an adult when out
Remember to always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or Twinject)
Wear MedicAlert identification
Dont go out hungry
Ensure the kids have a hearty dinner before venturing out so they will be less tempted to snack enroute
Emphasize the 'no eating' rule when kids are out
Check all treats
Ask the kids to wash their hands as soon as they come home
Have the kids sort through the candy with an adult at the end of the evening
Read the label carefully on each treat - no label, no candy
Consider donating the extra treats to your local food bank
For the community:
Don't be shy - ask when kids come to the door: "Does anyone have a food allergy?"
Be prepared - have food packages and their labels nearby, so you can check ingredients if asked
Think outside the candy box - if in doubt, have non-candy treats available too such as stickers or trading cards
We wish you all a happy and safe Halloween!
Anaphylaxis Canada
Yours in good health,
Lori
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Beauty is only skin deep!
Good evening,
This post is a little off the usual path about Little Chefs or cooking with my kids. I am so excited about something that happened to me today.
I must first confess I am a bit of a computer junkie / addict. I am been known to surf around the web for long amounts of time in the evening. ( Just ask my husband who finds me in front of it and say's " Are you still on the computer?" )
I have a number of newsletters that are in my inbox on a daily or weekly basis . I love information . Information about health, cooking , kids, parenting, crafts. These are my favorites!
Today Erica Ehm called me personally! She is the founder of the Yummy Mummy Club! Which I have been a member for some time now. http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/ Check it out , they have amazing articles, blogs, and contests! I have followed her career since the 80's with Much Music and all.
It was so nice of her to call me personally after I had e-mailed her a question about beauty products that she had reccommended.
We chatted for a while and she seems like a great person! I hope to get a chance to meet her soon.
Yours in good health,
Lori
This post is a little off the usual path about Little Chefs or cooking with my kids. I am so excited about something that happened to me today.
I must first confess I am a bit of a computer junkie / addict. I am been known to surf around the web for long amounts of time in the evening. ( Just ask my husband who finds me in front of it and say's " Are you still on the computer?" )
I have a number of newsletters that are in my inbox on a daily or weekly basis . I love information . Information about health, cooking , kids, parenting, crafts. These are my favorites!
Today Erica Ehm called me personally! She is the founder of the Yummy Mummy Club! Which I have been a member for some time now. http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/ Check it out , they have amazing articles, blogs, and contests! I have followed her career since the 80's with Much Music and all.
It was so nice of her to call me personally after I had e-mailed her a question about beauty products that she had reccommended.
We chatted for a while and she seems like a great person! I hope to get a chance to meet her soon.
Yours in good health,
Lori
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My Little Chef Angelina!!!Here is the Yummy recipe for the Pumpkin Cookies I spoke about last week.
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients
· 1 cup (250 mL) butter
· 1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
· 1/2 cup (125 mL) brown sugar
· 1 egg
· 1 cup (250 mL) pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
· 1 cup (250 mL) all purpose flour
· 1 cup (250 ml) whole wheat flour
· 2 tbsp ground flax meal
· 1 tsp. (5 mL) cinnamon
· 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) ground ginger
· 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) baking powder
· 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) baking soda
Cooking Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy, scraping down the sides once or twice. Add the egg and beat until well mixed, then add the pumpkin puree and continue beating for about a minute.
2. In another bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, ground flax, baking powder and baking soda. Add this mixture to the butter mixture in two or three portions, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate dough for about 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet or two with parchment paper.
4. By hand, roll the dough into 1 to 1-1/2 inch balls. Place on the cookie sheet about 1-inch apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until bottom is lightly browned and cookie is springy but firm. Remove from cookie sheets and let cool completely.
Servings: Makes 3-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients
· 1 cup (250 mL) butter
· 1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
· 1/2 cup (125 mL) brown sugar
· 1 egg
· 1 cup (250 mL) pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
· 1 cup (250 mL) all purpose flour
· 1 cup (250 ml) whole wheat flour
· 2 tbsp ground flax meal
· 1 tsp. (5 mL) cinnamon
· 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) ground ginger
· 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) baking powder
· 1/4 tsp. (1 mL) baking soda
Cooking Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy, scraping down the sides once or twice. Add the egg and beat until well mixed, then add the pumpkin puree and continue beating for about a minute.
2. In another bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, ground flax, baking powder and baking soda. Add this mixture to the butter mixture in two or three portions, beating well after each addition. Refrigerate dough for about 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet or two with parchment paper.
4. By hand, roll the dough into 1 to 1-1/2 inch balls. Place on the cookie sheet about 1-inch apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until bottom is lightly browned and cookie is springy but firm. Remove from cookie sheets and let cool completely.
Servings: Makes 3-1/2 dozen.
Enjoy!!!
Yours in good health,
Lori
Kids going out for Halloween in snow!
Good morning,
"Welcome to my new blog "Little Chefs Cooking Up Some Fun!" I am starting to blog about my adventures of owning my own New small business. My other Full Time job is Mom to two beautiful girls!
I guess I am what is called a Mompreneur!
I hope to get a website going but I will use my blogging to post information as well as local events.
I am up for the challenge as I think Little Chefs needs web presence. I would like to let people know about the parties, lessons and upcoming events. I am planning a Holiday Gingerbread House making class for kids for December! More details on locations and dates to follow.
Yesterday was an odd day as it was cold and ended up snowing on and off throughout the day. My girls went to school with Fall jackets + hats + gloves but could have had their winter coats!
Can anyone remember having snow or extreme cold weather for trick or treating?
Sent me a comment on this.
Yours in good health,
Lori
Little Chefs
519-940-1131
"Welcome to my new blog "Little Chefs Cooking Up Some Fun!" I am starting to blog about my adventures of owning my own New small business. My other Full Time job is Mom to two beautiful girls!
I guess I am what is called a Mompreneur!
I hope to get a website going but I will use my blogging to post information as well as local events.
I am up for the challenge as I think Little Chefs needs web presence. I would like to let people know about the parties, lessons and upcoming events. I am planning a Holiday Gingerbread House making class for kids for December! More details on locations and dates to follow.
Yesterday was an odd day as it was cold and ended up snowing on and off throughout the day. My girls went to school with Fall jackets + hats + gloves but could have had their winter coats!
Can anyone remember having snow or extreme cold weather for trick or treating?
Sent me a comment on this.
Yours in good health,
Lori
Little Chefs
519-940-1131
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Kingsize!!!
I never thought a kingsize bed would not be big enough. Well I discovered the hard way that it is not big enough for even 1 adult and 2 small girls. Last night I invited my girls into mommy and daddy's bed for a little sleep together since we were not sleeping up at the cabin. I have slept with my girls before seperately since birth, when they wanted to be on my chest as well as all the night time breastfeedings. It was the only way I could function especially when the second child came along. That is when we decided that a bigger bed was needed. King is the biggest so off we went to find the King mattress for our platform bed that we already had.
Last night was one of worst sleeps in a very long time! Both girls are movers..not just turning back and forth but full out gymnastics using all parts of the mattress! Refereeing was also needed throughout the night as the gymnastics sometimes involved colliding!
I love my daughters to the end of the earth but they are sleeping in their own beds tonight!
Off to get another coffee.....
Yours in good health,
Lori
Last night was one of worst sleeps in a very long time! Both girls are movers..not just turning back and forth but full out gymnastics using all parts of the mattress! Refereeing was also needed throughout the night as the gymnastics sometimes involved colliding!
I love my daughters to the end of the earth but they are sleeping in their own beds tonight!
Off to get another coffee.....
Yours in good health,
Lori
Friday, October 17, 2008
Healthy Food and Kids!
The main reason other than having my own business for Little Chefs is helping educate children on eating healthier. If I can help educate them that eating and cooking healthy can be fun and easy then I will be quite pleased.
" Healthier Kids One Bite At A Time " One of my tag lines............. Anyhow I do not consider myself a sneaky chef with food for my two girls but as they get older they have become more picky with eating. So the other day I was trying out a new recipe with pumpkin in it. Pumpkin, real pumpkin like from the Jack-O-Lanterns that you may have craved up ( or a can from the store ) It can not be pumpkin pie filling but only pumpkin puree.
My Little Chefs ( Alyssa & Angelina ) have joyfully agreed to help make this cookie recipe to see if we can then decorate them with icing /sprinkles after. As we progress along with adding all the wet ingredients together and then on to the dry ingredients one of my girls noticed the pumpkin colour and says " Did you put pumpkin in the cookies Mommy?" I think for a second or two and answer " Yes, pumpkin is actually good for you!" Not what I should have said because most children do not want to eat things that look odd, smell odd, or have not had before! So I then hear " Yuk , I am not going to eat these cookies Mommy" I chose to ignore that comment because I have become quite good at ignoring my kids at times. Something you need to do at times when you are with your children 24/7 ! ( except for when they are at school )
Well the cookies did not try out as we planned. They were to flatten out during cooking so once cooled they could be decorated. So I heard a few boo hoos about not being able to decorate these cookies but once offered one to eat they did take one.
Surprise they loved them! No icing, no chocolate, no sprinkles just this soft, chewy, moist and yummy cookie. They even wanted more!!
So do not fool you kids when it comes to food. Be honest, make it fun and most of all try to make it healthy!
They might even surprise you!! I will add the recipe later and may include some pictures too!
Yours in good health,
Lori
" Healthier Kids One Bite At A Time " One of my tag lines............. Anyhow I do not consider myself a sneaky chef with food for my two girls but as they get older they have become more picky with eating. So the other day I was trying out a new recipe with pumpkin in it. Pumpkin, real pumpkin like from the Jack-O-Lanterns that you may have craved up ( or a can from the store ) It can not be pumpkin pie filling but only pumpkin puree.
My Little Chefs ( Alyssa & Angelina ) have joyfully agreed to help make this cookie recipe to see if we can then decorate them with icing /sprinkles after. As we progress along with adding all the wet ingredients together and then on to the dry ingredients one of my girls noticed the pumpkin colour and says " Did you put pumpkin in the cookies Mommy?" I think for a second or two and answer " Yes, pumpkin is actually good for you!" Not what I should have said because most children do not want to eat things that look odd, smell odd, or have not had before! So I then hear " Yuk , I am not going to eat these cookies Mommy" I chose to ignore that comment because I have become quite good at ignoring my kids at times. Something you need to do at times when you are with your children 24/7 ! ( except for when they are at school )
Well the cookies did not try out as we planned. They were to flatten out during cooking so once cooled they could be decorated. So I heard a few boo hoos about not being able to decorate these cookies but once offered one to eat they did take one.
Surprise they loved them! No icing, no chocolate, no sprinkles just this soft, chewy, moist and yummy cookie. They even wanted more!!
So do not fool you kids when it comes to food. Be honest, make it fun and most of all try to make it healthy!
They might even surprise you!! I will add the recipe later and may include some pictures too!
Yours in good health,
Lori
Thursday, October 16, 2008
To Blog or not to Blog?
Well what is the answer?? Everyone now a days has a blog. Right? If you just want a place to write, drive traffic to your website, get things off your chest and have people read them! Well I did it , I created my very first blog! I hope you can get something out of it and enjoy my posts.
I recently started my very own business and am very excited, scared, terrified ,excited, oh I said that already..anyhow I want to use this as a source of information about my "Little Chefs" business and how it grows from its infancy.
Please excuse any grammer or spelling errors but I will try to keep it short and sweet! No pun intended as I will sometimes include some great new recipes that I have developed or tryed and it could be a sweet one!
Thanks in advance for taking time to read about the happenings of Little Chefs cooking up some fun!
Yours in good health,
Lori
I recently started my very own business and am very excited, scared, terrified ,excited, oh I said that already..anyhow I want to use this as a source of information about my "Little Chefs" business and how it grows from its infancy.
Please excuse any grammer or spelling errors but I will try to keep it short and sweet! No pun intended as I will sometimes include some great new recipes that I have developed or tryed and it could be a sweet one!
Thanks in advance for taking time to read about the happenings of Little Chefs cooking up some fun!
Yours in good health,
Lori
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