Cooking!

Lately the twinkies have really been into helping momma cook, anytime I'm in the kitchen they have to be in the kitchen... it is quite cute at times and other times it can be a bit... well... what's the word... bothersome? However on Sunday we made a beef and veggie stew and it was so much fun to have them both help me get it started in the morning, they watched me cut up all the veggies and meat (Yes I actually handled raw beef all by myself... I think I'm finally growing up!) and I added a cheat spice pack because I didn't have any beef bullion cubes or beef broth.... but added fresh garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, basil, and a bit of salt... anyways... Randi sure is interested in cooking and is always eager to help... below is her pouring in the mix... she did so good, but was so funny because she would only hold onto that small corner of the package... it made me laugh :)

Then she helped get it all stirred in... needless to say I was quite impressed with how well she did in not making a mess and stirring the spoon around in circles... definitely one focused little girl!

Then it was Ryan's turn... well... let's just say if you look close enough on the right hand side you can see some splattered tomato... luckily you can't see me because I had tomato, onion and broth all over me... he was a wile man, but after I helped him with a few stirs, he got the hang of it and helped me a few more times throughout the day before dinner...

Then it was diner time... For my first attempt at beef stew I am proud to say it was fabulous, the meet melted in your mouth and the veggies were cooked darn near close to perfection... the kids actually ate the veggies and Randi loved the meat (Ryan wouldn't try the meat)

I sure hope both kids keep an interest in helping me in the kitchen, because it would be great for them to love cooking yummy food and eating it as much as I do! I want Randi to learn the basics so that she can be inventive and cook for her husband and family some day and I want Ryan to be a healthy bachelor in college and steal some woman's heart by his cooking the way did Carl mine with his Stir Fry...

I have a feeling though when dishes come into the mix they may not be so keen to follow mommy into the kitchen! hehe