MAKING A SNOW DAY FUN WITH FOOD:

MAKING A SNOW DAY FUN WITH FOOD:

There is nothing fancy here, just a good ol' can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.  What "is" fancy here though is sharing the experience of cooking with your children and teaching them the art of presentation.  

Rather than a side of soup, find a plate large enough that will fit your soup bowl in the middle and fill it up with some steamy chicken noodle soup.  Rather than placing a whole sandwich on your plate, turn it into fun finger food by slicing it into four quarters.

How?  First slice it diagonally from corner to corner and then do the same in the opposite direction.  How can I allow my child to use a knife?  They don't have to!  With a little imagination and thinking outside the box, there is always another way.  Allow them to use a pizza cutter (even more fun!) or one of those plastic pizza slicers that looks like a half circle and can rock from side to side.  The final part of presentation is found in the garnishing.  I always keep fresh parsley and cilantro on hand for that reason.  Teach the children how color and dimension can really entice a diner to crave it even more!  What's the big deal?  There is something to be said for creative cooking.  It can make a plain looking sandwich appear far more appetizing, so when you want to serve something you know your child may reject because it does not seem appealing?  Consider how a simple slice or garnish can really stimulate the senses.  What about fresh fruits and veggies?  Add their favorites along the sides of the garnishing where the parsley is, such as fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries or just some grilled grape tomatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and some salt and pepper. Good Luck and keep warm!!

Jamie Gottschall

IndomitableStyle