I have “The Sound of Music” in my head as I write this today…

“These are a few of my favorite things…”

I talk a lot about the importance of involving your kiddos in the kitchen if you really want them to be more open to tasting the wonderful feast in front of them.  Giving your kids a part in the play, and a say, gives that “I’m a part of this” feeling; which is such a motivator to actually trying the creation.  And who wants to do it all on their own anyways?  Wouldn’t it be nice to eventually have your teens claiming a Monday night to make dinner for the family?  And it’s actually delicious?  So let’s start the exposure and training while they are young so they can be proud chefs when they are grown.  I remember having a college roommate that had no clue how to boil noodles.  Even with the directions right in front of her.  I was not only confused but I also felt bad for her as she had zero confidence in her first apartment with making a meal.  Therefore, most nights she simply picked up fast food.  No one taught her, it was always done for her, and she didn’t even know where to learn how to cook.  I’m not expecting Brooklyn to be cooking a 5 course dinner for her college roomies but my daughter will be going to college knowing how to prepare the best foods for her body.  Mixed in with some gyros or nachos after the bars of course ;-).

Many ask what tools I have in the kitchen that are safe and easy for Brooklyn to use.  Below are all in our kitchen and we love them all.  We hope you do too!  Cue some “Sound of Music” and away we go!

“These are a few of my favorite things…”  (copy and paste links into your browser):

OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Peeler Set:

https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-3-Piece-Peeler/dp/B005PP99L6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526921450&sr=8-1&keywords=oxo+peelers+set+of+3

Wavy Crinkle Cutting Tool:

https://www.amazon.com/Crinkle-Vegetable-Stainless-Serrator-Chopping/dp/B01GJGL99E/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1526921491&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=wavy+crinkle+cutting+tool&psc=1

ZYLISS Easy Pull Food Chopper:

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=zyliss+easy+pull+food+chopper&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=228982220797&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13167526252655973331&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021516&hvtargid=kwd-353831210343&ref=pd_sl_sh4bzhn2l_e_p37

Silicon placemat that the entire family can use:

https://www.amazon.com/Placemat-Silicone-Waterproof-Portable-Toddler/dp/B0757K8NRQ/ref=sr_1_15_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1518405203&sr=1-15&keywords=eating%2Bmat%2Bfor%2Btoddlers&th=1

StarPack Kid Nylon Kitchen Knife Set:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0162AI724/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Stainless Steel Silverware Set:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H8QR3TE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Salad Spinner:

https://www.amazon.com/Spinner-iLove-Cooking-Vegetable-Scissors/dp/B078X1HQ2C/ref=sr_1_13?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1518406647&sr=1-13&keywords=salad+spinner

Architec Kid’s Cut & Serve Cutting Board Plates:

https://www.amazon.com/Architec-Cutting-BPA-free-Dishwasher-Plastic/dp/B00SITPK8C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518721769&sr=8-3&keywords=cutting+board+for+kids&dpID=4137ATfYeUL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

D-FLIFE|Extra Thick 1MM Non-Slip Textured Essential Chopping Board Kit:

https://www.amazon.com/D-FLIFE-Non-Slip-Textured-Essential-Educational/dp/B074TCRSFS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518722048&sr=8-4&keywords=cutting+board+for+kids&dpID=51DHKvKHOZL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Lazy Susan: Hog Wild Chic on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/534636886/painted-lazy-susan-wood-kitchen-decor

Simply Yours,

Michelle Mansfield Blog

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