Basic Food Prep Skills

Yesterday we had to have a fire during our history lesson because the weather dropped down into the 60s!!!

Lately I've been trying to make more of an effort of teaching my children basic food preparation skills.  The girls are very motivated and excited to learn, Luke not so much.  I need to get that boy a little bit independent so that we can kick him out of the house when he turns eighteen.  (When I told Luke to curl his fingers of the hand holding the lemon he said, "Don't worry, I play the piano."  I guess meaning, Don't worry I know the drill of having to curl my fingers.)

Here is Sylvia squeezing some lemons on the turkey.

Quite a few years ago a friend gave me this turkey brine recipe and I've used it ever since.

1 cup kosher salt 1 cup brown sugar 2 oranges, quartered 2 lemons, quartered 6 sprigs of thyme 4 sprigs of rosemary

Put turkey in 2 kitchen garbage bags in 5 gallon bucket.  Add ingredients and enough water to cover the turkey.  Let soak for 4 to 24 hours in refrigerator.  Rinse well after taking out.

Burnt Chex Mix

Yesterday we went to the library and also ran an errand that we had to do (okay, okay, so I wanted to use the sauna and free child care at the gym one more time before my week pass ran out.)  In the afternoon I read four library picture books to the kids and Isabel read two of her books to me. In the evening I had Joey take charge.  He had them do their math and writing.  Even though all Joey really did was tell them to do their work, I am sure the kid appreciated it coming from their dad and not from their mom, AGAIN.

Luke and Isabel then helped me make Chex Mix!  I had never made it before and it was kind of fun even though I burned it.  I am trying to be better at having Luke and Isabel (and Sylvia I guess) help me with cooking.  Joey is really good at letting them help.  He lets them crack the eggs and everything.