Eat Well, Cook Often, Love Much

Spring Deer, Dawn Faith Photography, Copyright 2011-2012

The Vernal Equinox is upon us 3/20/2012, along with the warm weather, complete to compliment the season!  Celebrate with your family by spending quality time cooking and eating together out doors, as well as in.  Children of any age will enjoy both cooking and eating Dawn Faith’s, Equinox Muffins!

Dawn Faith's Equinox muffins, Copyright 2012 Photo and Recipe

(Recipe to follow).  Combine nutrition in food, with healthy communication in your relationships, to rejuvenate your lives this spring.  In spring we celebrate the awakening of life all around us – in nature, in weather, as well as in spirit.  New beginnings, rejuvenation, and rebirth are what we rejoice.  This is the season of opportunity. Read on for great ideas for healthy eating habits, and extra food.

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This year Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are directly following President’s Weekend, and for some families it falls in the midst of school vacation.  If you are away traveling, be sure to fully experience the foods of the local culture. Bring back a  local cookbook for your collection.  Wherever you are, it is a great opportunity to ask your kids what they have learned from school, friends, and media about both President’s Day and Mardi Gras.  Explore the topics with them, by completing a craft, taking a trip to a historical place or museum or even the Library.

Children of all ages enjoy hands on activity and involvement.  Learning by doing is what inspires creativity, and brain development. Combine that with your loving guidance and attention, and you also establish the core foundation for a life long love of self and learning – that is the best recipe you could ever obtain! Parents hold the privilege and power to contribute to their children’s emotional and neurological health, and development.  This can be accomplished in many ways – but it is always fun to embrace holidays as they come around.

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When I was a child, I remember clearly, having very distorted concepts about what the 4th of July is really all about. This was the case despite my father’s passionate admiration of the Founding Father’s Principles, and his commitment and dedication to the foundation of the United States and the Republic for which it stands. Therefore, the question remains – “How do we teach our children the history, points, and facts about a holiday such as the 4th of July and have them really get it?” How do we link what they see: BBQs, Fireworks, Marshmallows, Picnics, and fun; with Breaking away from the crown, and what it meant becoming an independent nation? Furthermore – how do we convey and link to our children what the roots of this country are, and their pressing importance and relevance for citizens today?

Read on for more on children, history and food in conjunction with the 4th of July.  Also enjoy Dawn Faith’s Corn on the Cob!

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Copyright 2011 Dawn Faith Photography & Recipe

Summer is here!  The warm weather brings with it the finest fruits and veggies that nature has to offer.  As the school season ends and summer vacation begins, make sure to make and enjoy this dish together with your family.  It makes for the perfect antipasto or side for any picnic by the sea, pool, or patio.  This dish is sure to boost body & brain health with its 4 main ingredients garlic, olive oil, beans, and zucchini. Olive oil is loaded with monosaturated fat (that is the good kind THAT LOWERS BAD CHOLESTEROL, and normalize blood sugar levels, and can even lead to a decrease in belly fat). (McCleaary, 2011).  Read on for more information on brain, body and relationship health.  Read through this article (and others on this site) for a plethora of information on: tasty recipes, healthy drink alternatives, and ideas for communication and cuisine!

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Today the world is buzzing with the news of Osama bin Laden’s death. At ground zero in NYC, in Washington DC, and all around America millions of people are flooded with mixed feelings of victory, sadness, joy, anger, peace, and resolution. Many families have been harmed personally by the 9/11 attacks. Many people have lost loved ones – family and friends. A few have survived the attacks but not without great suffrage. Families and friends suffered directly and indirectly as their friends and family were either taken from them, or were left to fight for recovery after sustaining incredible injury. The victims who have survived and fought for their lives despite unimaginable pain, and the families who have shown unparalleled strength and resiliency to regain some sense of balance and hope in their lives, represent what America stands for – an unprecedented zeal for life and liberty that no attack can penetrate!

Today let us honor: those who fight for us, those who fought for their lives, those who were murdered in the attacks, and all of the families that were left to grieve — let us celebrate how they taught America how to heal.
Process today with your family. Let the focus be upon love rather than hatred. Embrace all feelings your children have and be honest with your own. If you know someone who was harmed in any way in the attacks – enjoy their favorite meal (or a food that reminds you of them) for dinner!

Tonight we will have Tortellini because that is what our friend harmed in the attacks served to me while I was pregnant with my 1st – Lauren you are an inspiration to us all!

Always Eat Well, Cook Often & Love Much!

Many of you may remember Prince Charles and Diana’s wedding, or even when Grace Kelly left the silver screen and became the princess of Monaco.  I know that many people tuned in to watch our modern day Royal Wedding today.  Prince William married Catherine Middleton this morning in London.  The real life prince and princess – future king and queen of England – are so young today but will be quite grown-up in their responsibilities tomorrow.  The romantic ideas surrounding royalty and weddings are often idealized, however a small portion of that magic can be harnessed and expressed creatively in every home, by every child, and by every family.  This is because we have the freedom to pretend together in games we play with our children, and the freedom to choose what ideals we want to keep as cornerstones in our family values and daily life.  Take today to teach, play, and eat like royalty.

Create and decorate crowns with your kids – make one for each family member.  Have a Royal Tea Party.  Listen to British music, and cook British inspired food for supper!

The Royal Wedding poses many opportunities to bond with your children. Remember current events from High School? Make this an educational experience that is fun in your home by exploring British History, myth, culture, music, and food.   It is a great time to discuss love and marriage and politics as well.

Royal Tea:

Prepare a pot of your favorite type of tea – or a classic British tea.  Use your best china or teapot.  Water down tea for kids to dilute caffeine and cool it down – give it to young children in a nice cup that you feel is safe for them to handle.  Serve up some scones with jam and whipped cream or some tea sandwiches and shortbread cookies.  You can make tea sandwiches with whatever things your child likes – and use cookie cutters to make them fun and small.  Wear you crowns while you enjoy your tea!

If you have older children, make the tea more formal – use the opportunity to teach about etiquette and culture.

Royal Feasting:

Lunchon – Picnic with flowers, family & food of choice.  Nothing says England like a garden.  John Lennon sang – “Sitting in an English garden waiting for the sun.  If the sun don’t come, you get a tan from standing in the English rain,” I Am The Walrus.

Supper -Tonight I am preparing Cornish Game Hens rubbed with rosemary & thyme, butter s&p.  I will bake them in the oven at 350 until done.  Simple yet elegant.  Pair with veggie, starch, and British band of choice.

If you have teens or tweens – ask them what they know, think, and feel about the royal wedding and about British culture.

As a couple – maybe get out your wedding album, and any special items such as engraved wedding goblets or cake servers – and use them tonight if you are so inclined.

If you are in a position to travel – think about going to England with your family sometime in the future.  There is no better way to learn than hands on travel!

Always Eat Well, Cook Often & Love Much!

More info at: www.officialroyalwedding2011.org

As you gear toward the Celebration of Irish heritage and the color green, take the opportunity to learn a little more about St. Patrick and what his day is really all about.  There really is a lot to learn about Ireland as a country, the Irish people, their myths and fairy tails, Irish and Celtic music, and of course the FOOD!

The Roan Leprechaun Copyright 2011 Roan Archer

There is so much to Irish culture that can make the day full of imaginative fun for everyone no matter their age.  If you have kids of any age it is a good idea to begin with them – ask what the day means for them – what they have learned in school – see what conceptions they have. Build from there and create a magical day.

There are many age appropriate films and books about St. Patrick, and Irish Culture that one can borrow from the library or buy from the bookstore. The same is true for crafts that are fun for kids; you can order from online sources, buy in craft stores – or better yet – create your own holiday craft based upon your child’s interest.

Read on for a full day of Irish food and family togetherness.  Recipes & menu planning for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Sick of the same old Corned Beef and Cabbage, yet still want an Irish feast?   Be sure to try Dawn Faith’s recipe variation for St. Patrick’s Day Supper: Cream Cod, Boiled Red Potatoes & Artichokes with Thyme Butter!

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Mardi Gras – How do families celebrate this?  Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday originate from the Catholic Church.  The last hurray before 40 days of fasting.  This has transformed over the ages from a complete fast to simply giving something up for 40 days.  The party during Madi Gras however has continued.  Although some use it as an excuse to indulge in excess, it does not have to be this way for families.   Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday can be celebrated by families by cooking and eating cuisine of the cultures who partake in Carnivale or in Mardi Gras.  It can be an educational and fun experience.  Make some masks with your kids, do some internet research, listen to some Jazz and cook the below recipe tonight for Fat Tuesday!

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This recipe is great to cook as a family or as a couple. It is nutritious and the beans change the texture and flavor of the cooked spinach so even those who don’t normally like spinach will try it and most will like it!  Spinach is one of the best foods for ADHD as well, because the iron.

Ingredients

1 – 9oz. package of pre-washed spinach or baby spinach.
3 – cloves garlic minced
1 – can white kidney beans a.k.a. cannellini beans
Roughly ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
Optional pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and garlic powder – to taste. Many times people are hesitant to introduce spicy foods to youngsters – there is no medical reason for children to avoid spicy foods.  People like and dislike things based upon what they are exposed to, and based upon what they are biologically apt to like.  One of my sons has enjoyed spicy foods since he was 12 months old, and the other is more sensitive to spice.

If cooking as a couple – you can break-up the prep work, or do it all together. Adjust the lighting to be romantic yet operational.

Regardless of who you are cooking with, as always take advantage of this time to talk, and more importantly, listen to each other.

Cooking Directions

• Heat sauce pan over medium to medium-low heat.
• Coat a hot sauce pan with olive oil – reserve the bulk for later.
• Add chopped garlic and optional pepper flakes.
• When garlic “speaks” or makes a sound – Add spinach a couple handfuls at a time, and coat with olive oil.
• In an alternate small pot heat the can of beans with remaining olive oil adding the oil slowly.
• Once the spinach is wilted, but still bright green, and the beans are hot – mix together on low heat until blended then remove from heat.
• Drizzle with a small circle of olive oil just before serving. Top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese if so inspired.
Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Spinach & Cannellinii beans Copyright 2011 Dawn Faith Recipe & Photography

The preparation work and cooking of this dish can be adjusted based upon who your helper is and their age. I typically don’t measure my ingredients perfectly, but rather to taste. However, if you are working together with a young child it is empowering to have them pour the olive oil into a measuring cup (with your assistance if needed). If you are comfortable with their capabilities and safety near the stove, show them how to “eyeball” various amounts of olive oil as needed throughout the recipe.

By talking with your child in an inclusive and nurturing way, which supports their growing autonomy and independence, they feel a greater closeness to you and it builds mutual trust in your parent child relationship. When cooking together, do not be afraid to let your child try new things with your help and supervision. Of course safety always is first. So, if there is something that your child wants to do in the kitchen, like your 2 year old throwing a tantrum because they want to use the knife and cut the garlic, try your best to come up with alternatives that meet their needs and yours. Your 2 year old says they want to use the knife, but they really want to “do like you,” they seek independence and have a need to do things as he or she will ever so clearly articulate “all by myself.” Therefore – recognize the situation for what it is. Get down on their level, and help soothe their tears and frustrations by having a calm explanatory talk with them. They cannot use the real knife, but perhaps there is another tool that they could pretend to cut with while you cut. Or maybe, if they are given another “really important job” to do in the kitchen that will help the cooking – like pouring the spinach into a bowl and the beans into the pot before the pot is hot, this might distract them from your garlic chopping. If nothing works, you could always chop whatever you can ahead of time when you are planning on cooking with your child, and have it set aside in little bowls for them to help “dump” in to wherever you will need them.  Being creative in the kitchen does not always pertain to the actual cooking, but often to the problem-solving involved with cooking together.  This is great experience and practice for problem-solving in other aspects of your relationship as well.  Always Eat Well, Cook Often, & Love Much!

This site promotes togetherness and communication skills through cooking and eating together to increase intimacy in relationships.  Sometimes a night out is just as essential to change the pace of day-to-day routine.  Everyone needs a break from time to time.  Many times couples who have become parents struggle with being couples again.  Couples sometimes find some challenge in maintaining who they were individually before children, and seek to reestablish balance.  I can’t stress enough the importance in actively maintaining couple alone time.  Read on for some interesting facts and tips. Read the rest of this entry »