As I've mentioned a few times before, I'm not a 'cooking' person, I bake a birthday cake once a year and thats it. However I loved cooking when I was little and used to make so many things that I can't remember how to make now! Our littlun has suddenly become very capable of doing so many things, in fact it's hard to do anything without her there, with her chair to stand on saying 'I wanna do that!!' over and over. So I thought it would be nice to make some xmassy things with her and maybe some presents to give out to family at our xmas/winter solstice dinner.
We first made some mince pies, just using ready made puff pastry and mince meat from a jar. Can't really go wrong with that! I was really surprised how well she listed to instructions and carefully made up the pies all herself. I was quite taken a back to be honest! (hence this blog post ; )
Well, they did sort of explode in the oven, but apart from that they were really tasty, and I like the rustic look ; )
She made a reindeer and stars with apricot jam on, with the off-cuts.
So a few days later I thought we'd make some really simple shortbread biscuits. Just butter, sugar, flour (and we added some vanilla paste too). She really enjoyed it, I just supervised really, she did it all herself!
We doubled the quantity, so I did cut out one sheet of stars and she did the other sheet of stars.
Then at the oven hob, we melted chocolate chips together and she spooned the chocolate over some of the biscuits and sprinkled them with hundreds and thousands. The other ones she dusted with 'snow'.
She also made some fox and bear ones for her cousin too..
I am SO proud of her, how she concentrated and listened and enjoyed cooking so much, so I will make this a more frequent activity.
She put them in some little bags and I cut out labels, I had to do the stamping as she found that a bit tricky, and I helped her to sign her name on each packet.
She took them to Granny's house in this basket, with a big beaming smile on her face!
We also made wrapping paper together and she made some little painted wooden badges with glitter and sequins on to put with her xmas cards for family.
playing with clay...(she made some xmas tree decorations, see pic on my instagram).
She made these cards with her Dad, I love the trees! ...and the painted box ; )
So even though we've been very rushed this xmas, and I have not been feeling my best, one way or another, we have managed to have some fun together. Now we can relax and enjoy the longer days coming, and the pressies under the tree, and Santa coming of course!!
Happy Winter Solstice everyone! I will look forward to the sunrise tomorrow.
p.s. We tried to have a little walk today, but he wind near took us off our feet! There is a huge storm out there, so we just looked out of the window at the sky and the sea instead ; ) xxx
Love it all! Thoroughly enjoy all your posts....especially this one! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletePehr is so accomplished...it amazes me at her young age! She has such talented parents, 'tho, I shouldn't be surprised. Please tell her how wonderful her baking was and that it looks delicious! Bet her Granny was thrilled!
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, longer days ahead..a bit at a time..I'm glad! Have a wonderful holiday!
It's great how much Pehr managed to do by herself. I'm going to try to be more hands off with my 3 year old from now on! Have a lovely Christmas xx
ReplyDeleteOh my word, what a super delightful post! What a little sweetheart, my heart just melted! Thank you so much for this beautiful post, I loved it. I wish all of you happiness and Blessings for Christmas and the New Year.
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous! And there's nothing like a bit of toddler baking, it's a great skill to encourage and of course there are yummy treats at the end too! Happy Christmas and winter solstice to you all!
ReplyDeleteWell, I do declare that there just isn't anything cuter than a toddler baking! Specifically YOUR toddler baking! :) What a sweet look of concentration on her face...you are clearly handing down your creative knack and passion for making to Pehr. And how wonderful that at such a young age she's already discovering the joy that comes with giving to others, especially giving something handmade, with love, that took hours of time and energy. I'm sure it is very nice for her to share an activity with mom where all your focus and attention is on her and only her, because soon she will have to share you! I love everything about this post. <3 Merry Christmas and happy solstice to your family!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute post. It's in Pehr's genes for sure...... such a talented little poppet. Hope you and your family have a lovely Chrimbo. :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing that we have been able to watch her grow and become so capable under your tutelage! Happy Christmas to you all and think of the double fun next year with two little ones!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing all the right things with Pehr. Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to all your posts, and can't wait to see pictures of that new baby. Kitty in the Pacific Northwest
ReplyDeleteGosto de tudo o que publica ,estamos tão longe ,mas ao mesmo tempo tão perto,sei que não costuma responder ,mas apenas gostava que soube-se que só pode ser uma pessoa muito bonita com tudo o que faz tb gostava dar mais a conhecer da minha pessoa,mas todas estas tecnologias ainda são um bocadinho avançadas para mim,mas um dia chego lá.tubo de bom para vocês.Um beijinho de Portugal <3
ReplyDeleteWOW. Amazing Pehr! I tried to bake cookies and make ornaments with Meems and she lasted about five minutes with each. You can see on Pehr's face how proud she is! This is adorable.
ReplyDeleteThat was amazing. I think Pehr is going to be as creative as her mom and dad are. Just amazing. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, wonderful new year.
ReplyDelete