Thursday, September 23, 2010

Carmen Goes Nuts

Another venture into the world of teaching my daughter how to cook. Today we made homemade peanut butter. She has been wanting to do this since we made pancakes. I don't know why it's hard to make time for these little cooking sessions but, for me, it is. Anyway, we had lessons on blender etiquette (do not remove the lid until the blade has stopped!) and watched while the peanuts magically turned into ... well, they didn't actually turn into mush like the cookbook said. I'm sure Molly Katzen's peanut butter was a better success than ours but we like our product. Seems like our peanuts needed more peanut oil than the recipe called for - it made all the difference. It's excellent on English muffins and later, Carmen had a sandwich of homemade bread with homemade jam and homemade peanut butter. She was so thrilled! So what if some of the peanuts are still whole. Carmen named it, "Mom & Carmen's Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter". She's thinking of making an ad complete with a coupon, advertising our creation.

The more of these kitchen moments I have with my daughter, the more motivated I am to make time for them. I am still not comfortable in the kitchen and I want my kids to enjoy cooking. I know I've said that before but it really is heavy on my heart. I want them to experience success with creating something that tastes good and not feeling like they've failed if it doesn't turn out right.

Stay tuned ... Carmen will probably begin asking for something else to make soon.

5 comments:

jugglingpaynes said...

Good for Carmen...and for you! Maybe you can learn to be comfortable in the kitchen together! It's never to late, you know. :o)

Peace and Laughter,
Cristina

Cat said...

OH I am with you on the discomfort thing - but we just need to keep trying right?

Way to go, Carmen!

amy in peru said...

I LOVE THIS! It almost inspires me to make p.butter myself... how much oil did you have to add? I don't think I can get the oil, I can easily get the peanuts though...

I love that she called it EXTRA crunchy! That made me smile. :)

amy in peru

Cat said...

Hi Kate,

I sooo would like you to contribute to my series! I don't have my old email account any more which had your email address, so would you mind please emailing me on nzcate at hotmail.com ?

Thanks,
C x

Mama Self said...

Congrats to you and Carmen for a successful venture! And I LOVED your story about your date to see the Galloping Gourmet! Have you seen Julie and Julia? Lee and I love it, though we've told the kids that it's definitely a "married movie."

Hope your weekend is wonderful and that your blog friend finds comfort and peace that passes all understanding in our Lord.