Kids in the Kitchen

Kids love being in the kitchen - let's let them

by on May 12, 2022   •   1 Comment Picnics

How to Plan a Picnic

Simple strategies on how to plan a picnic, including tips for what to bring and why.

Nova Scotia summers are a continuous invitation to bring dinner outdoors and I’m happy to accept. The beach beckons to us on sunny days and I’ve always got a basket at the ready.

It occurs to me that with all my writings on dining al fresco, I’ve never specifically divulged on how to plan a picnic. Today’s post summarizes the best of my knowledge with practical tips on what to bring and why it matters.

Get ready for a memorable outing – here’s how to plan a picnic!

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by on September 15, 2021   •   2 Comments School lunch

10 School Lunch Tips for Beginners

Around this time every year, I start to rummage through my disheveled Tupperware drawer in preparation for school lunches.

Yep, lazy summer snacking on the back patio is giving way to bagged lunches every weekday.

I attempt to match square sandwich containers with their respective lids, locate all the water bottles and take a sniff into each thermos to see if they’re still safe to carry soups.

After that comes an assessment of lunch boxes, a refresher of my daughter’s school regulations, and a chat with her on menu preferences. It’s important to listen, always. But I didn’t know that in the beginning.

I’ve learned a lot along the way. Today’s post is school lunch tips for beginners – or anyone who is looking for new inspiration.

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by on April 26, 2021   •   1 Comment Kids in the Kitchen

Simple Recipes Kids Can Make (for mom)

A fun round up of simple recipes kids can make for upcoming Mother’s Day.

Kids, dads, partners, if there’s one calendar date when you should give mom a break from the kitchen, it’s Mother’s Day. And it’s coming up in less than two weeks!

Since we’re celebrating in lockdown…and restaurants are closed across much of the country, I suggest you make plans to tie on an apron and whip up something delicious.

For your ease, I’ve rounded up six simple recipes kids can make. They work for either brunch or lunch, and only require a few minutes of active time.

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by on March 2, 2021   •   4 Comments Kids in the Kitchen

Tips for Kids in the Kitchen

Practical tips for cooking and baking with kids in the kitchen, with suggestions for beginner recipes, too.

Dear Readers, I know that this particular March is bringing up a lot of feels.

It’s been a full year of pandemic life. We still have our ups and downs, as we adapt and work to build resilience. However, there are many benefits to this season as well, as I’ll share below.

Since so many of us are cozy at home for March/Spring break, I wanted to take this opportunity to encourage you to get the kids in the kitchen. Around here we have tradition of Spring Break Cooking Camp in the Simple Bites kitchen – so join us!

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by on July 30, 2019   •   Leave a Comment Picnics

A Summer Sunset Picnic for Two

In this summer sunset picnic for two, simple elegance meets seasonal eats in a pretty little dock feast. Strawberries are featured in the recipes and the mood is chill. Join us!

So far, Nova Scotia summers have been a continuous invitation to bring dinner outside and I’ve been happy to accept.

I’ve curated dozens of picnics for the beach, fired up the charcoal for patio eats and even brought a portable breakfast out in the kayak with me on a particularly fine morning.

Meals enjoyed al fresco are usually on the rustic side, as I’m often feeding a crowd, the majority of whom are small children. Their finely tuned palates gravitated towards barbecue chicken and fudgy brownies, which is all well and fine, but occasionally I crave something a little more refined and elegant.

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