. . . . . . . Let's Make Cooking Easy & Fun

This is my favorite time of the year and I am a devoted follower of family traditions at this wonderful time of the year.

Check out my new guide on creating fun snacks with children.  It can quickly become a tradition at your house also. There is nothing like watching the little ones as they squeal in delight when they see what they have created. The next great excitement comes when they show off their creations with pride to other members of the family.

Check out the book just in time for Christmas: Friendly Christmas Monsters And A Mouse

Go have a blast with your children or borrow some from a friend. Be sure to let me know what they created. Send me a photo at carol@casuesmith.com and I will be glad to post it for all to see.

Well, this is related to cooking. Even though there is no heat involved, it is still cooking and will be in the eyes of your children.

For the last week I have been very busy — actually completing two things at the same time.

1. Celebrating a favorite family Christmas tradition
2. Enjoying the delighted smiles of children as they create on their own.

Several years ago I discovered how much my youngsters enjoyed making Christmas snacks. The first year I did it for them. I saw some recipes on the internet and made them and took them to their house for Christmas eve.

The next year the oldest asked if he could help me. He and the oldest girl of the six came to my house and messed until their hearts were content. He was especially fond of marishino cherries so you can imagine how many were used — the entire bottle if I remember correctly.

Through the years we have varied things but this year’s “friendly Christmas monsters” in a pen was very exciting.

The monsters are all decked out waiting for a Christmas visit from the children.

Check back in a day or two and the book will be ready for you to download just in time for Christmas.