It is the Holidays and that means your Kitchen is the HOT SPOT of the season.

You can create lots of great memories in the kitchen, after all, it is the heart of your home, so use it as an opportunity to teach and build strong relationships.

An easy way to accomplish that is by baking and cooking together. There are many benefits when you come together to cook and bake, including:

• strengthening family traditions. Preparing family favorite recipes together, especially for the holidays, is a great way to pass on family traditions from generation to generation.

• providing an experience for children to practice math and reading skills. Measuring ingredients and reading recipes can give kids an opportunity to apply their knowledge and improve these skills.

• giving children a chance to learn important life skills. Kids need opportunities to learn about preparing healthy foods safely so that they are able to cook for themselves once they are grown.

• boosting children's self-esteem. Children feel a great sense of pride when they feel they've successfully prepared a dish or baked cookies.

• it's fun! It may be a little messy, but both children and adults can have fun working together in the kitchen. The best part, of course, is tasting the final product!

Below are some tips to consider when cooking or baking in the kitchen with children.

• Wash hands before preparing food and after any time they become contaminated. Wash hands for 20 seconds - as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice - using warm water and soap. Scrub hands and arms, rinse and dry with paper towels. Germs can spread if using terry towels for hand drying so disposable towels are best.

• Read the entire recipe together. Estimate how long it will take to prepare. Add extra time for explaining and demonstrating techniques. Gather ingredients and equipment needed to prepare the recipe.

• Keep safety in mind when using equipment. Be sure adults show how to perform age-appropriate baking and cooking tasks to children.

A new kitchen can inspire you to spend more time cooking and entertaining. At NuLook cabinet refinishing, we can help you achieve a beautiful kitchen at a fraction of what you may expect to pay. Let us make your Holiday Season Merry and Bright! Happy Cooking and Baking!!!!!

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