HPC&E

Table-Setting: Creative Outlet & Manner Builder

2011-12-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

If you are finding that your kiddo isn't showing a lot of interest in sitting for a slice of time, try inviting him/her to set the table. No matter how casual the day, a little extra table pizazz can really do wonders.

A tablecloth is lovely, and fun to spread & straighten out. Cloth napkins really step things up a notch, but any type of napkin that can be folded by kid hands is great. A few flowers never hurt, and the same ones can be recycled throughout the week for repeated flower arranging.

What else might your child want to bring to the table-setting, -sitting experience? Encourage imaginations to soar, and desire to sit at the table will follow.

In the Loop & Up to Date: Food, Toy, & Home Product Info

2011-11-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

A helpful tool when choosing products for your fam....

Good Guide

First Lady's Farm-Fresh Fam

2011-11-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

Feeling inspired by Miss Michelle today as I sit down to do some work. In this video, she says, "Part of the message is if the President of the United States can sit down with his family and have dinner, hopefully more families find the time to do the same thing." Right on.

Wash Out! Fun for the kids & helpful to you.....

2011-10-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

A win-win! Set-up a washing station in the kitchen, and let your kids have at it! This is a practical and easy thing to have the kids do while you are working on preparing dinner for the family.

The washing station is especially great for younger children, but all ages can benefit from a little hydrotherapy. Older children can wash and dry delicate items thoroughly, such as greens, and then pack them in bags for the fridge, helping to shorten your cooking time throughout the week.

Try keeping a cooking-only washing kit together, furnished with items found at the drugstore. A small plastic laundry tub, some nail scrubbers, a plain sponge cut into smaller sponges, and dishtowels.

Kids will often become absorbed with this activity for a solid stretch of time, meshing the line between working and playing. This is a good thing - the more hands-on time the kids can get with unfamiliar foods, the better. And the more positive associations they can build with these foods through fun and play, the more likely they are to try them.

Squeaky-clean & super-cool!

K.I.T. with HPC&E!

2011-08-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that banana phones are the best way to direct dial Honeypie Cooking & Events! Get yours handy, and call #510-761-6219 with all of your cooktastic questions and news!

Butter Makes it Better

2011-08-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

We made homemade butter at the preschool a few weeks ago. So fun! And easy too.

The kids observed with interest as the liquid heavy cream turned into a solid. It was a commitment, we learned it takes a lot of shaking to make butter from scratch!

We added fresh herbs from our school garden to the heavy cream before shaking, and a little pinch of salt too.

The butter... it was our vehicle for doing a little veggie tasting. After it was made, we set-up a bread and butter store. With only imaginary cards, checks, and cash accepted, the kids could buy a slice of bread with homemade butter and their choice of sliced cucumbers, radishes, or both. And anyone who said please & thank you got theirs on the house! How's that for service?

We love homemade butter, veggies, & manners! Good stuff.

Here's some more info for you - if you wanna take a shake at it!

http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/butter.html

MickeyD's Baby Steps

2011-08-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Just heard about this story on the radio the other day. Hmmm... I have to say, with all of its complications & contradictions, I am all in favor.

McDonald's Trims Its Happy Meal

I keep sayin' though - we need to put toys in the bag of carrots at the grocery store! Those marketing geniuses are onto something...

Honeypie, USA !

2011-07-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hooray for HP's new blog & website!

It makes me want to sing. And then cook. Cook & sing at the same time & then dance. Honeys, Dance & Eat Pie Party - USA!!