Want an easy way to make gingerbread cookies?

Then head to your local IKEA!

I am the first to make homemade cookies, but found a fab shortcut amongst the craziness!

IKEA has the most amazing pre-made dough in their freezer section which is a must!

Store the roll in the freezer, then defrost overnight in the fridge.

On a cookie tray set up a few toppings like candy eyes (found at Michael’s), M & M’s, redhots, Twizzler pull away licorice, & white icing then set aside.

Next line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and follow the baking instructions. Sprinkle flour on each work space for each child. Cut one roll in half per child & have them roll out the dough with a rolling pin.

Using a variety of cookie cutters, have the kids cut out as many shapes as they can. Then re-roll the scraps & repeat until they used it all, and bake as per the directions.

After the cookies cool, set up for decorating & let the fun begin!

Let the cookies dry for a few hours, then store in an airtight container.

Another fab tip is to wrap each cookie individually, store in a freezer ziplock & freeze for up to three months. Just take out an hour before you want to eat them, & enjoy!

Cooking with your children is priceless, & starting holiday traditions is a must! Whether you make homemade or use pre-made dough, the end result is endless smiles!

Take it from a Mom Who LOVES the Christmas season! Happy baking!

Want to get your children to eat fish?

Then head to your local fish monger & pick up a pound of either grey sole, halibut, cod or salmon!

Fish is a great source of Omegas which aids in brain development. Of course they come from other sources, but many families hold off on fish. Why?

Parents fear mercury poisoning, as well as allergic reactions as the main reason for waiting. The fish that I listed above are all low in mercury, and are a great selection that is kid friendly by taste.

Our children eat their fish either breaded (like chicken cutlets), grilled or roasted with olive oil, and sea salt once or twice a week.

As always if your child develops hives, a rash, eczema, or has an allergic reaction, call your pediatrician right, or dial 911.

When purchasing fish always ask which temperature to cook it, as well as ask for how long. I always cut a piece in half to make sure it is fully cooked.

Mom Who Knows Fish Sticks
1 lb of cod or halibut cut it strips
2 eggs or egg whites whisked
1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
Extra Virgin olive oil

*You will need 1 bowl, 2 dishes, a fork, cookie sheet, & a spatula.

Directions:
1.) Preheat the oven to 400*.

2.) In a dish add breadcrumbs, and the eggs in a bowl.

3.) Dip each slice of fish into the egg mixture, then roll in the breadcrumbs & set on a dish.

4.) Drizzle olive oil on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven for 5 minutes on the bottom shelf.

5.) Add fish sticks and place on the bottom rack. Cook for approximately 8 min until golden brown, then flip & place on the top rack for another 8 minutes.

*Each oven and thickness of fish can vary cooking time, so cut the thickest piece in half to check that it is fully cooked through before giving to your children.

Some great sides are string beans, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, baked sweet or mashed potatoes.

Enjoy!

Take from a Mom Who always makes a double portion to freeze in parchment paper in a freezer Ziplock for future on the go meals!

Want a fab way in the am to peel & core apples or pears?

Then use a vegetable peeler & a melon baller!

Every morning I am truly an Iron Chef!

From breakfast to lunch I like to use my 30 minutes wisely, & love finding ways of adding more time to my routine.

Peeling fruit is much easier with a vegetable peeler, versus a knife. Apples pears, peaches, plums or apricots are ready to eat in a flash!

I have found that a melon baller is another fab way of deseeding fruit, & adds another two minutes, lol!

Finding ways to make our lives easier is a path that I am trying to stay on, so come join me!

Take it from a Mom Who Knows her kitchen tools!

Want to shop for groceries in half the time?

Then head online to your local supermarket, market or Amazon.com!

Whether you are a stay at home or working parent, food shopping can be quite a task.

With the juggling acts of parenthood, we sometimes need to find ways to make our lives easier!

Most local supermarkets & markets have either FREE, or a small service charge for food deliveries, & accept coupons as well! ~LOVE this!

Some families wouldn’t consider this option, but it could be great if you have a busy week at home, or on the job, or a child home sick, where shopping is the last thing on your list!

For first time deliveries, most facilities offer a discount for your first order, so check online for that information.

If you are traveling within or outside the US, there are great delivery options like Amazon.com, & diapers.com where you don’t have lug all of your toiletries, & most food items for your children.

*Make sure that you contact the hotel where you are staying, & have it arrive the week before you are going, to make sure you have all that you will need!

Take it from a Mom Who LOVES finding new ways to make life as a mother a little bit easier!