Is your stress affecting your family? Ask us. It’s a vicious circle really… you rush to get up in the morning, feed the family, get yourself ready for work and get the kids off to school, before sitting and snarling at the traffic on the way to your first meeting. You then walk into the … Read more
Your child will be increasingly curious about food, and will love to get involved in family dinners and in the preparation of meals. Even little ones can help in the kitchen, and you’ll be encouraging good habits and teaching skills that will last a lifetime. Q: Can my toddler eat her evening meal with us … Read more
Squid Bruschetta Squid was a culinary mystery to me for a long time. You either cook it for a few minutes or an hour; anywhere in between, and it becomes tough, like chewing on rubber bands. (Not that I chew on rubber bands often enough to say what that’s like.) Why is this? The collagen … Read more
Cupcake Caterpillar Here’s a fun and easy idea for a second or third birthday party. You can expand your caterpillar according to the number of guests at your party, and decorate it however you like. 11/2 hours 20 minutes NOTE Cuts into 12–24 portions Cupcakes 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs, … Read more
Over the coming months, your child will begin to develop the skills, confidence, and understanding necessary to establish independent eating habits and, of course, table manners. It can be a slow process, but with reassurance and guidance, your child will soon be a polite and self-sufficient regular at the family table. Q: My toddler just … Read more
3. 154°F / 68°C: Collagen (Type I) Denatures An animal’s connective tissues provide structure and support for the muscles and organs in its body. You can think of most connective tissues—loose fascia and ligaments between muscles as well as other structures such as tendons and bones—as a bit like steel reinforcement: they don’t actively contract … Read more
Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Sauce Pasta and tomato sauce is usually well-received by small children. I have added some delicious mini-chicken meatballs that can be mashed into the sauce if anyone doesn’t care for “lumps”! 25 minutes 30 minutes NOTE 5–6 child portions 1 tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, minced 1 small carrot, peeled … Read more
We expect too much from our partners. Haag shared: ‘One of the mad things making you disillutioned is the thought that your partner can do everything you need, like an industrious backstage worker that is always ready to serve thousands of people in the cinema. It is such thought that kindle stress for married life.’ … Read more
Negotiating with your child How to have a successful debate Your child is increasingly keen to express her needs and views and, on occasion, stand her ground. The better her ability to communicate and negotiate, the more effective her transition to independence. Successful negotiation What’s the issue? Clearly define the point you are debating. If … Read more
As your toddler grows older and her social net widens, she’ll begin to make her own friends, and undoubtedly be influenced by them! Parties, too, may be a more frequent occurrence in your child’s life. With a little creativity, you can continue to offer nutritious, delicious food, and broaden your child’s palate in the process. … Read more
For Joan Thompson, no-one can be her perfect partner as herself. Joan has been married for more than thirty years, and has had two mature chidren in the age of twenties. She and her husband have many differences, for example, she supports Free Party, and he is faithful to Conservative Party; he enjoys busling his … Read more
Q: My son keeps saying everyone at school gets more freedom than him. Am I really as out of step with other parents as he says? A: Your child is using a common and powerful negotiating tool, that of making comparisons with other parents and children. This can be very helpful, as it is prompting … Read more
Bullying A remarkably common problem Bullying is often a factor behind a child’s reluctance to go to school or even to leave home. Unfortunately, with so much digital connectivity, children are not even safe from bullying in their own homes now that mobile phones and the internet provide more insidious means for intimidation and persecution. … Read more
‘Dispersed love’ or ‘love and ties’ Legend says that when imprisoned before his death, St. Valentine wrote a letter to jailer’s daughter and signed below as ‘From your Valentine’. Is it real that although decapitated on the next day, he was still not brave enough to express ‘Send you sweet love, Love your Valentine’, or … Read more
Q: Our son is bored with our ideas for things we could do together. How can we get him interested? A: Satisfying your son’s inquiring mind is the key to keeping him interested in doing things with you. When you’re out together, take advantage of his natural curiosity by creating family challenges. In the countryside … Read more
Q: My daughter forwarded a cruel email about a classmate on to her friends. Is that cyberbullying? A: Yes it is. It is easy to be caught up in someone else’s bullying activity and to feel pressured to be part of the joke without realizing the harm it can do. The important thing here is … Read more
2. 144°F / 62°C: Eggs Begin to Set The lore of eggs is perhaps greater than that of any other food item, and more than one chef has gone on record judging others based on their ability—or inability—to cook an egg. Eggs are the wonder food of the kitchen—they have a light part, a dark … Read more
2. How to Prevent Foodborne Illness Caused by Parasites Not long ago, I overheard the fishmonger at one of my local grocery stores (which shall remain nameless to protect the guilty) tell a customer that it was okay to use the salmon he was selling for making sushi. Given that the fish wasn’t labeled as … Read more
Temperature What happens 104°F / 40°C and 122°F / 50°C Proteins in fish and meat begin to denature 144°F / 62°C Eggs begin to set 154°F / 68°C Collagen denatures (Bovine Type I) 158°F / 70°C Vegetable starches gelatinize 310°F / 154°C Maillard reactions become noticeable 356°F / 180°C Sugar (sucrose) begins to caramelize visibly … Read more
1. How to Prevent Foodborne Illness Caused by Bacteria Salmonella: it’s the poster child of foodborne illness. And for good reason. Salmonella accounts for a full 30% of the roughly 1,800 deaths due to foodborne illnesses per year in the U.S.—more than any other cause in this category. Salmonella’s ideal breeding temperature? Around 100°F / … Read more