You can't find a warmer place than the kitchen on a cold winter's day. Gather your twins or multiples for some kitchen fun!
Warm Winter Treats
Here are some quick and easy snack treats that are appropriate for twins and multiples of all ages. There are plenty of opportunities for little helpers to lend a hand, but of course parents should supervise when using the stove, microwave or cooking implements.
More Toddler Treats from About.com's Guide to Parenting Babies/Toddlers: Recipes for Snacks and Treats
Cold Treat!
Snow ice cream used to be a more common treat, but modern concerns about the cleanliness of snow has melted its appeal. Use your own best judgement about whether snow is fit to eat. Consider putting a clean bucket outside to catch the snow as it falls. Some recipes call for uncooked eggs, but this version only requires milk, sugar and vanilla.
What's for Dinner?
Children love to help in the kitchen and you would be surprised at how many ways you can incorporate their efforts into the cooking process. Spend some time together looking over recipes in cookbooks (Disney's Family Fun Cookbook and Emeril Lagasse's There's A Chef In My Soup are favorites for my kids.) Choose a new recipe or refer to an old favorite and cook it together for dinner. Even if preparing the meal takes much longer with "assistance," you'll while away the afternoon in the warmth of the kitchen and make some happy memories for your children.
Play Restaurant
Alternately, keep the kids occupied while you prepare the meal uninterruped, by involving them in a project. Have them create a restaurant atmosphere by preparing a menu. (They can get as creative as they like, but when it comes time to "order," make sure the family understands that the chef's special is spaghetti and only spaghetti -- not the chateubriand that's featured on the menu!) Set the table in a special way with a tablecloth and candles; it's amazing how much warmth candlelight can generate! Designate one twin to be the maitre d', who will welcome the family to the "restaurant" and show the guests to their table. Another twin can play the role of waiter, providing menus and describing the evening's selections. Have fun with the scenario; it will truly be a meal that kids won't long forget!
