Black Pearl Life Style

Home made Pizza is such a quick, easy and simple way to prepare a home cooked meal and a great introduction for kids to the kitchen. I use store-bought dough but the kids can help with spreading the tomato sauce and adding toppings. It's a great way to get them involved, give them independence and teach some basic cooking skills. I transfer the (hot) dough onto the kitchen counter using parchment to avoid contact with the hot metal cooking tray. It's a good way to reaffirm safety in the kitchen, especially around hot foods and the oven. Magnus liked to nibble the toppings pre-oven... another potential/ good teaching moment. I tend to make a huge batch of marinara prior to the event and add goodies like bell pepper, carrot and sometimes even zucchini (then blend) for added nutritional benefit. 

We are thrilled with our new 'Tiny Footprints' plates. Made from sustainable, bamboo fiber, dishwasher safe and look, totally adorable. I love steering (somewhat) away from plastics, particularly when using the dishwasher (on hot), day in, day out. At a great price point too. Two arrived as part of the order which was a nice surprise. Very pleased with this Amazon purchase. Here's the Amazon link! https://www.amazon.ca/Tiny-Footprint-63060-Plate-Print/dp/B01GHSQTBM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520283238&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=tiny+hands+plate+owl

Here's a great tip to help with cleaning in the kitchen. Use four tablespoons of baking soda in four cups of water in a spray bottle and use abundantly! A great way to spruce up kitchen counters, clean bathrooms and wipe away grime on refrigerators. It's safe for all the family, cheap and effective! Here's the link! http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2550/best-cleaning-tips/?

This is a great tip and lovely opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen. By rinsing rice, not only do you clean away any debris, but it makes for fluffy, non-clumpy cooking. Well worth the extra step.  Below is an link to rinsing rice in seven (!) steps. Rice is the stable food source in so many countries and it's interesting to learn about some of the rituals associated with this tasty grain. Here's a couple of great links! https://www.thekitchn.com/yes-you-should-be-rinsing-your-rice-228083 https://www.wikihow.com/Rinse-Rice

This is a busy time of year. After a generous gift of cookie dough from a dear friend, Ella and Magnus got stuck in with the rolling pin and the cookie cutters. It was messy, it was crazy, (no one got injured) and everyone had fun. It's a festive tradition that children love. Here are some pics!  

This is such an useful tip - an easy, time saving, pure and simple way of cleaning the stubborn dirt out of the Mircowave. Here's a great link! https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-your-microwave-with-just-a-lemon-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200294 Lemons have natural cleaning qualities and by virtue of putting the lemon juice and rind in the microwave for 5 to 7 mins, the interior is sanitized with just a quick wipe.