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Tiny Turkeys
Keep Toddlers Busy While You Prepare Holiday Dinner
By I.J. Schecter
Even when their participation is slight, of course, kids still have a flair for knocking things over, combining ingredients in ways the recipe doesn't call for and asking questions every four seconds as you try to maintain some semblance of concentration and awareness. If you are inclined to involve your helpers directly, start with a little planning.
"Set up a nice big working space just for them," says Marcy Goldman, pastry chef, food journalist and author of several cookbooks including The Best of BetterBaking.com (10 Speed Press, 2002). "Designate them sous-chefs, and provide them their own tools and ingredients. It's worth the small investment to double up on things like measuring spoons and cups. They'll love preparing their own small versions of whatever you're doing, and you'll avoid the constant worry about what might go wrong."
"She doesn't have to be right at my side to feel she's part of the action," says Michelle Diamond, mom to 1-year-old Cassdy from Toronto, Canada. "Often, just doing something similar to what I'm doing is enough to keep her happy in her highchair. If I'm mixing with a spoon, I give her a spoon. I put on some music and sing along, doing my best barnyard impressions. She allows me to do my thing, but we still share the overall experience."
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