For some reason we like to watch Food Network. If the television is on, Sienna will often ask if we could change the channel to 55. One of our favorite shows is Chopped. If you have never seen it, four chefs are invited to cook three course: appetizer, main course and dessert. They are given a mystery basket with four items that must be used in the dish. After each coarse, the chefs face three judges. The judges eat the food and decide which chef is chopped and does not get to move on. The winner in the last round wins $10,000. We've tried our own version a few time and love it.
First, a basket is prepared with items and then the kids can pull other things out of the fridge and pantry to complete their dishes. One time we played, the appetizer basket included apples, celery and peanut butter. Naturally, a variations of "Ants on a Log" were constructed. After the allotted time, the chefs have to face the judges to explain what they made. We encourage them to make up a name and explain their steps. Sienna gets into the presentation and decorating her plates. She would often take the sauce and add a smear on the plate for looks.
Even the blender had to be used in a few rounds because they have seen it on the show. One time, Sienna put jelly beans in the blender from the cupboard to make a powder to sprinkle on her crackers.
In the home version, we never chopped any chefs. All chefs moved on to the next coarse. They had a fun time because they felt like they had full reign of the kitchen.
I live in a house with a bunch of actors. This is all pretend sleeping. They played this game for about 30 minutes. When I realized what they were doing I took some pictures, and they all obliged.
Today, I taught my last piano lesson and I'm a little sad. It is strange to admit that because seven years ago when I started teaching, I actually had no desire to teach piano. A friend of mine asked repeatedly if I would teach her five-year-old son. I was reluctant because I am not an exceptionally skilled pianist, nor extremely knowledgeable in music theory. However, over the years I have taught 28 students. I've learned a lot about teaching, but I have enjoyed watching my students improve and flourish.
Thank you Didi, for helping me face a fear and take on a new challenge.
After the allotted time, the chefs have to face the judges to explain what they made. We encourage them to make up a name and explain their steps. Sienna gets into the presentation and decorating her plates. She would often take the sauce and add a smear on the plate for looks.
