My Kitchen Helper

It all started several months ago.  I was going to make brownies and decided James would probably enjoy helping me put the ingredients in the bowl and mix them up.  He did enjoy helping dump the measuring cups into the bowl and turn the mixer on, but his most favorite part, of course, was sampling the batter off the spatula and beater at the end.  : )

Since that time, I have often invited him into the kitchen to help me while I am baking something.  In fact, when James hears the mixer or the food processor start going, he will usually run into the kitchen to see what is happening.  My husband even had James help him bake a "Get Well Soon" cake for me while I was recovering from surgery.  That was huge because it required my husband to display lots of patience with our young, little helper, but they were a great team, and the cake was yummy.  Below is a picture of their creation.

I thought it was cute James wanted to help so much in the kitchen, and he is learning some skills.  However, now it seems like every time I am in the kitchen, James wants to be in the room with me assisting.  Even when I am prepping dinner, I get a pint sized helper ready to start working.  I will give him a butter knife and let him help me cut up the veggies, or he will help measure the brown rice for me or whatnot.

I honestly don't mind having a little helper, but it gets tricky finding appropriate ways for James to assist.  Also it makes it almost impossible to prepare a meal on my own.  I find that I need to expect James to help, so I need to think ahead and figure out how James can aid in the food preparation, and I need to make sure I am patient and understanding.  Last night James even gave up playing with Daddy (rough housing) to come in and help make dinner.

What a sweet little boy I have!  I wonder how long James will enjoy being Mommy's Little Chef.