Hey Young Chefs!

This video was created by me and my cousins, Camrynn, Ashlynn & Jasmynn. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope 2010 is a great year for you!

Cool kids cook so get creative in the kitchen!

Bon Appetit, Eliana

This is a yummy recipe!

Cook kids cook!

Bon Appetit, Eliana

Hey Young Chefs!

It’s me again Shreveport. Above, you see my cousin and best friend, Camrynn and I in Ms. Jeannie’s pool. Ms. Jeannie is a school librarian and Mommy’s friend. We stayed in a really cool upstairs apartment with an air hockey table, a pocket shot basketball game, Guitar Hero and Rock Band Video Games, a kitchenette in a retro Coca-Cola theme, a humongous bathroom with a jacuzzi tub, and a bedroom for Mommy. It was so awesome. The best part was the salt water pool!

Mommy spoke at a librarians’ luncheon and signed books. Camrynn and I helped out. Camrynn is in red and I am wearing the black and white dress.

I am reading The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, which won the 2009 Newbery Award. I’ll tell you about it when I’m done!

Cool kids cook and read so pick up a tasty tale this summer.

Bon Appetit, Eliana

Hey Young Chefs!

Long time no see! I am touring with my mom, Author & Storyteller Dianne de Las Casas, all over Louisiana. Each week, one of my cousins comes with me. Above, you see me (in the brown) with Mommy and Camrynn, my 9 year old cousin. We are standing in front of Mammy’s Cupboard, a restaurant in Natchez, Mississippi, which was on our way to Catahoula Parish.

Camrynn and I helped Mommy all week, setting up and breaking down her show all by ourselves. We even performed with her. Here I am with Ms. Jean, the librarian, Baby Ella, Mommy and Camrynn. I am the only one looking at Baby Ella instead of the camera. She was so adorable!

Here I am swimming in our hotel pool with Camrynn.

I will be bringing you more pictures and stories from my road travels this summer. See ya later, gators!

Cool kids cook, read and travel!

Bon Appetit, Eliana

Hey Young Chefs!

Hey Young Chefs!

I just LOVE Halloween! Check out the Monster Mash pumpkins I decorated. Mommy bought me a kit that was like Mr. Potato Head except it had monster parts for Mr. Pumpkin Head. We have ghosts hanging from our trees outside and a Frankenstein that greets you at the door. This month, I’ll be creating some spooktastic recipes perfect for your thriller and chiller parties. In fact, I am having a “Spookover” (Spooky Sleepover) later this month to celebrate the scary season.

Have a BOO!tiful day!

Cool kids cook (and decorate) so get creative in the kitchen!

Bon Appetit, Eliana

You’re a Star Sandwich & Icy Grapevine Snack

Ingredients
2 pieces of bread
Chocolate peanut butter spread
4 tsp. coconut flake
Large star cookie cutter

Directions
1. Spread chocolate-peanut butter on both sides of bread.

2. Sprinkle coconut flakes on one side of bread.

3. Put bread together.

4. Place cookie cutter on top of sandwich. Press down hard. Pull away excess bread. Tada! You’re a star!

5. Arrange on a plate with a side of an Icy Grapevine (frozen grapes).

6. Take a bite! Yum! Yum!

Get creative in the kitchen!

Bon Appetit, Eliana

Eliana Dishes Kitchen Basics for Kids

1. Always wash your hands. Hands carry germs and you don’t want the germs on your food.

2. Keep your hair tied back. If you have long hair, keep it pulled back so food doesn’t get in your hair and so hair doesn’t get in your food. Gross.

3. Wear an apron to protect your clothes. Aprons are made in all sizes. Mommy and I have matching aprons. When your apron gets dirty, just toss it in the washer.

4. Keep your kitchen clean. A dirty kitchen harbors bacteria. Clean food prep areas, especially counter surfaces and wash dishes as you go.

5. Work with a grown-up. If you are a kid like me, you need to be supervised by a grown-up. My family helps me reach things, watches me when I cook over the stove, and helps me handle hot pots and pans. They also help me with sharp objects.

6. Have your ingredients ready before you cook. When you are following a recipe, have your ingredients ready ahead of time. This keeps you organized and helps make cooking easier.

7. Clean up your mess. It’s easier to clean as you go but if you make a big mess, clean it up right away.

8. Learn kitchen safety. A kitchen can be a dangerous place, especially for kids. Learn how to handle sharp objects such as knives. Learn how to control the gauges on the stove and oven. Most of all, refer to Rule #5. Always work with a grown-up.

9. Write your recipes down. Being a cook is fun. We love to create new recipes. Be sure to write your recipes down so you won’t forget them!

10. Be creative in the kitchen! Be bold. Experiment. Have fun. Don’t poison anyone. Just kidding. Seriously, use your imagination and get creative in the kitchen!

Bon Appetit, Eliana