What's cooking?

Chef E really puts himself into his work. Or his wok. (sorry, couldn't resist).

He did this all himself. Those pots and the lid were all on the pot rack when he came to help me in the kitchen.

To entertain the boy while his lunch time pumpkin noodle soup cooked we explored the spice cabinet. I got down several spices and let E test them out. I'd put a small amount in my palm and encourage E to take a sniff (he completely does not get the idea of smelling something yet). Then he'd get a taste, either on his or my finger tip. He liked them all; coriander, cumin, cinnamon, all spice, tarragon, thyme, paprika, marjoram (I don't even know why we have marjoram or when we used it last).

The boy latched on the jar of tarragon and played with it (thankfully, he can't get it open yet) until lunch was ready. Once in his chair, he motioned for me to help him open the jar. I did, and sprinkled some on his tray. He ate it and asked for more.

This is the kid who didn't eat the chicken nuggets on his first trip to McDonalds. The kid who turns up his nose at cheese. The child who only eats pasta if it's served with peas. Tarragon, though, can't get enough of that.