I absolutely adore the holiday season. There’s something magical about cozying up at home with loved ones. As a parent, the excitement of Christmas can be overwhelming, but I’ve discovered the traditions that truly resonate with my family. It turns out, celebrities share similar sentiments. I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Alex and Jamie about their cherished family holiday customs, which prominently feature cooking with their kids, Ella and Max.
As a family, they enjoy spending quality time in the kitchen, as reflected in their vibrant social media posts. Cooking with young children is always a delightful, albeit slightly nerve-wracking, experience. Alex and Jamie are no strangers to the careful excitement of involving their little ones in culinary adventures. Jamie emphasizes the importance of safety around hot stoves and sharp knives, saying, “You want them to learn, but you also don’t want them to burn themselves!” They’re teaching proper knife skills, and while it can be stressful, it’s rewarding. Ella, for instance, loves to “slice strawberries” and, just like every kid, enjoys cracking eggs.
“I was so proud when she cracked her first egg successfully,” Alex recalled, his eyes lighting up with pride. Jamie further explained the significance of cooking together, highlighting how it fosters a fun bonding experience and enhances their kids’ appreciation for food. “Flour is a sensory experience for kids,” she noted. “It’s similar to what they do in school with sensory bins.”
One of their family favorites is making a special snack mix, which allows the kids to engage their senses without much mess. While little Max can be a bit “reckless” in the kitchen, he still enjoys exploring textures as they create. Although they have a beloved recipe for their snack mix, they love to get creative with it. “If we’re making it for Ella’s friends and we know one of them likes marshmallows, we’ll throw in mini marshmallows,” Jamie shared. Alex favors a delightful peanut butter and chocolate combination, which we both agreed is an unbeatable flavor pairing.
“We’ve shifted from giving generic gifts to creating personalized ones,” Alex explained, referring to their unique snack mix. “If I bake for you, it’s my way of showing love,” Jamie added, echoing my own sentiments about baking. She mentioned her tendency to clean as she goes, which can make following a recipe quite time-consuming. I shared a tip from my Thanksgiving baking experience: measuring over a kitchen towel makes it easier to manage spills. Jamie thought it was a clever idea, and I hope she gives it a try!
Discussing Thanksgiving, Jamie expressed, “It’s like my Super Bowl.” In their home, Thanksgiving is a beautiful blend of cultures—Jamie prepares her favorite dishes while also including Alex’s family recipes. They go all out for dinner, making it a celebration of their favorite foods.
For Alex, Christmas holds a special place in his heart. Growing up in Ohio, it was a time for family gatherings and joyful celebrations. He fondly reminisced about singing Christmas carols together, a tradition Jamie confirmed was quite magical. “I created my Christmas album, ‘A Joyful Christmas’, to capture those moments,” he shared. The album, featuring a mix of holiday classics and original songs, is perfect for decorating the tree or baking cookies.
As Christmas approaches, I was eager to know what Jamie plans to serve for their holiday dinner. “Beef Wellington!” she exclaimed. While it sounds fancy, Jamie assured me they’re easier than they seem, especially with pre-made puff pastry dough. She also mentioned her own twist on the Wellington, incorporating stuffing into her meatloaf recipe for a festive touch.
When it comes to holiday cooking, or even on a regular Tuesday, Jamie is all about simplifying the process. “Looking back at my first cookbook, it’s amusing,” she said. “I used to be so meticulous, but now I prioritize ease!” Alex chimed in, acknowledging that Jamie’s approach makes family cooking much more accessible.
It sounds like their home is the place to be this holiday season!
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In summary, holiday traditions bring families together, whether through cooking, celebrating unique customs, or creating personalized gifts. The joy of cooking with children not only fosters bonding but also enriches their understanding of food and culture.