I absolutely adore the holiday season. There’s something incredibly special about cozying up at home with loved ones and soaking in the festive spirit. As a parent, the enchantment of Christmas can be a lot to handle, but I’ve managed to carve out traditions that truly resonate with my family. And guess what? Celebrities are just like us! I had a delightful chat with Jake Parker and Chrissy Williams about their family’s holiday rituals, which prominently feature cooking in the kitchen with their kids, Emma and Noah.
They love to spend quality time together whipping up delicious meals, as showcased in many of their social media posts. Cooking with little ones is a joyous (if slightly nerve-wracking) endeavor. Jake and Chrissy share a cautious excitement about letting their kids help out. As Chrissy wisely noted, teaching them about hot stoves and sharp knives is crucial, but “you definitely don’t want them to burn themselves on the hot stove!” She added that while you want to teach them proper knife skills, you might find yourself holding your breath as they demonstrate. To their credit, they allow Emma to use sharp knives, which is more than I’m comfortable with for my own 8-year-old! Five-year-old Emma enjoys “slicing strawberries” and, like many kids, loves cracking eggs. “I was so proud when she cracked her first egg all by herself,” Jake beamed, reminiscing about that proud moment.
Chrissy elaborated on the significance of cooking with kids, despite the occasional stress it brings. Not only is it a delightful bonding experience that helps them appreciate food more, but it also stimulates their minds. “Flour provides a sensory experience for children,” she explained, comparing it to the sensory bins they use in preschool. Preparing their special Chex Party Mix offers a similar sensory adventure with minimal mess. Although Jake humorously described Noah as “reckless” in the kitchen, even he enjoys exploring different textures during their cooking sessions. While they have a go-to Chex Party Mix they adore, they love to get creative with it, too! The magic of Chex cereal allows for endless customization. Jake shared that they prefer to use corn Chex and personalize the mix based on their kids’ preferences. “If we’re making it for Emma’s friends and one of them loves marshmallows, we’ll toss some mini marshmallows in,” Chrissy explained. Jake’s personal favorite is a peanut butter and chocolate blend, which I completely agree is a top-tier flavor combo.
“We’ve shifted from buying generic gifts for our friends to making our own,” Jake mentioned, which includes their custom Chex Party Mix. “If I bake for you, it means I care,” Chrissy added, echoing my sentiments about baking. To her, it’s not just about the love; it’s also about the time and effort that baking requires. “I like to clean as I go,” she noted, admitting that following a recipe can take “hours” because of this. I shared a hack I discovered during my Thanksgiving baking: measuring ingredients over a kitchen towel makes it easier to sweep up any spills. Chrissy thought it was a clever idea, so I hope she gives it a try!
Thanksgiving: A Time for Family and Tradition
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s Chrissy’s favorite time of year. “Thanksgiving is like my Super Bowl!” she exclaimed. Their celebrations are a beautiful blend of cultures, as Chrissy prepares her favorite dishes while incorporating Jake’s family recipes. Just like me, Chrissy goes all out for Thanksgiving, making it a feast filled with her beloved foods. While Thanksgiving is her moment to shine, Christmas holds a special place for Jake. Growing up in Ohio, Christmas was a time for family gatherings and joyous celebrations. He fondly recalled moments spent around the piano singing Christmas carols, a tradition Chrissy was amazed to witness for the first time. “I created my Christmas album, ‘A Legendary Christmas,’ to remind me of those cherished times,” Jake shared. This album, featuring holiday classics and original songs, has become a staple in their home during the festive season. My personal favorite track is “Silver Bells,” which Jake described as having a “Barry White feel” that gives it a unique twist.
Holiday Dinner Plans
As Christmas approaches, I couldn’t resist asking what Chrissy plans to serve for their holiday dinner. “Beef Wellington!” she exclaimed, clearly excited. While it may sound fancy, she reassured me that they’re not as complicated as they seem, especially if you use pre-made puff pastry. She also mentioned that they’re a relatively new addition to her kitchen repertoire, but they’re definitely worth the hype. “I’ve got a meatloaf Wellington in my cookbook, and it’s delicious. I was on a quest to incorporate stuffing into a recipe, so we use ground-up stuffing instead of plain breadcrumbs; it tastes just like the holidays!” Even as someone who isn’t a fan of meatloaf, I must admit that sounds delicious.
Simplifying Holiday Cooking
When it comes to holiday cooking—or even just a regular Tuesday—Chrissy is all about simplifying things. “It’s funny to look back at my first cookbook, pre-kids,” she said. “I used to meticulously strip thyme and fry my own wontons. Now? All that went out the window!” “She makes it easier to prep and manage everything in this book because she understands the chaos of having kids,” Jake added. With all this holiday cheer, I think it’s safe to say we’d love an invitation to their home this season!
Conclusion
In summary, Chrissy Williams and Jake Parker’s holiday traditions revolve around family, cooking, and creating memorable experiences together. They emphasize the importance of involving their kids in the kitchen, fostering a love for food and togetherness. With their unique spins on classic recipes and a focus on making things easier, they embody the spirit of the holidays in a delightful way.
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