Cooking in exchange for massage?

You bet ya! This is an example of a good, old fashioned, exchange of services. Remember stories about how in "the olden days" the town doctor might be paid with a pig or a bucket of eggs or something?

Well, I've found myself in a situation where my older daughter needs some massage therapy on a fairly regular basis and a friend of mine, who has two young daughters, happens to be an awesome massage therapist. About every other week so far this summer, my daughters and I arrive at their doorstep (grocery bags filled with pots, pans and various and sundry ingredients) and then my older daughter and my friend go to her massage room for a session while her two daughters and my younger daughter and I retire to the kitchen for an hour cooking class.

My daughter accuses me of acting like I'm hosting a cooking show all the time. But I just can't help sharing my passion for cooking healthy, and whatever knowledge or skill I happen to have, with new cooks.

This particular week I had each of them choose a favorite dish. Stephanie chose meatballs (I taught them how to make lower fat spinach & sirloin baked meatballs.) Emma chose pizza (we made half whole wheat pizza crust with a bread machine and a totally rockin' homemade pizza sauce.) Lauren chose garlic cheesy bread (we made a healthier spread by blending some whipped butter with some extra virgin olive oil, spices, reduced fat cheddar and parmesan cheese!)

We had a ball! The girls can't seem to wait for their next lesson. Everyone wins with this little exchange. I surprised myself with how fun it was to spend some quality time with young people, making something fun, getting your hands dirty, and watching their amazement and enjoyment as they make, bake, and taste various food projects. And frankly, it was also nice to know I have something of direct value to offer a family...That's important since I'm fresh out of pigs.

~~Elaine

Related Topics: Moms Influence Teen Dieting, Weight, On the Teen Scene

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