Disney_FamilyChannel What are YOU cooking for Thanksgiving? - Nov 16 add/view comments (0)

1. Use a tripod. You may think you have a steady hand, but your camcorder will exaggerate little things like breathing and slight body movements. Avoid the "funniest home video" look by putting your camcorder on a tripod—especially for any longer events you are recording, such as after-dinner sing-a-longs or recitals.
2. Set the scene: film good B-roll. Now that you're a director, you may as well shoot like a pro. Think of B-roll like taking traditional photos of the event that set up the video itself. Look for the shots that capture the festive mood of the occasion. For instance, film the tree sitting by itself before you film people opening presents.
3. Get creative. Make your holiday home movie more compelling with mini-interviews on topical subjects, such as the meal, favorite gifts or even something funny to spark some viewer interest. Or, set your favorite shots from the B-roll to a song for some variety.
4. Edit your video. Add unnecessary pieces of your video to the "holiday trimmings" box. If you don't want to watch it, chances are no one else will, either.
5. Get in front of the camera, too. Don't let your camcorder keep you from celebrating the holiday with your family and friends. Try to keep the camcorder off during meals and visiting time. Besides helping you stay balanced, it's important to remember that not everyone wants to be on camera.

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Plan a route through a familiar neighborhood or area well in advance. Check during daylight hours for obstacles like broken/no sidewalks or construction. Trick-or-treaters should never cut across lawns or driveways. Obstacles could exist that aren't readily visible in the evening. Meet with other parents beforehand if possible, so everyone is on the same page.

Review basic safety with your children before they leave the house. Make sure they know how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency-you may want to give them a battery-charged cell phone with your number programmed into it if they don't have one already.

Make sure kids' costumes and shoes fit properly and are comfortable. Avoid costumes that drag on the ground. Require proper-fitting shoes to be worn, preferably sneakers. Also, make sure a child,s mask allows full visibility and breathing, and slides easily up and down the face or head.

Every child should carry or wear something lit, such as a flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace, or flashing attire. You can also add reflective tape to their costumes for added visibility.

Only trick-or-treat at lit-up houses. Residents who do not wish to be bothered by trick-or-treaters often leave off their lights as a sign; respect their privacy.

Keep track of time and don't trick-or-treat after 9 p.m. This allows ample time for kids to trick-or-treat and have their fun. Hopefully by then the excitement of returning home to dig into candy/treats (pre-checked by you, of course) means the little ghouls will be tired of walking around, anyhow.

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1. Eating from around the world. Food is probably the number one way to open up new cultural experiences for your kids. If you like cooking, try making new dishes and invite your kids to help. Whether it's pizza, shish kebabs or Chinese stir-fry, immerse them in the experience by choosing the dishes together from a recipe book; shopping at international supermarkets for the ingredients; and stocking your kitchen with utensils and kitchenware from other places (such as woks, chopsticks, and more). Eating out? Take your kids to ethnic restaurants. Encourage them to try things they wouldn't ordinarily eat. Many times, restaurants with foods from other countries are filled with pictures and music from the owner's homeland. A trip to the local Indian or Ethiopian restaurant is sure to open up a myriad of sensations for your little ones.
2. Multi-culti media. Is Friday night movie night in your house? Why not try a foreign movie with subtitles? Your kids can check out the way kids in other countries live (not much differently from them!) They'll also get to see how other cities and towns in other countries look (via cars, buildings, and landscapes).
3. Cultural festivals. There are always cultural festivals to take your children to. Here, they'll get to hear music from another land, and eat native foods sold from the vendors. Song and dance will abound. They'll learn about clothing and traditional costumes from other countries. Plus, festivals are a great place for them (and you) to meet new friends.
4. Books. Read to them out of translated books from other countries. These books will contain artwork and stories about lives lived in far off lands. Hopefully, they'll pique your children's curiosity enough to travel more as adults.
5. The Internet. Google maps with your children. Let them point to a country, then look up information about that country. This is a simply fabulous way for your children to travel to other lands. Plus, they'll learn how to use the computer in the process, becoming cultural and tech-savvy all at once

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1. Before you leave: If you're going abroad, make sure all your passports are current. Consider leaving a copy of your itinerary, including contact numbers, with a friend and check in regularly. Check that you have had any necessary immunizations, that you have an adequate supply of all family medications and make a copy of all prescriptions to take along. Put together a first aid kit, including band-aids, lots of sun block, insect repellent and medicated ointment.
2. Safety on the road. Don't leave your children alone in the car. It's asking for trouble, and it's dangerous—in the summer, temperatures can rise to unhealthy levels inside a vehicle.
3. The cardinal rule(s). Have a talk with your kids to remind them about basic safety rules, such as not going off with strangers and staying close to you -all the things they know and practice at home. Pack a recent photo of your children in case of an emergency.
4. Safety gear: Will your vacation include bike riding? Then make sure you have your child's bike helmet. Additionally, consider packing lots of bright-colored clothes for them; they're easier to spot.
5. Rules for parents. Designate one parent to watch the children while the other deals with travel. It may sound obvious, but keep your children close at all times. This is especially important in busy places like airports, train stations and on the street. Don't let your children cross the street alone. They should hold a parent's or older sibling's hand.
6. At the beach. Kids love playing in the sand. But before you let them go at it, make sure they're well covered in sun block with a high SPF (one that doesn't dissolve in water), with hats for the younger ones. Carry bottled water with you, and be certain everyone drinks plenty to avoid dehydration. Baby wipes are always handy for sticky fingers. When they go in the water, one parent should accompany them, even if they can swim.

Most of this is common sense. Just abide by these rules, and your vacation will be a lot more relaxed and fun for the whole family.

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1. Decide on a type of garden. Vegetable or fruit, flower or herb? Meet as a family to decide what everyone is keen on growing. Then, do some internet research to find out more specifics on what each variety in your garden requires. Each member of the family will be responsible for their plant's development—and if it's a vegetable, what yummy dish it ends up in.
2. Once you've decided what you want to plant, map out the garden. For instance, the vegetable types you choose to grow will help determine the garden's size and shape. An herb garden will probably take up much less room vegetables will. Flowers will grow beautifully and abundantly in a decent-sized pot.
3. Decide where the garden will go (and grow). Again, the types of plants in the garden will help determine the location. Most vegetables require full sunlight, at least for part of the day. Some herbs need more shade than others, and flowers can be temperamental if they don't have the right amount of light.
4. Give everyone a job to do. Taking care of the garden will include planting, weeding, watering and picking. Learn the difference between a good plant and a bad one, or you may find you've left the weeds and pulled the vegetables.
5. Have tools on hand that even the smallest family member can use to help in the garden. (Of course, if they're very young, those tools may have to be plastic.) When the garden produce starts to come in, make sure everyone is there to lend a hand.

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1. Plan ahead. To avoid a big mess, have a plan. Choose a goal—gift for Grandma and Grandpa, for example—to get the kids motivated. Gather up materials and familiarize yourself with step-by-step instructions for the kids ahead of time. That way, you can patiently teach the kids how to craft instead of running round the house to find glue, glitter, scissors, or whatever else you need for the project.
2. Take cover. Designate a working area for the kids. Cover the table, countertop, or whatever other flat surface you have, with newspaper or butcher's paper. If the project includes paint, make sure you and your child have on appropriate clothing. You might also want to keep a wet rag handy just in case.
3. Be patient. Have patience with your little one while he or she is learning. Also, allow enough time to complete a project. Because the kids are just learning, you can assume that a project will take longer than the instructions say. You don't want to rush your little crafter, or he or she might start to think that crafting is stressful and not very fun at all.
4. Be willing to experiment. Like all good things in life, crafting requires an open mind. Just because you picked out what you think will be the perfect project for you and your child, doesn't mean you shouldn't let creativity take over. If your child wants to do something a little different or explore the project in a different way, let them. They might just develop a really cool technique and teach you something new.
5. Last but not least... have fun! Crafting with your kids is a really special time for both of you. You get to share something new with them—they get to make a mess (a small one) and have fun. Remember, crafting is the best when it's more about play than work.

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• 1 papaya, small
• 1 ripe but firm avocado
• 1 grapefruit
• 10 mint leaves, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Peel the papaya, halve, and scoop out the seeds. Dice into 1-inch cubes. Slice avocado lengthwise all the way around to the pit. Gently twist each side in an opposite direction to separate halves.

The pit should remain in one side. Slip a large spoon in between the skin and the meat and scoop out the flesh. Cut into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, peel and section the grapefruit letting the pieces fall into a bowl. (Reserve juice for the dressing.)

Add the papaya, avocado, and mint leaves; set aside. In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, grapefruit juice and honey. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently.

Serves 4-6

Click to download recipe card here

• 1/2 pound of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 4 cups milk
• 1 pound grated white cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup warm beer
• Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish

Preparations:

1. In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, cook the bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
2. Add the red onion, celery, and butter and saute until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after you add the milk.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer. If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.

What to drink: Although a hearty Canadian ale works, Jackson-Triggs Merlot, Okanagan Valley complements the rich flavors.

Click to download recipe card here