GAME NIGHT WITH THE KIDS!

The Household Genie knows that an important part of taking care of children is to have fun and exciting things to do together with them. Having a “game night” has always been an important part of our household. It gives parents and kids a bonding opportunity that will be remembered for years to come. It doesn't require a lot of money that paying for tickets at the movies or zoo require. It doesn't even require gas money. Game night is an affordable and fun way of spending time with your children. A good night to set up a game night is on Friday or Saturday because the kids can stay up a little later since it is not a school night. Game night can be held with young children, as well as school age children. 

The best way to start game night is eating dinner together. After finishing dinner, as well as cleaning up the kitchen (so you are not thinking about having to do the clean up during game night), it is now time to start the fun!

Put out some healthy snacks, such as veggie sticks or fruit, that are easy to nibble on while playing. Turn off television and radio and be sure the area you are using is well lit. The kitchen table is my favorite place. It is easy and comfortable for everyone to reach the pieces of the game, it usually has a bright light over it, and there is room for drinks and snacks.

Some favorite games for younger children are Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, and even building toys, such as Legos or Tinker Toys. For older children, mystery games seem to be a favorite in our household, such as Clue or an older game called Mystery Mansion. Other favorites are Monopoly, Life, and Dominoes Mexican Train game.

If you start a regular pattern of having game night, the kids will get used to having it and will be asking you for it if you forget to plan it! A lot of times, one game is not enough for game night. Once you start playing and are “in the mode of game playing,” you may be asked by the kids to play the same game again or play a new second game.

Game night’s a great time for the kids to bring up things that happened in school or just talk about things that are happening. Just remember that even though times may be extremely hectic and busy, it is important to keep this game night date with your kids. It is something that all will remember!

A QUICK AND DELICIOUS DESSERT!

If you have been searching for a quick but delicious dessert to make, especially if you have guests coming over with little notice, The Household Genie has a recipe that is quick to whip up and only takes about an hour to chill. It is very easy, and although the preparation is so easy, it’s one dessert that nearly everyone loves and asks me for the recipe. It is a Jell-O brand pudding pie recipe. I make it with the flavors I love.

All you need is a prepared graham cracker crust, or you can make your own if you like, two packages of instant pudding mix, milk and whipped topping. I use Cool Whip.

The choice of the flavor of pudding is yours. My favorite is a mixture of one small packet of chocolate and another of chocolate fudge instant pudding. You can however, make coconut cream, vanilla, or any other flavor that you prefer.

I use the largest prepared graham cracker crust that I can find so that it will accommodate the two small packages of pudding. The crust sometimes says that it gives two extra servings.

I prepare the pudding packages according to the package instructions, using the “pie” instructions, rather than the pudding. I put the milk in the bowl first and then sprinkle in the pudding packets. Using a whisk, stir the pudding for two minutes. Then simply pour the prepared pudding into the graham cracker crust shell. Cover with the hard plastic see-through cover that is given with the crust, and refrigerate for one hour.

Take the pie out of the refrigerator after an hour, or until set, and top with the whipped topping. I usually use one-half to three-quarters of an eight-ounce container of Cool Whip. You can then top it off with chocolate or rainbow sprinkles, or chocolate shavings from your favorite solid chocolate candy bar. Use your imagination! For holidays, I top it off with colors associated with that holiday. Keep the pie refrigerated.

Here is a list of the ingredients:

Basic Chocolate Pudding Pie Recipe 

(Using Jello-O brand pudding and Ready Crust)

1 large prepared graham cracker crust

1 chocolate instant pudding (3.9 oz)

1 chocolate fudge instant pudding (3.9 oz)

2 ¾ cups of milk

Non-dairy whipped topping