Cooking With Kids
The creative side of cooking is very appealing to kids and it really is fun to see them express themselves. You might not put the M&M’s just the same way on the cake, but who cares? It is a time to relax about the potential mess and whether or not the food comes out perfectly. You are not running a restaurant, you are creating family bonds. You might suddenly learn about last week’s challenges at school. Would you trade that in for a take-out meal? Take photos. Make it festive! Think of this as quality time and the ending result is not only a meal, but memories that are irreplaceable. Studies show that kids who cook are better eaters, meaning that they are more aware of the quality of ingredients, and what they are putting into their bodies.
Every family is different and cooking projects will vary.
For instance, are the parents, grandparents, or siblings cooks? If family members are skilled they can pass this on to the kids. If family members are beginners, the whole family can learn together. A good place to start is with a knife skills class. A sharp knife is actually safer than a dull one. There are colorful, plastic utility knives on the market that are great for kids to use with supervision. Or focus on simpler chores like proper ways to measure ingredients and the value of tearing lettuce rather than cutting it (it stays fresh and green longer). Let older kids help their younger siblings. Kitchen equipment can be intriguing to kids. One piece that comes to mind is a salad spinner. It not only gets salad greens and herbs nice and dry so they last longer, but it’s a fun task to perform.
Check out Cooking With Kids on Stress Free TV Youtube!
What can you gain from cooking?
Appreciation for food and where it comes from
Better eating habits
Nutritional advantage
Time Management
Logical thinking
Sense of accomplishment
Quality family time
Save money on expensive take out
Great photo-ops
Kids will open up and talk to you
Self-sufficiency
Tips for beginning a family cooking project:
Read the recipes thoroughly to make sure you have all the ingredients
Read the recipes thoroughly to make sure you understand all the cooking terms and techniques
Do all prep which includes washing, chopping, measuring, defrosting, bringing items to room temperature before turning on a mixer, food processor or stove
Pick simple recipes until you know how things will go
Relax
Have a camera ready for priceless photos
Young Kids chores:
Wash & Dry Produce (use salad spinner if available)
Measure ingredients with plastic or metal measuring cups and measuring spoons
Mix salad dressings
Set the table, arrange flowers, fold napkins – let them be creative!
Wash dishes – they love to play in water!
Older kids:
Slice and dice
Marinate meats and veggies
Follow recipes by themselves and ask questions as needed
Mix cake and cookie batters
Cooking on the stove top or grill as you feel appropriate