Basic Tips for Cooking with Kids

July 21, 2008

Begin your child’s kitchen adventure with…wooden spoons, plastic or metal mixing bowls, wire whisk, kid’s cookbook, step stool, hot pads, plastic nesting measuring cups, and a child sized apron.

Safety first. Keep young children away from a hot stove, oven, sharp knives and cheese graters.

Allow even the youngest chef to pour the ingredients into a bowl; flour, sugar, eggs etc. Remember to turn the mixer off first.

Cracking eggs can be a challenge for little chefs. Allow them to practice a bit by cracking the eggs into a separate bowl at first. then you can remove any shells before adding the eggs to remaining ingredients.

Keep the recipes simple at first. No bake cookie recipes, fresh fruit salad, smoothies, dips and sandwiches are a great start.

Start with a cookbook that has illustrations to coincide with the instructions. This will develop your child’s to ability to follow sequential instructions.

Purchase, or make an apron that is solely for your little cook to wear.

Here are the cute aprons our girls have, complete with their monogram on the front.

Consider switching from glass measuring cups, mixing bowls and baking dishes, to plastic. They are easier/safer for kids to manage and you may feel more comfortable.

Pour on the praise, if the outcome isn’t exactly as expected.

Expect a mess…spills will happen. Take it in stride and simply use the opportunity to teach that clean-up is one aspect of cooking.

Now get in the kitchen with your kids and make some magic!