Do you remember the first recipe you ever prepared. Or, the first time you baked and decorated a cake? I do, and my love for cooking has never dwindled. It began, with my first illustrated children's cookbook. At only eight years old, the clear step-by-step instructions and simple recipes,
helped me become independent in the kitchen.
At least I remember it that way, my "big sisters" might beg to differ.
Children can begin "helping" you in the kitchen at a very young age.
Collecting ingredients, cracking eggs, pouring flour, stirring and mixing.
Providing valuable time together, as well as an opportunity for
teachable moments; learning to follow directions, basic math skills, cleaning up, nutrition and heck...it's just plain fun!
Baking and basic food preparation is the easiest way to start. Making faces with fruit and vegetables, whipping up an easy batch of smoothies, or simply decorating a batch of cupcakes that you made with a mix. It doesn't take a lot of effort or skill, but what a memory maker!
BASIC TIPS FOR COOKING WITH KIDS
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. See the recipes below.
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.
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.
*reposted from Amazingmoms.com*
Tips for cooking for kids
