Cooking with Chef Junior

Are you ready to cook with your kids?        

© Everything Family Guide

Before you begin, let's talk about the basics of cooking with kids...

Cooking with kids can be fun if you have a lot of patience. The key is to never get frustrated or yell out. I know its hard for some moms to allow that kind of authority in the kitchen, but it is necessary for your child to learn from you. Before you do any cooking, baking or food preparations, read the recipe together to gather your food contents and cooking utensils.

If you don't know where to begin or what to let your child do, then here are some ideas to teach/guide your child:

• Pouring - pour objects from a jar, bottle or measuring cup to a mixing bowl or vice versa with or without a funnel. 
• Mixing - mix contents (wet or dry) in a mixing bowl with a spatula, spoon, or whisk. 
• Measuring - it is important to identify and become familiar with/use measuring spoons, jars, cups, and bowls. Also, practice with filling the measuring tools with food content to empty it into a mixing or food prep bowl.  Understand that different ingredients require the use of different tools (i.e. use measuring jar for liquids, spoons for spices or flavor enhancers like vanilla). 
• Food prep - getting your ingredients ready according to the recipe is as equally important as the cooking part.  This aids in acquiring a delicious taste according to the recipe. 
• Washing - washing your hands before, after or during the recipe prep, is important to the maintenance of hygiene for self and others.  Also, it's important to thoroughly wash food related content (i.e. pots/pans, dishes, utensils, counter tops, fruits, vegetables, etc.) with water. 
• Cleanup - washing/cleanup of the dishes and the food prep area is another way of helping out in the kitchen.  
• Kitchen Safety - always supervise your child when they are using a knife/sharp utensil or handling anything SUPER hot. If possible, don't let kids under 10 use a knife or take anything out of an oven or off a stove. It's a job best left for the grown-ups! If your child insists let him/her practice cutting with a plastic disposable knife with serrated ends. Also, remember to use the back burner of a stove, to avoid any hot spill accidents. Finally, remind your child to always cook under adult supervision. 
• Setting the table/serving the meal - teaches the kids to appreciate and feel accomplished in serving a meal to someone. It's a great feeling!

© Everything Family Guide

Most importantly, learn to laugh, take risks and enjoy yourself with your family...

Annie