Cooking with Kids
There is no doubt that kids love to cook and create in the kitchen. We can't think of a more fun way to have a great time and make some great food, too!
Emeril Lagasse and many other celebrity chefs are passionate about getting kids in the kitchen, as it gives kids such an incredible feeling of accomplishment.
So, if you're ready to get in the kitchen with your kids, here are some simple tips for teaching them the basics and giving them skills that will last a lifetime.
First things first and that is safety. Any young child that has to stand on a stool or chair in order to reac the stove is too young to work at the stove, but can definitely help by setting and clearing the table, gather ingredients, help with stirring, mixing and adding ingredients.
For older kids who are ready to use the stove, set rules about handling knives and other sharp instruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. One idea is to start off by making some fun treats that do not require use of the stove.
Cooking with kids should be fun and relaxing, and keep in mind that "stuff" happens. Learning to cook should be fun, and while there are certain responsibilities that go along with it, such as cleaning up, if your kids are not having fun, then it's time to rethink how you are approaching it with them.
It's important to start with the basics, show your kids what the different utensils are used for and the right way to use them.
If you're making savory dishes, now is a great time to teach them about herbs and spices and using the right ingredients. If you're baking sweets and desserts, kids can learn about different types of flavorings and the differences between wet and dry mixing, too.
Cooking is a great way to learn fractions and chemistry (think Alton Brown), and your kids might not even realize they're learning while they're having fun!
