Kitchens, with the myriad of potential dangers lurking, aren’t thought of as the most kid-friendly environments: knives, hot oil, bare burners, high shelves...But instead of relegating kids to the living room every night, try introducing them to the cooking process with fun, easy tasks for them, and worry-free help for you!
Next time you go to the market, have a chat with your child beforehand. Have them brainstorm their favorite eats, and then plan a dish you can cook together. Write out a list of everything you’ll need. At the market, explain how to pick out the best produce or meats.
Break the dish down into steps, and have your kid do as many steps as possible. For example, make enchiladas and have them mix and wrap the filling. You can do the chopping until you’re comfortable with them handling knives, and check out kid-friendly knives, too!
Have your child arrange the plates as they see fit. Encourage different shapes, faces, and ways to layer the elements of the dish.
Serving can be as exciting as the actual preparation, especially since your child is likely to be proud of what they’ve created. Have them bring the plates to the table and finish with an explanation of the dish and a dramatic flourish, like a bow!
For tried and true recipes friendly both for the palate and for any age range, give some of these a try!
These Taco Buddies are a fun twist on a family favorite.
No raw fish required. Here's how to make an American-style Bento Box with "mock maki" by using sandwich ingredients!
Gooey, salty, crispy, and buttery, the classic grilled cheese is loved by kids of all ages. Butter is the key to achieving the perfect brown, crispy exterior. This simple grilled cheese is served with homemade pickled cucumbers.
Making Rice Krispies Treats is a fun way to get your little ones in the kitchen preparing their own dessert!
