Our cooking journey started on Julian’s 3rd birthday. It was the coldest day of the year and we were snowed in. As luck would have it, we had all the ingredients needed to make a homemade birthday cake. As I prepared to make the cake, I heard four simple words: "I can do it." My little one wanted to make his own cake. My first thought was to say, “No, let mommy do it.” It’s so easy to say “no.” It would be a lot easier and faster if I did it. Plus, I would have to clean the big mess, right? However, I quickly realized that kids can rise to the occasion once given a chance. So with the assistance of a step stool and a little help from mommy, my budding chef did a great job making his cake. And regarding clean up...well, he did that too. He was beaming with such a sense of pride and confidence that I had never seen before.
1) A Step Stool (of course): Finding a small, non-slip step stool is essential to empowering kids to be more independent cooks. The simple act of being able to comfortably reach and see the food they prepare goes a long way in building their confidence in the kitchen.
2) Starter Knife Set: We are big fans of giving kids knives at an early age. The key is teaching proper knife safety skills. But if kids using a knife still makes you too nervous, there are alternatives that make cutting easier for kids.
3) Spring Whisk: We use this tool ALL the time, particularly when mixing or whisking liquid ingredients. We like to find and suggest cooking tools that make certain cooking tasks easier for kids. The fun part about the spring whisk is that it uses an up-and-down bouncing motion to whisk, which is so much easier and more fun for kids vs. the fast wrist twist of traditional whisking (which can be difficult for some kids).
The best part about cooking together is that I have seen his sense of maturity and responsibility grow. I truly believe that cooking can build confidence and leadership in kids, and show us a side of them we would have never seen otherwise. While we love to share kid-friendly recipes, the true goal of The Step Stool Chef is to build independence, leadership, and confidence for all kids.
One of our favorite fool-proof meals is Berrylicious French Toast Casserole. What’s great about this recipe is that kids can have their very own signature breakfast dish that will definitely please a crowd. Kids can prepare it before bedtime then let it sit in the fridge overnight in time for breakfast in the morning. Julian has made this recipe dozens of times and is now a French Toast Casserole aficionado. We have found a few tips and tricks to make it fun for kids and easy for parents.
I love nothing more than a make-ahead breakfast. It's the perfect way to help make the morning rush easier and a great alternative to cereal. And the only thing better than a make-ahead breakfast is a make-ahead breakfast that your kids can make by themselves!
Each lesson in the course includes a 5-minute instructional video, a hands-on activity, a kid-friendly recipe, and a parent’s guide with a shopping list. The best part is that it’s led by kids for kids and it allows kids and parents to work together in the comfort of their own home at their own pace.
Here are the frontrunners and favorites that work for parents and kids alike!
Pizza Burgers? Yes, please and thank you. Now, you never have to choose when deciding between these two family favorites. Plus, made with ground turkey, a homemade pizza sauce, and mini whole-grain buns, you can get all the flavor without the guilt.
This Strawberry Salsa with Cinnamon Pita Chips is super easy and super delicious. It makes for a healthy snack, the perfect midday summer treat or lunch box favorite.
The only thing we love more than apples is a great apple recipe. This Dutch Apple Crisp recipe is quick, delicious, and easy as pie!
