Cooking with Kids: A Survival Guide for Working Parents
Maria Rix 
Kitchen fun with our little ones is a rewarding experience for parents, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together. Cooking with children can also be a great learning opportunity to teach them about nutrition, measurements, and following directions. But where do we start? It can be tough to decide on the best recipes to ease our kids into the kitchen. There are a few key elements we should look out for. A good starter recipe should be fun, easy, and above all, safe. So, put on your aprons and let’s explore some delicious, kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for eager little chefs!
Choosing the Right Recipe: What to Consider
When it comes to choosing the right recipe for children to start with, there are a few things to consider. Here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect recipe:
1. Keep it simple: Choose recipes with just a few ingredients and simple steps. This will make it easier for children to follow along and feel successful in the kitchen.
2. Choose age-appropriate recipes: Consider the age and skill level of your child when selecting recipes. Younger children may do better with recipes that involve mixing or stirring, while older children may be ready for recipes that require more chopping or measuring.
3. Consider your child's preferences: Try to select recipes that your child will actually be interested in making and eating. If your child loves pizza, try making homemade mini pizzas together.
4. Safety first: Consider the safety of your child when selecting recipes. Avoid recipes that involve sharp knives or hot stovetops until your child is ready and able to handle them safely.
5. Have fun: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of cooking with your child. Don't worry too much about the end result – it's all about the experience!
By keeping these elements in mind, you'll be able to find the perfect recipe for your child to start with. Remember, cooking with your child is not only a fun activity, but also a great way to teach them important life skills, such as responsibility, hygiene, and teamwork. So, get in the kitchen and start cooking!
Let's Get Cooking!
Now that we know what makes a good recipe for children to start with, let's get cooking! Here are some of my favourite fun and easy recipes to try out with your little ones:
1. Fruit Salad - Fruit salad is a great recipe to start with because it's simple and healthy. You can use any combination of fruits that your child likes, and they can help you chop and mix everything together. It's a great way to get them excited about eating fruit!
2. Homemade Pizza - Making homemade pizza is always a hit with kids. You can buy pre-made pizza dough or make your own, and then let your child choose their own toppings. They'll love getting creative with their pizza and seeing their finished product come out of the oven.
3. Pancakes - Pancakes are another easy recipe to start with. You can buy a pre-made mix or make your own from scratch. Let your child help you mix everything together and then flip the pancakes on the griddle. They'll love seeing their pancakes stack up and then adding their favourite toppings.
4. Pita Pizzas - Pita pizzas are a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. You can use whole grain pita bread as the crust and then add tomato sauce, cheese, and any toppings your child likes. They can help you assemble the pizzas and then watch them cook in the oven.
5. Smoothies - Smoothies are a great way to get your child excited about eating fruits and vegetables. You can use any combination of ingredients that your child likes, and they can help you blend everything together. It's a fun way to experiment with different flavours and see what works best.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your child take the lead. They'll love being involved in the cooking process and seeing their finished product come to life. Happy cooking!"
Get Creative with Presentation
Children love to play with their food, so why not let them have some fun with presentation? Encourage them to make fun shapes with their food using cookie cutters, or to arrange ingredients in interesting patterns on their plate. This will not only make the cooking experience more enjoyable for them, but it will also make the food more appealing and exciting to eat.
You can also get creative with the presentation of the ingredients themselves. For example, if you are making a fruit salad, you could present the fruit in a fun and colourful way by arranging it in a rainbow pattern. Or, if you are making a sandwich, you could use different types of bread and cut it into interesting shapes to make it more visually appealing.
Involving children in the presentation of their food can also help to encourage them to try new things. If they are hesitant to try a new vegetable, for example, you could encourage them to arrange it on their plate in a fun and creative way. This may make the vegetable seem more approachable and less intimidating.
In summary, getting creative with presentation is a great way to make cooking more enjoyable for children and to encourage them to try new things. So let their imaginations run wild and have fun playing with your food!
Ready to whip up some tasty treats with your little ones? Join my online baking club, The Bakers dozen! I've got all the recipes and cookalong videos you need to become baking pros, no matter how busy your schedule might be. Trust me, I know how hard it can be to juggle work and family time - that's why I created this club just for you. So why not give it a try? Who knows, you might even become the next star baker! Head to The Bakers dozen website now and let's get cooking!
In conclusion, the key to a great recipe for children starting out in the kitchen is simplicity, creativity and fun. Choose recipes that are easy to follow and involve minimal steps. Allow your child to exercise their creative side by experimenting with different flavours and ingredients. Most importantly, make sure the experience in the kitchen is a fun one. Don't worry about making a mess or a perfect end result. Embrace the chaos and let your child enjoy the process of cooking. Who knows, you both may be surprised with what delicious creations can come out of the kitchen when the focus is on having fun!
Categories: Baking with children