Other pages related to Cookin' With Kids: 

Children love to watch and help in the preparation of the family food ~ especially when it includes the opportunity to mix ingredients and sample the goodies before they reach the table!

By keeping techniques simple and safety conscious, you can tempt children to try a wide range of different and healthy foods.  Make the experience fun and informative...teach them how to prepare before they begin cooking,  and most importantly hygiene and  safety in the kitchen.

The older child might have fun with some cookery words and their meanings.  Introduce the older child to the equipment in the kitchen and teach them what each piece of equipment does...and how to handle the equipment safely.

Here are some great recipes for kids to create in the kitchen.  Some are quite simple and others require a bit more concentration.  Let the kids get their hands in and get as mucky as they want! 
 

• Choose the recipe, or let the kids choose from a selected list! 
• Kids love to shop - take them with you when you shop for the ingredients for the chosen recipe. 
• Read through the recipe with the kids, from start to finish.  This will give them a clear idea of what they are to do and in what order.
• Wash and dry all sets of hands!  Supply an apron for each child - plastic ones are ideal!
• Tell the kids that it is very important that the kitchen surfaces are clean and tidy.
• Ask the kids to help you sort and weigh all the ingredients.

It's never too early to teach the importance of cleanliness in the kitchen.  When cooking and handling food, 
the children should be told to:

• Always wash their hands before they handle food and keep washing them now and then while cooking, to keep them as clean as possible.
• Wear a clean apron...and tie long hair back.
• A clean damp cloth should be handy to wipe up minor spills...rinse the cloth after each use.
• Try to tidy up as you go.
• Wash the chopping board each and every time you use if for a new ingredient.
• Always wash fruit and vegetables before using them and clear away any peelings.
• Having a garbage can nearby will help keep the clean up easier as you cook.

 Safety in the kitchen should be the number one priority.  Here are some ideas to discuss with the children before they begin to cook:

• Always ask a grown-up to light/turn on the stove top - never do it yourself.
• Go slowly and carefully in the kitchen - rushing around can cause accidents.
• Always use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot things.  Better, ask an adult to do it for you.
• Never leave the kitchen when something is cooking - you never know what might happen!
• Make sure to turn saucepan/fry pan handles to the sides when on the stove. 
• Never touch electrical equipment, plugs, sockets or switches when your hands are wet.  You might get an electric shock.
• Stand away from frying food or boiling water.  Ask for a grown-up help for this.
• If anything is spilled on the floor when cooking - always clean it up immediately to prevent slipping.
• Place hot pots on heatproof mat or trivet to protect table or counter area.