KIDS COOKING

By
admin
 – June 17, 2010Posted in: Jyl's Articles

Want to share some quality, fun–filled time with the kids but you’ve used up your repertoire of fun–filled, sharing time activities? TV is out and video games are off – what is there to do? How about some fun in the kitchen . . .cooking?! Planning, preparing and creating delicious healthy snacks and meals is rewarding to everyone! Not only is cooking fun, but you can incorporate the basics of science, math and sensory perception. Cooking becomes an exciting adventure as you learn to combine ingredients, measure portions (incorporating mathematical skills), and become aware of the smells, sounds, textures, and appearance of food. Spend time together, have fun, and enjoy the experience – make something good to eat and happy memories in one afternoon.


PARENTS TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THE KITCHEN:


BE PATIENT! Focus on the fun and forget the mess!


DON’T worry about the finished product being perfect – kids will feel a sense of
accomplishment just in seeing what they have created. Who cares about looks or
taste anyway?!!!


DISCOURAGE complicated, multi–level recipes that require accurate measurements and preparation skills. STICK WITH SIMPLE: scrambled eggs, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, English muffin or pita pizzas, pasta dishes, health drinks, and more.


Give children a sense of RESPONSIBILITY. Let them know you trust their culinary expertise (as minimal as it may be!). Encourage creativity and praise their efforts! Make cooking a positive experience!


EMPHASIZE CLEANLINESS! Teach children about germs and bacteria that can affect food without proper food handling methods.


DON’T SAY “NO” to knives. This will only make the temptation and fascination greater. Teach children to hold knives properly and start by chopping soft foods with a serrated plastic knife.


READ THE RECIPE with your children before they start.


ENCOURAGE HEALTHY alternatives to sugar–filled treats.

SET UP
the cooking project on a baking sheet or spread an old sheet under the work
area.


COVER kids with extra–large t–shirts or aprons so YOU don’t have to worry about ruining good clothes.


INCLUDE kids in PLANNING and SHOPPING process when possible. have kids contribute ideas to weekly menu plans and grocery shopping list.


ENCOURAGE SHARING in all aspects of cooking . . .that includes CLEANING UP!


DON’T get hung up on the mess or cooking will soon become a chore rather than a fun activity.


STICK WITH AGE APPROPRIATE SKILLS – stirring and scrubbing for 3–6 year old; measuring, beating, and cutting soft foods for 6–8 year old; oven usage, cut with supervision, and grate cheese or vegetables for 10–12 year old; and multiple ingredient recipe preparation for 13– 16 year old.


KITCHEN RULES FOR KIDS

Before You Start:
* Put on your apron and cover up for comfort!
* Wash your hands with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly!
* Pick a recipe and READ the entire recipe before you start!
* Gather all your ingredients and utensils. Put everything in order and put ingredients or
utensils away as you use them. When everything is gone, your recipe is complete!

The 10 BIG NEVER–DO For Kitchen Safety:

* NEVER keep paper towels, dishtowels, or potholders by the stove or any heating
appliance!
* NEVER turn pot handles to the front. ALWAYS keep pot handles faced to the back
to avoid accidental “knock–overs.”
* NEVER pick up a hot pan with your bare hands. ALWAYS use a pot holder!
* NEVER put butter or oil on a burn. ALWAYS tell an adult if you burn yourself.
* NEVER put electrical appliances by water!
* NEVER touch an electrical outlet with wet hands.
* NEVER add water to a dish that has oil in it.
* NEVER use sharp knives or other tools without parental supervision or assistance.
* NEVER put knives or other sharp objects into a full sink.
* NEVER put cooked food on the same plate, tray or cutting board as raw food. Bacteria
and germs can easily contaminate the cooked food.
GET READY . . . LET’S COOK
* Take it one step at a time. Do not skip steps.
* If you don’t understand a cooking term or instruction, ask for HELP! Become familiar
with cooking terms such as; beat, blend, boil, chill, chop, crumble, crush, mash, puree, stir,
and thaw.
* Ask adults for help anytime you need to boil, microwave, bake, or cut with sharp knives.
* Use the appropriate measuring tools and pans.
* Follow the time guidelines for cooking.
* Clean up as you cook and save time! Soak utensils in warm, soapy water while you
complete your recipe.*
* When you finish cooking, check all the appliances to be sure they are properly turned off
and put away.
* ALWAYS LEAVE A CLEAN KITCHEN! You will certainly be invited back for more
fun–filled cooking adventures!
* HAVE FUN! BE CREATIVE! ENJOY YOUR TIME TOGETHER!