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Cooking with Kids Is Fun and Educational

By Elisa Ast All

Is it just me, or does it seem like kids sense when you're in the middle of something, then decide that's when they need your attention the most desperately? In my house, that time of day seems to be when I'm frantically trying to whip up dinner. Without fail, just as I start cutting chicken, cracking eggs or kneading dough, CJ has to show me how fast his car can go or Julianna needs juice or Cassie cries to be held. They intuitively know that I'll drop everything, wash my hands and re-focus my attention. It's a master plan, and they wait until I am completely involved before they attack.

So I developed a way to foil their plot: I get them involved! Busy little hands making their own dinner is the best way to ensure peace while cooking, and harmony while eating. I've found that kids are more likely to eat a nutritious dinner – and try new foods! – if they helped make it.

Cooking together is a great way to introduce new concepts or teach simple lessons to your children. The kitchen is a wonderful classroom! As you prepare dinner, ask questions: What color is a tomato? What shape is a melon? While you're at it, make sure to teach safety and cleanliness. After washing hands, show them how to wear oven mitts and the proper way to hold utensils. Of course, cleaning up is part of cooking! Lucky for me, my kids find the broom lots of fun.

Having children create a wonderful meal does more than keep the peace – it builds self esteem. The pride on young faces when they say, "Look what I made!" is well worth the extra time it takes to cook with them and clean up afterward. Try new things with your kids, like chorizo and papaya, or get back to basics, like grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas to make each night a dining adventure!

1 tube of refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Hungry Jack buttermilk biscuits)
1 jar of pizza sauce
1 bag (8 oz.) of shredded mozzarella cheese
Assorted vegetables, cut up (mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, spinach)

Give each child a biscuit to work with as her own pizza dough. Show kids how to knead and press it until it is thinned out. Let them spoon on the pizza sauce, spread on the cheese and sprinkle the vegetables. Repeat until all biscuits are mini pizzas. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 about 10 to 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Loaf of bread
Assorted deli meats and cheeses
Lettuce
Tomato
Mustard, mayonnaise, Italian dressing

Spread out ingredients and allow each child to create his own sandwich. They can spread the condiment of their choice, select meats and cheeses and vegetables. When completed, warm in a pan or microwave if desired. Slice and serve with fruit garnish. To have even more fun, cut out shapes in the sandwiches using cookie cutters.

2 envelopes Italian salad dressing mix
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 flank steak, about 1 pound

Combine oil and dressing mix in plastic resealable bag. Add steak and shake to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Grill or broil until desired doneness. Serve with potatoes and salad.

2 cups unsweetened orange juice
1/2 cup whole frozen strawberries
1 banana, sliced
4 ice cubes

Blend everything until smooth. Makes about 4 servings.

1 cup frozen strawberries, bananas or peaches
1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon frozen apple juice concentrate

Blend everything until smooth. Makes 1 serving.

For more fun and easy recipes, visit RecipesToday.com.