Cooking with Children

Parents who love being in the kitchen have no problem thinking of ways to include children in the joys of cooking. But what about those of you who would rather go to the dentist than cook dinner? Cooking with children sounds like it requires time and energy that's already in short supply. If Rachael Ray can give you 30-minute meals, surely there are some easy 15-minute recipes for children to make.

With the promise of quick and easy kitchen experiences, you will give your children all the benefits of family cooking without any of the stress. Cooking with children is good for the brain - with more math and science than your average computer game. Cooking with children builds cooperation, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. Children who help in the kitchen make a tangible contribution to the family - something everyone can eat. And it's time together to talk, to listen, to be loved. Love is many things - one of which is licking chocolate off a wooden spoon?

Blender drinks are an easy way to get children started in the kitchen. Five minutes and the right ingredients are all you need.

Fruit Smoothie
1. 1 cup pineapple juice
2. 1 cup strawberry yoghurt
3. 1 cup banana, berries, pineapple or watermelon

Add food coloring to make a cooking adventure any time of day.

Painted Toast
1. white bread
2. food coloring (now available in neon colors!)
3. ½ cup of milk per color
4. pastry brushes (or Q-tips with supervision)
Simply add a little food coloring to individual cups of milk and paint designs, names, or words on white bread. Toast and ready to eat.

Green Eggs & Ham (or red or blue or purple)
1. eggs
2. splash of milk
3. a few drops of food coloring
4. bite-size pieces of your favorite ham
5. butter or nonstick cooking spray
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Melt butter or spray fry pan. Scramble and serve.

Mama Mia, making meatballs is better than playing with playdough. The Cooking Book by Laura Colker gives a great kid-happy meatball recipe. Or use your favorite family recipe. Let your child measure and squish. Roll and bake. Voila!

Or use those playdough cookie cutters to cut out your own "Gummy Chews". Susan Watson in Sugar-Free Toddlers says all you have to do is mix 3 cups juice with 5 packets of unflavored gelatin powder in a bowl and chill in an 8x8 pan until set. Cut out homemade gummy snacks in your own favorite shapes.

Or check out Kids in the Kitchen by Micah Pulleyn and Sarah Bracken for a yummy baked apple recipe. You'll have a perfect dessert and your house will smell good too.

For most children, cooking is not about the final product. Children love things they make because THEY made it. It may be that parents who are noncooks have an advantage over the gourmets. Celebrate the process. Skills will evolve with interest and with practice. Right now what matters is that your child is involved creating, experimenting, and having fun.

© Family Time Inc. 2006

Karen Deerwester is the owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, writing and lecturing on parenting and early childhood topics since 1984. Karen is also the Mommy & Me director at The Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton.