A Recipe for Success – Cooking With Kids

During the holiday season it’s most likely that you’ll be entertaining more than usual, and with that comes more cooking – holiday cookies, pot luck suppers, and more. Getting kids involved with meal preparation is a great way to spend time together while teaching lessons about measuring, following directions and nutrition. It’s important when cooking with kids to keep a few guidelines in mind:

• Maintain a kid-work area free of sharp knives and hot appliances.
• Wash, wash, wash!  Be sure kids understand the importance of washing their hands frequently during meal prep to eliminate cross contamination. Keep them away from raw meat and eggs due to the risk of salmonella.
• Assign age appropriate tasks. Tearing lettuce leaves for a salad and pouring water into a mixing bowl are great tasks for little ones. Older children can get more involved by stirring sauces or making cookie dough.
• Carefully monitor the use of electrical appliances such as blenders, electric mixers, and food processors not only for sharp blades but potential shock or burn.
• Have siblings take turns helping. Your full attention should be focused on the child who’s cooking. Do not allow yourself to be distracted – accidents can happen in seconds!
• A fire extinguisher should be close by in case of fire and emergency numbers should be posted on the refrigerator for easy access.