Cooking with kids
If you’re looking for a way to bond with the kids, why not let them join you in the kitchen for some simple cooking and baking activities? While it’s true that the kitchen contains many potential danger spots for children, cooking some basic recipes together can be both fun and educational. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re cooking with kids.
Choosing Age Appropriate Projects
One of the first steps to making a cooking venture with kids successful is choosing a project that’s appropriate for their age. Toddlers and preschoolers might enjoy decorating cookies, while primary school children may be able to take on tougher tasks, such as helping you mix and measure ingredients. Once your kids reach secondary school, they’re old enough to be trusted at the stove or oven with a little supervision on your part.
Organising Projects Ahead of Time
The worst time to let your children tag in on the cooking duties is when you’re short on time or are making a meal for the entire family. Instead, plan to set aside a special time for cooking with your kids, making sure to have all the necessary ingredients, utensils, and equipment out before you call them into the kitchen.
Staying Safe
Childproof your kitchen even before cooking time begins. Keep sharp utensils and dangerous equipment out of reach of children, and don’t leave a switched on stove or preheated oven unsupervised at any time—you never know when the little one will dash away from you in the preparatory stages. If your child is old enough to help with the blending or cutting, demonstrate the proper use of equipment before you let them take control. Use potholders or oven mitts when removing items from the oven, and make sure to keep pot and pan handles facing inward when you have items on the stove. Last but certainly not least, never let your children eat raw or uncooked foods—and yes, that includes cookie dough!
Simple Cupcake Recipe
Now that you’ve got the basic kitchen safety practices down, it’s time to try a simple recipe with the kids. Cupcakes will go over big with your little sweet tooths, and they’re fun to decorate when they’re out of the oven. Here’s what you’ll need for a tasty vanilla cupcake (serves 12):
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g caster sugar
- 125g self-raising flour
- 2 medium eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
- 12-hole muffin tin lined with paper cases
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C.
- Beat butter in bowl until softened. Add sugar, flour, salt, eggs, and milk and whisk until smooth.
- Divide mixture between all paper cases.
- Bake cupcakes for about 20 minutes, or until the skewer comes out clean.
- Remove from oven. Let cupcakes cool before icing.
For the chocolate frosting:
- 100g of plain chocolate
- Candies for decoration
Directions:
- Melt chocolate in microwave at 30-second intervals.
- When melted, drizzle over cupcakes and let your children top them off with their favourite candies—M&Ms, jelly sweets, smarties, etc.
Cleaning Up
Of course, cleaning up is an essential cooking component you should teach your children as well. Have them help you wipe down the counters and load the dishwasher, then give them a gold star for their efforts.
