1. Safety - children need to understand the importance of safety. Teach small children to stay away from hot plates, sharp knives and other kitchen threats. Every child likes to pour milk and add flour, so take a couple more seconds to turn off the mixer and let them! Better yet, make the mix by hand whenever you can! This leads right into ...
2. Cootie Protection - Good hygiene is an important kitchen lesson to teach your children. Make sure they understand the importance of washing their hands often, sneezing from food, and using clean fabrics for dishes and cutting surfaces to avoid cross-contamination. If you do, they too!
3. The Simpler the Better - Kids love to dig with both hands. Choose recipes that are easy, hand-made cookies are a fun start that makes them participate.
4. Do not look at the clock. If the recipe says that it takes 20 minutes to prepare a count of 40 with the children in the kitchen. Plan accordingly and keep it fun. You and your child will have a much more pleasant experience if you are not in a hurry, and the extra time is well spent when you consider these priceless memories and life skills!
5. Relax and have fun - THERE WILL be funny shaped cakes, perhaps a few egg shells in the dough. Take everything to heart and often praise, even if it is not perfect. This is a great time to share your memories or even the secret of baking. Shhhhhh!
6. This is not only about the kitchen. The kitchen is a classroom for children. Learning to read and follow written instructions is a very important lesson. Use them to show them how the fractions work in the recipe, how many minutes per hour when the cake is baked, or the science in making a souffle rises, the educational possibilities are endless.
7. Why? - We all know that this is a child’s favorite question. Even if they do not ask about it, you can provide all the useful information. Explain why you need yeast in bread, how baking soda works in cakes and cookies, and the differences between similar items such as granulated sugar and confectionery. sugar. Give them the opportunity to see, touch and smell all the ingredients you use in the recipe.
8. Food safety. It is important to teach children how to care for food. Make children aware of the bacteria that can live for food if they are not properly treated. Remind them that hot food should be hot (over 140 ° F) and cold food cold (up to 40 ° F).
9. It is normal to use the mix. For young children, reduced attention may be required. Using a mix can take less time, leave less room for mistakes, and create confusion. Yes, this is one of those times when less can be more! Keep the mixture handy when time has an essence. So, if this is not done from scratch - a lot of time was spent all the same!
10. Cleaning - teach children that cleaning is part of the process. Do this as you go to maintain a safe and sanitary cooking zone. Remind them that no good chef leaves the kitchen until it is clean.
We hope that these useful tips will provide you with a recipe for a successful kitchen time with your little and dear ones!
