Image by Sifu Renka via Flickr
Are you saying, “but it takes too long to work with my kids in the kitchen”, or “it’s too messy when they help me”? In her book, Cooking Around the Calendar with Kids: Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun, Amy Houts says that with a little planning and imagination, you can make holiday baking stress-free and enjoyable. The part children will remember is that they were able to “help” you in the kitchen.
Some points to remember when working with children:
- Read through the recipe completely from top to bottom. Talk about the recipe. Explain what you will do and what the child will do. Know what needs to be done first, second, and so on.
- Emphasize hand washing. Be a role model for your child. Practice food safety.
- Collect all of the ingredients and tools that you need before you begin.
- Measure everything carefully.
- Clean up as you go.
Using this strategy, will help make cookie baking or any food work much more pleasant and enjoyable.
To your cooking enjoyment,
Lee Jackson, food writer
