Kids in the Kitchen: Tips and Recipes

If you're like me, the thought of kids in the kitchen makes you cringe. Flour all over the floor, multiple bowls used, food wasted and a mess left for you to clean up. If you've read some of my blogs and articles with Simply Family Magazine, you probably know I'm an avid cook, occasional baker, and also a mother of two. My kids love being in the kitchen with me but it can be chaotic, ending with me being the one doing the cooking…I have a hard time sharing! However, my 10 year old daughter loves being in the kitchen and has become a great helper. This past fall she bought a Laura Ingles cookbook at a book fair and decided she wanted to make something from it.

Being her mother's daughter, she jumped in full force wanting to take on the task! Though the endeavor was a bit hard (pumpkin pie!) it was a wonderful time of growth not only for her to learn to cook and bake but a time for me to slow down, share and teach my daughter the ways of the kitchen.

Kids in the kitchen can be daunting, but if you step back and overlook the mess that will be made, you’ll realize the life skills you’ll be instilling in your kids.

Below are some great tips and easy recipe ideas to help nurture your child's passion.

Take it easy-

• You don't have to start with anything over the top - Buy a cake mix, muffin mix or whatever and start from there.
• If you can read you can bake or cook, help your child by going over the recipe and techniques involved.

Age appropriate-

• Every age has its abilities. It's a big task for a 5 year old to cookie cutter a PBJ but not so much for a 9 year old. Keep them interested, not overwhelmed.

Be involved-

• As parents we don't always have time, but take time! It honestly is what any kid (or any person for that matter) really wants from you- TIME! "Can you help me?", "How much do I measure?" etc. That doesn't mean do it for them but, be a guide and help.

Kid friendly recipes-

Fried Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

My daughter loves making these, Note: using a stove will need supervision

Ingredients-

• 1/4 cup sliced ham cut up
• 1/2 cup grated cheese of choice
• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions-

Heat frying pan on medium and add 1/2 tablespoon butter and fry ham, 3-4 minutes.

Once ham is fried transfer to a plate, add the other 1/2 tablespoons of butter and assemble quesadilla (sprinkling cheese, adding the ham) and cook until golden brown on both sides. Cut with a pizza cutter and serve with ranch.

Berry smoothie

My kids love making smoothies and watching it blend!

Ingredients-

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup frozen berries (strawberry, blueberry etc.)
• 1 banana
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein (optional)

Directions-

Place ingredients in blender and mix until fully blended.

Now go make some messes and get those kids in the kitchen!

About the author…Rebekah was born and raised in Washington and currently resides in Montana. She is a dance teacher, mother of two and creative soul. She enjoys cooking, baking and creating with fabric.