Kids in the Kitchen

*This article first appeared on the General Mills Box Tops 4 Education Web site in December 2008.

Welcome little helpers to cook up big rewards

Just because cooking is necessary doesn’t mean it has to be a chore. Using these simple guidelines, add your kids to the mix and whip up memories that will linger long after the last bite is gone.

Happy baking
Happy helpers in the kitchen are the first ingredient for great recipes. For best results, says Scottsdale, Arizona-based Jyl Steinback, author of 15 cookbooks:
• Plan cooking time when kids are rested.
• Have a steady chair or stool nearby so kids can work at your level.
• Break jobs down into simple, one-step tasks.
• Expect a mess!
• Remember to supervise tasks to avoid injuries. Keep kids away from the open flame and hot surfaces and offer safer tools (use plastic serrated knives for cutting soft fruits and vegetables).

Jobs for little hands
Give manageable jobs to little hands and watch the pride. According to Steinback:
4–5 year-olds can:
• Measure and pour ingredients (good for teaching fractions and addition)
• Mix, blend and stir
• Break eggs
• Roll, knead and shape dough (great for motor skills)
• Spread icing and add decorations to baked goods (a natural art project)
• Peel bananas and oranges and cut soft fruit with a plastic knife

6–7 year-olds can also:
• Read simple recipes and break down directions (excellent for language skills)
• Use electric mixers, blenders and other small appliances
• Locate and assemble ingredients and equipment
• Set timers

“You must conjure up a bit of patience, understanding and mess-tolerance, but the rewards are beyond measure,” says Steinback. “Don’t worry about the finished product—you’re establishing valuable traditions that will last a lifetime!”