Cooking with Kids
- Posted on Aug 2, 2017
Yes, this can be a risky adventure, but a good one as well! Studies show that when kids help make a dish, they are more likely to eat it! So put them in charge of tearing greens/lettuce for the salad or breaking off florets of cauliflower or broccoli. Start small when you start cooking with your kids, short tasks or simple recipes are best. Kids usually like doing the “boring things” like mashing the potatoes, or spinning the salad. Try making a smoothie or shake with your kids, what kid doesn’t like to dump ingredients in a blender and watch it all come together in a delicious drink! Cooking is also a fun way to start traditions. My mom use to have all of us make Christmas cookies for our neighbors every year growing up, now I get to continue the tradition with my kids! Cooking is also a fun way to experience different cultures – this can be fun for a themed dinner or something to implement with older kids as they learn about different cultures in school.
Here are a few kid-friendly recipes to try:
– Yogi-Berries: Using a toothpick, dip your favorite berries in plain or vanilla Greek yogurt and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for an hour, then enjoy!
– Sleep-Over Oats: Mix one-cup rolled oats, with 1 cup milk (any kind), ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 2 tbsp chopped nuts, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips. Divide into 3 small mason jars and place in fridge over-night. Enjoy!
Sarah Caudle, PA-C