Cooking with Kids

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

While most people  (including myself) would prefer to sleep in on a Saturday morning, once a month, KG and I do something special. We cook breakfast for KJ and Daddy. Usually we don't get too fancy, but I do like to cook from scratch on those mornings.

Read more: Blueberry Muffin Mornings

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

One of my favorite things about Spring is the new flavors it blows on to the table.  The fresh delicious produce, the desire to try new foods or flavors, a new appreciation to taste seems to refresh anew in our home ever Spring.  We become hungry for more than just the foods we have survived on since the start of winter.

Read more: Fresh Flavors: Mango French Toast

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

Warm weather marks the beginning of Farmers’ Market season here in Kentucky and that brings with it a certain kind of joy.  Our family looks forward to the Farmers’ Market opening each year with great anticipation.  Not only does visiting the Farmers’ Market afford us the opportunity to see and try all the fresh produce, it offers a chance to teach my daughters about sustainability, our local agriculture, and the importance in eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Read more: Farmers' Market Offers Many Opportunities

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

As a parent, your main goal in life centers around keeping your family happy and healthy.  As I grow, I learn and one of the big things I'm learning is we put a lot of chemicals into our bodies. Oh, and cancer is prevalent in our society.  Personally, I draw correlations between the two and because of this my family has embarked on a new adventure.  We are delving into the realm of natural eating. However, we still live on a strict budget, and this isn't likely to change anytime soon.

Read more: Going Organic on a Budget

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

In our family, we regularly a have Family Sleepover Night that includes baking cookies, PJ's, watching movies, pizza and staying up way too late.  We always have such a great time, and it's a wonderful bonding experience for the girls.  I would encourage all parents to do something like Family Sleepover Night!

Read more: Baking Up Some Fun at Family Sleepover Night

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

Nutritious snacks don't have to be bland or boring.  With a little imagination, you can easily create delicious, nutritious snacks with your children.  While you and your child are making these snacks, try sharing with them how each of the parts of the snack work together in their bodies.

Read more: Nutritious Delicious Snacks

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

When cooking with kids, it is important to remember that specific child's likes and dislikes. If the child didn't like celery before you started cooking with them, then I wouldn't start with a recipe containing celery.  While I am a huge advocate of exposing children to new and different tastes, it is usually a good idea to being with foods they already enjoy before moving on to something different.  You can also try adding the "yuck" food to a meal your child really enjoys; this is a great way to introduce new foods and allow them to stay in their comfort zone.

Read more: Participation in Preparation Encourages Children to Try New Foods

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

When my daughter, KG, asked us if we, too, could attend the local "Wild Game Supper" held by our region's chapter of the "Sportsmen's Club",  I was all for the idea of opening her and KJ to new tastes.  It didn't dawn on me until later than I would have to partake in the "vittles" also. Oh, no. What have I agreed too?

Read more: Adventures at the Wild Game Supper

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

Get your children interested in cooking at a young age and they will always have a love for it.  Giving your child the opportunity to plan a meal from start to finish is sure to further expand their love and teach them all that is entailed in cooking for themselves and a family.

Read more: Meal Planning with Your Children

Tips and Advice - Cooking with Kids

Being in the kitchen with your children gives you the perfect opportunity to share life experiences, talk about issues that may be bothering you child, and can provide a safe place for them to share their fears.  Take this opportunity to learn more about your child and what is going on in his or her world.

Read more: Teachable moments in the Kitchen with Kids