Cooking With Your Kids

My kids like to cook. Usually their version of cooking looks like this: On Saturday mornings they run into the kitchen and watch me make waffles. While I'd like to think it's a function of them wanting to spend time with me or wanting to know how food is made, I know the truth, they're jockeying for position.

Recently though, the kids graduated to actually making food. This development is good for a couple reasons. First, we've all heard stories about first graders not being able to recognize fruits and veggies. Getting them in the kitchen can help them avoid embarrassement by pop quizzing celebrity chefs. Second, cooking is a good life skill to learn. Third, it's a great way for kids to increase their independence.

Now, I don't have a lot of advice or wisdom when it comes to teaching kids how to cook. I hold no degree from culinary school. But I have discovered some rather important things so far:

1. The simpler the recipe, the better.
2. The fewer ingredients, the better.
3. The fewer dishes that get dirty, the better.
 
So with that in mind, here are three recipes that are great to get kids started in the kitchen.

Brown Bag Popcorn

They'll need:
1 paper lunch bag
1/4 cup popcorn
1 Tablespoon butter
Salt or Cinnamon and Sugar

Here's what they do:
Place the ingredients in the lunch bag. Fold the bag down several times, just like you would if you were packing a lunch. Place the bag in the microwave. Cook at high for two to three minutes until the popping slows. Don't wait until the kernels stop popping completely. By then it starts to burn. Microwave times may vary.

Simple Hot Fudge

They'll need:
6 ounces chocolate
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Here's what they do:
Place the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted.

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups Buttermilk Pancake Mix (get the one that says complete on the box)
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/4 cup milk or water
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup canned pumpkin

Combine ingredients. Heat griddle to medium high and coat with non-stick spray. Cook pancakes about 2 minutes per side.

Bon Appetite!