SPRING GATHERINGS: Kids in the Kitchen

"Dried strawberries give a naturally pink hue to homemade marshmallows; cut the marshmallows with a rabbit-shaped cookie cutter for fun Easter Bunny treats."

—SAVEUR

"Want to raise health-conscious kids? Explain to your children why you purchase (and don’t purchase!) certain foods."

—Kiwi magazine

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"Offer homemade snacks like strawberry-vanilla fruit leather, mini graham crackers, almond butter granola bars, or some cocoa puffed rice snacks."

—Aida Mollenkamp, Keys to the Kitchen

"Have your kids weigh in on some flavors and food combos they enjoy most. It’s the key to preparing a kid-friendly party spread!"

—Allison Burch, Whole Story

Before the Cooking Begins

Get organized and get talking. Small fry can be a part of menu planning and grocery shopping!

• Talk it out. When planning family meals, let kids pick ingredients and flavors where possible.
• Get organized. Cut out recipes from magazines or print a few from our recipe collection and let kids choose what to cook — then write up shopping list.
• Keep track. Have the kids keep track of the grocery list and help cross off items as you go through the store.

Little Kid Can-Dos

Wee little ones can help prepare family meals as long as they have simple tasks and supervision.

• Tear lettuce leaves and place in salad spinner or colander
• Rinse vegetables in a large bowl of cold water
• Snap asparagus stalks to break off the stem end
• Remove herbs from stems such as fresh thyme, rosemary or basil
• Press buttons for blender or food processor

Bigger Kid Can-Dos

Older kids can graduate to more challenging tasks and tools while still under mom or dad’s watchful eye.

• Peel hard-boiled eggs. To make the task easier on them, put eggs from the pot into a bowl of ice water for a few minutes before peeling.
• Measure ingredients. Spoon and level dry ingredients like flour and pour wet ingredients like water, broth or milk.
• Little hands roll great meatballs! Make sure to wash thoroughly before and after (the hands, not the meatballs).
• Carefully crack eggs into a large bowl and separate by removing yolks with a large spoon (it takes a steady hand!)
• Shred cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella on a box grater.
• Dip fruit like strawberries and orange slices in melted chocolate.