First off, let me admit that I have a hard time letting go of control in the kitchen. Once I have an idea in mind or, heaven forbid, a timeline, I don't do well letting other people just interrupt my plans. But that does not project well for my kids' future success in the kitchen.
I also have no real memories of being taught how to cook, but I have hope for my children simply by how much I was able to learn by watching and then self-teaching later in life. But I do want more for my kids and from an earlier age. Being able to nourish yourself can only have positive results. If COVID-19 lockdowns taught us anything, it was that we need to be more self-sufficient and Maslow says food is the most basic need we have.
So I got my kids in the kitchen. And consulted this awesome, child-friendly cookbook to get us going.
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs has been a great starter tool, as it not only has recipes for various skill levels, but the first few pages go over the basics of the kitchen...with photos!
The meaning of different cooking words
How to prep ingredients all the various ways
Basics of ingredients and why we use them
How to measure different types of ingredients
Did you KNOW that wet things, things with ice, and dry things are supposed to be measured with different tools and methods?!
Even I was learning along with my daughter. Who is 8 years old. And sheltered. And not for a lack of my interest or a doubt of her ability. It was about my TIME.
This book made it so easy. I pulled out ingredients the first time around, but she quickly learned where things were. And I still have to help her with measuring fractions and noticing the difference between tablespoon and teaspoon. But nothing that a mid-range supervision can't handle.
I highly suggest this book...pick a recipe each week and learn something new along with your kiddos.
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