Cooking is popular. Television shows, books and entire networks are devoted to food and cooking. Teach your child how to cook, and he could become a chef. At the least, he'll learn valuable skills. Following a recipe teaches children math and reading skills, and chopping and mixing help with coordination and motor skills. Choose simple recipes, making kid-friendly meals such as pizzas, chilis and pastas and gather the entire family to enjoy a special dinner. Always supervise children when handling knives and the range.
Pizza
Even the youngest child in your home can help make a pizza. Purchase pre-made pizza crusts, available at any supermarket. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Help your child brush pizza crusts lightly with olive oil. Have your child spread tomato sauce on the pizza crust until it is entirely covered, and sprinkle shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Give your child a variety of toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, peppers, salami, chicken, pepperoni, bacon, pineapple or tomatoes. Turn oven temperature down to 425 degrees and bake pizzas until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If you have several children, buy individual pizza crusts and have each child make his own personal pizza. A 12-inch pizza crust will serve two to four people.
Peanut Stir Fry
Elementary school children can learn basic measuring, mixing and cooking skills with this Asian-inspired stir fry from Parenting magazine. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsps. creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsps. soy sauce, 1 tsp. ground ginger, 1 tsp. minced garlic, 1 tbsp. honey and a splash of water. Whisk the mixture until it's the consistency of a sauce and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp. vegetable oil in a skillet. After the oil is heated, add 1 lb. fresh chicken strips and cook until halfway done. Add a 16 oz. package frozen Asian vegetables and finish cooking the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add the peanut sauce and cook until chicken and vegetables are fully done. Serve over white rice. Serves four people.
Cheesy One Pot Pasta
Both elementary school children and tweens will enjoy making this recipe from Martha Stewart. Pour one jar pasta sauce and 2 cups water in a large pot. Add one package penne pasta and cook until soft, about eight to 10 minutes. Do not drain the pasta. Spoon the mixture into large bowls and garnish with a generous dollop of fresh ricotta and fresh pepper to taste. Serves four people.
Easy Chili
Older kids and tweens can make this chili recipe from the Disney Family Fun website. This recipe combines ground meat with canned products to make a hearty meal. Heat 1 1/2 tbsps. olive oil in a large saute pan. After the oil is heated, add 1 lb. ground turkey or beef. After the meat browns, add one can drained kidney beans, one can drained black beans, two cans no-salt-added tomato sauce, one diced green pepper, 1 tbsp. cumin, 2 tbsps. chili powder, 1 tbsp. minced garlic, 2 tbsps. barbecue sauce and 1/2 tsp. salt. Allow to simmer on medium-low setting for about one hour. If chili gets too thick, add a little water or beef broth. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Serves four.
