There are so many benefits when you get your kids involved in preparing a meal. I know you're thinking that it's going to take twice as long to prepare and the kids are going to make a huge mess. Truth is, it will take longer and there will be a mess but here's some of the benefits of getting your kids involved:
- Some bonding time. Days are already hectic enough as they are and sometimes doesn't give us the opportunity to sit down and "talk". Why not talk while you cook?
- Kids can learn new skills
- Kitchen Math - learning how to measure ingredients
- Using their creativity
- Building confidence
All it takes is a bit of patience and picking a day when you have extra time to prep that meal and you and your family can enjoy a meal that everyone contributed to. Remember, it doesn't have to be anything fancy. Start of with something simple and work your way up.
If you're willing to give it a try here's a few simple recipes that you can try when you're just starting out in the kitchen:
Avocado Toast (Serves 2)
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of extra virgin oil, measured separately
1 teaspoon lemon juice, squeezed from 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper
1 ripe avocado
2 (1/2 inch thick) slices of crusty bread
1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper.
2. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop the avocado into the bowl with the lemon dressing. Use a fork divide the avocado into pieces and then begin to mash the avocado into the dressing until it is mainly smooth.
3. Toast the bread.
4. Spread the avocado mixture over your toasted bread and voila!
* additional toppings can be added if you like, such as a fried egg, goat cheese, cucumbers or whatever you like.
Cheese Quesadillas (Serves 2 to 4)
Ingredients:
2 (8inch) flour tortillas
2/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
1. Lay out your tortillas. Sprinkle half of the cheese on the first tortilla and then fold in half. Press to flatten. Repeat with the second tortilla.
2. Brush the top of each quesadilla with 1 teaspoon of oil. Place quesadillas in a 10 inch non-stick skillet, oiled sides down. Brush the second side of each quesadilla with another 1 teaspoon of oil.
3. Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook until the bottoms are crisp. About 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Flip quesadillas and cook until the other side is crisp. 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat.
5. Place quesadillas in a plate and let cool for a minute. Cut in half and enjoy!
* might want to add some sour cream, salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.
Give these a try. There are so many other simple recipes that you can try when getting the kids to start off in the kitchen. You never know, after quite a bit of practice they might surprise you with a meal they've made for the family all on the own.
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