One of the best ways to get kids involved in the kitchen is to start with baking. It usually involves some simple measuring and stirring (which are fun!) and the results are magical and delicious.
Of course, it’s not always tidy; in fact, it never is. My rule when baking with kids is “Say yes to the mess”!
Because it’s worth it–so worth it! Cooking– knowing how to nourish yourself and your friends and family — is a critical life skill. More important than math, right? Imagine if your future 15-year-old could make five classic dishes with confidence: What a gift that would be for them, for you and for their future friends and partners!
Here are a few tips, no matter what age they are:
1. Choose your timing. A frenzied weeknight when you’re trying to get dinner on the table isn’t a great time. But a rainy day with not much else on the agenda is ideal.
2. Start with dishes that are familiar. Kids are more EXCITED to cook something they love. Chocolate chip cookies! Pancakes! Pizzas! Then let the child lead the way — give them access to trusted cookbooks (I can suggest a few….) and let them choose. My son’s summer favourite is Vanilla-Peach Streusel Cake, a very basic cake piled high with fresh peaches and a bit of strudel. You can get my recipe right here.
3. Say yes to the mess. Learning to clean up is part of learning to cook. The first few times will be messy, but I promise it’s worth it. The long-term benefits of learning to cook are so extraordinary that you don’t want your kids to miss out.
4. The best time to start is when they’re toddlers; the second best time to start is TODAY!
And if you’ve got an 11-14 year old, let me teach them! My next Tweens’ Cooking Camp starts July 29!
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Claire Tansey is Canada’s Master of Mealtime. She is the author of national bestsellers Dinner, Uncomplicated and Uncomplicated. She’s been in the food business for over 20 years; along the way she sang lead in a rock band, got a master’s degree and was Food Director of Chatelaine. Claire is a guest expert on Cityline and CBC Radio and she runs a virtual cooking school where she inspires home cooks with easy, delicious recipes.
Originally from Montreal, Claire lives in Toronto with her partner, Michael, who eats everything and their son, Thomas, who does not.
