Proverbs 22:6; “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.” (GNT)
This verse emphasizes the importance of early training and guidance. Teaching children practical skills, including cooking, helps them gain a valuable life skill, shape their character and habits. Cooking with your children can be a fun and educational bonding experience. It could be a time you teach them God’s word while enjoying the cooking experience with your children.
Teaching children to cook is a valuable life skill that fosters independence and encourages healthy eating habits. Let’s explore what children can learn at different ages and some simple meal ideas:
- Youngest Cooks (18 months and up):
- At this age, children can participate in basic kitchen tasks with supervision.
- Skills:
- Hand washing: Teach them the importance of cleanliness.
- Avoiding cross-contamination: Even young kids can learn about this.
- Activities:
- Play with dough: Give them a piece of bread dough to play with.
- Set the table: Help with tasks like setting the table or removing dirty dishes.
- Stirring: Stirring cake batter or adding premeasured ingredients to a bowl.
- 8- to 11-Year-Old Cooks:
- Kids in this age group can follow simple, straightforward recipes and begin working with the stove or oven.
- Skills:
- Following recipes: Teach them to read and follow recipes step by step.
- Safety: Educate them about the dangers of equipment and utensils.
- Simple Meal Ideas:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Easy to make with adult supervision.
- Pasta with Tomato Sauce: Boil pasta and heat store-bought tomato sauce.
- Scrambled Eggs: A quick breakfast or snack option.
- Fruit Salad: Mix different fruits together.
- Older Kids (12 and above):
- As children grow older, they can handle more complex tasks.
- Skills:
- Knife skills: Teach safe knife handling techniques.
- Basic cooking techniques: Sauteing, baking, and grilling.
- Simple Meal Ideas:
- Tacos: Set up a taco bar with various toppings.
- Homemade Pizza: Use pre-made pizza dough and add toppings.
- Stir-Fry: Saute vegetables and protein with soy sauce.
- Omelette: Whisk eggs, add fillings, and cook in a pan.
- Exploring World Cuisines:
- Introduce children to different cuisines to expand their culinary horizons.
- Western Meal Ideas:
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Simple pasta with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Assemble lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and chives.
- South American Meal Ideas:
- Empanadas: Fold pre-made pastry dough around a filling (e.g., cheese, meat, or veggies) and bake.
- Arepa: Make cornmeal dough, shape into discs, and cook on a griddle.
- Guacamole: Mash avocados with lime juice, salt, and diced tomatoes.
1. At What Age Can Children Cook?
o According to a survey, most parents feel comfortable allowing their children to make their own dinner (a basic hot meal) around age 10
o However, it’s essential to supervise younger children in the kitchen to ensure safety.
2. Simple Western Meals for Children:
o Pizza Pockets: Let kids choose their favourite fillings for these mini pizza pockets. Serve them with colourful chopped veggies.
o No-Yeast Pizza: A quick and easy pizza recipe that kids can customize with their favourite toppings.
o Eggy Bread: Also known as French toast, this dish involves dipping bread slices in beaten eggs and frying them until golden brown.
o Cheese and Ham Omelette: A classic omelette with cheese and diced ham2.
o Pancakes: Teach kids how to make fluffy pancakes and let them add toppings like fruit or syrup.
3. Simple English Meals for Children:
o Beans on Toast: A quintessential British comfort food. Toasted bread topped with baked beans in tomato sauce.
o Sausage and Mash: Sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.
o Fish Fingers: Breaded fish sticks, often served with peas or chips (fries).
o Chicken and Vegetable Frittata: A Savory baked dish made with eggs, chicken, and veggies
Remember, each child is unique, so adapt the complexity of tasks based on their abilities and interests. Cooking together can be a fun and educational bonding experience!
God bless you in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
