The Pleasure of Cooking With Your Kids

I’ve seen how kids love to help in the kitchen. And along the way, I’ve seen how they can learn to be open to new flavors and skills. They’ll be more likely to dig into a plate of Brussels sprouts if they helped wash and roast them!

Here’s how you can make your meals a bit more appealing to young ones:
Substitute spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas – for the fun green or red colors – when making tacos or quesadillas.

• Spread peanut butter on apple slices for a filling snack.
• Serve turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
• Make smoothies. Combine 2 cups chopped fruit, one cup fruit juice, a cup of yogurt and a handful of ice in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Top steamed broccoli with melted cheese.
• Let the kids add toppings to ready-made pizza crusts or make meatballs on spaghetti night.
• Cut French toast or grilled cheese into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

Divide and conquer
Some kids are so picky that you have to prepare different version of the same meal – one for adults, one for kids. Divide dishes into separate portions as you prepare your meal.

Serve a mildly spiced portion to kids, then add more ingredients to the adult version. The Kenmore Double Oven Freestanding Range makes it easy to prepare two versions of the same meal – or two different dishes – one in each oven.

• Serve sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions on the side.
• Plain mashed potatoes for kids. Add chipotle peppers for adults.
• Give their plain macaroni and cheese a lift by adding peppers, chicken, tofu or bacon.

Try cooking these two fun recipes with your kids:

Sweet Pea, Ricotta and Mint Ravioli

Chicken a la Lobster

How do your kids help in the kitchen? Are they adventurous eaters?