For the Love of Cooking!

Kids have a natural interest in foods and that leads them to being drawn to the kitchen!

Think about it... what is one of the major toys that parents purchase soon after little ones can walk? A little stove! And then the toddlers want a set of dishes... a table... some little pots and pans... and most of all... a spoon to "pretend stir" in a big bowl!

I encourage you to take advantage of this "natural interest" of children whether you be parents, grandparents, a favorite aunt, a childcare giver, a vacation Bible school leader... the list of possibilities to teach children cooking is endless!

The lessons easily taught and learned by children at an early age are not only management skills in food preparation but more importantly nutrition. Also, studies show that kids that cook at an early age are better students! There are so many things woven into food preparation and cooking like math... developing measuring skills... science... what happens when you stir some baking soda into a cup of buttermilk? Wow... it's a science project! Motor skills and coordination... Following directions... it's all in the "recipe!"

Yep! Cooking with Kids is definitely a "Recipe for Success!" With childhood obesity soaring, little ones learning at an early age about foods and being involved with cooking their own food carries over into their adult lives!

What a great gift you can give the kids in your life! And it's just steps away... in your kitchen! If you're totally intimidated by this concept... just relax... come back and visit often as I'll be calming those seas of doubt for you with projects that will delight the entire family!

Happy Cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & "Adult Helper Chef"

Cooking at Home with Kids!

In these days of trying to make a lot out of a little... we're all there... is a time for reining in and most certainly cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out! We're all adjusting our lifestyles.

The Chinese symbol for "crisis" is the same symbol that is used for "opportunity." So... is your cup half empty or half full?

And what does this have to do with cooking with kids?

We are seeing more people getting back to basics... not necessarily a choice but a necessity... ahhhh... and so presents a real opportunity with kids in the kitchen. We're finding our way back to the kitchen and the kitchen table!

Let's face it, little ones love to do what big people do and kids WANT to cook! The combination of fun and creativity in the kitchen is a win/win for all! Kids will be learning so much without even knowing it and without the lectures.

The first step to success in cooking with kids is to "put them in charge." Hey... come back here! I know that a lot of parents are too busy and very intimidated about letting their kids in the kitchen...

When my grandchildren come to Nannie's, we have a blast in the kitchen! A few spills? Sure... don't you ever spill anything in the kitchen?

Let's get back to putting kids in charge in the kitchen now that you're back... It's all in the presentation... I learned in sales a long time ago that "presentation is everything"... and that applies to many, many things in life... even to the dishes that we prepare in our kitchens!

Okay... I'm not intentionally skirting this issue... LOL... things just keep popping up! Bottom line, just hand the spatula over to the kids! You become the "adult sous chef aka adult helper!" Hand them the reins! And don't be a "hover craft!"

You are going to be so surprised what a positive outcome this has on your experience... before long not only the kids will be looking forward to preparing special treats and then meals but you'll be right in there too!

Come back soon... I'm currently writing an e-book that will to help you get started cooking with kids!

Happy Cooking!
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach & "Adult Helper Chef"