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Ideas to cooking with children under 5's

From the Cooking It kitchen · 15 January 2016

Ideas to cooking with children under 5's

Cooking with children under 5. Recipes for Preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5)
Begin with simple-assembly recipes, such as smoothies or sandwiches. Things like muffins, biscuits or simple bread are also a good choice for this age. Remember, any process you may think as elementary it is likely to exciting to your little person.
Approach cooking at the stove (under strict supervision, of course) with caution. They don't learn if they're never given any responsibility." With proper guidance, flipping pancakes or French toast is ok for the under 5'S. Some preschoolers have the motor skills and control needed to carefully flip hot pancakes. Pick recipes you know that you and your child can complete safely.
Some first recipes to try:
Smoothies
These are simple recipe, but it will still seem like magic to young children. They can do pretty much everything  on their own. It is great to talk to them about each ingredient as they go in the blender—count the amounts of fruit high go into the pot, the yogurt helps keep their tummy full; the juice adds flavor and makes it easier to mix, etc.—teach them that all ingredients have a purpose.
Prep tips:
Ease the measuring process by pre-pouring a little more orange juice than the recipe calls for into a small spouted cup that your child can handle easily.
It's not necessary to freeze the fruit, this will result in a thicker smoothie.

Teach them about the blender, they can turn it on and off themselves, but they can never put their hands into it.  Keep the blender unplugged during prep, and plug in (another adult-only task) before it's time to push go. And always make sure the top is on tight!

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
These can also be accomplished by the little ones, with supervision and guidance (and oven mitts!), making pancakes is completely safe. Pancakes are a rewarding breakfast and your kid can cook up with pride, but the process of making them teaches them about science (baking powder is leavening, which helps foods rise), cooking cues (pancakes are ready to flip when bubbles form on the surface), coordination (turning pancakes takes some skill!), and, of course, safety.
Prep tips:
It's easier for kids to crack open eggs by tapping the shell with a butter knife rather than hitting it against the side of the bowl, some bits of the shell will get into the mix. This can be another lesson!

Raisin Oat Flapjacks
Healthy fiber meets naturally sweet honey and raisins in this satisfying flapjack for a snack. Preschoolers can perform almost every task.
Prep tips:
Measure the ingredients into small cups before you begin. That way, your little one can still put everything together, but at a faster pace.
Be safe!
Quesadillas
Little fingers can do almost every task, from opening the can of beans and chopping the onions. If you like, you can skip making the salsa instead a ready made one would be fine.
Prep tips:
Have your child assemble the quesadilla on a plate, then you transfer it to the hot pan and let your child proceed from there. If you're comfortable cooking at your hob, make sure to take the pan off the heat source (and turn of the flame if using gas) when flipping. Quesadillas can be a bit heavier, so help them to turn it.

Pita Pizzas
Another recipe that's heavy on assembly, you can use these pita pizzas to introduce them to the fun customization. Simply set out all the ingredients and let them choose as she pleases—since almost every topping have to be cut small.
Prep tips:
Courgette and mushrooms are very soft, so your small chef can slice these by themselves using a plastic or a serrated butter knife. Have her do this task while you cut the harder veg.