Creating Memories and Meals: The Benefits of Cooking with Kids

Published 03 June 2024 at 10:38

Tickikids Blog Abu Dhabi >  Creating Memories and Meals: The Benefits of Cooking with Kids

There’s something truly magical about sharing a family meal with your children! Whether you visit a family restaurant in Dubai—where exciting menus and playful settings keep kids entertained—or prepare a cozy dinner at home with your little ones helping out in the kitchen, the experience is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the love, bonding, and smiles shared around the table!

Many parents hesitate to involve young children in cooking due to concerns about messiness, slow progress, and the presence of dangerous objects in the kitchen. Undoubtedly, it's crucial to prioritise safety—only older children should handle sharp tools and hot surfaces independently. Cooking with children often takes longer due to their inexperience and the need for supervision, which can be challenging for moms with limited time. The mess, however, is a minor inconvenience compared to the joy and valuable lessons gained from cooking together and enjoying a delicious meal!

When is the perfect time to start cooking with your kids?

Cooking together with your child greatly boosts their cognitive development. As children assist in the kitchen, they acquire essential life skills, develop a sense of responsibility, and foster independence. Don't miss out on the joy—begin cooking together as soon as you can!

• For children aged 2-4 years, engaging in simple tasks like moulding dough and cutting out shapes with cookie cutters can be delightful, as they have already developed these skills through play in the sandbox!
• Kids aged 5-8 years can become more helpful by managing tasks such as cutting ingredients and weighing them on kitchen scales, and preparing muffin tins for baking.
  
• By ages 9-12, children are typically familiar with basic kitchen appliances like the electric kettle and microwave. They are ready to learn how to use more advanced tools such as the mixer and oven.
  

Image Credit: freepik

Young children often find cooking fascinating not just because of the food itself, but also due to the engaging and dynamic process involved. The appeal lies in the sensory experiences of touching, smelling, and tasting different ingredients, as well as the creativity in combining them. This interest extends beyond a mere desire to make a mess! Instead, children are motivated by the opportunity to learn, explore, and create something tangible that they can be proud of. Cooking provides a platform for kids to experiment, follow steps, and see the results of their efforts, making it a rewarding and educational activity.

Small children can become deeply engaged and serious about the dishes they are preparing. They also demonstrate a strong desire to maintain neatness and precision in their cooking. If they are genuinely interested and motivated to prepare yummy food for their family, believe that they will take great care to follow instructions and avoid making a mess. This drive is fueled by a genuine interest in crafting something delicious and presentable. The kids are happy to see their efforts come to fruition, knowing that the food they made is REAL and tangible! Children take great pride in eating food they’ve made themselves. This boosts their confidence and encourages them to take on more cooking tasks in the future.

Key Benefits of Cooking with Kids

Home cooking with kids offers a treasure trove of valuable and important lessons that go beyond the kitchen!

The kitchen is a perfect place for children to unleash their creativity. They can experiment with flavours, textures, and presentations, learn about different ingredients, food groups, fostering healthier eating habits. Exploring different cuisines and recipes from around the world can teach children about various cultures and traditions, broadening their understanding and appreciation of global diversity!

Recipes require careful following of steps and instructions. This teaches children develop their ability to follow directions, focus on tasks, and improve their attention to detail. Measuring ingredients, understanding proportions, and observing chemical reactions help children apply math and science concepts in a practical, hands-on way. 

Cooking together as a family fosters teamwork and enhances communication skills. Children learn to share tasks, ask for help, and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Perhaps most importantly, cooking together creates cherished family memories. The shared experiences of preparing and enjoying meals together strengthen family bonds and provide a sense of togetherness and love.

How to Motivate Kids to Cook

Involving your children in the entire cooking process, from planning meals to dining together, can be an enriching and educational experience! 

You can begin by watching popular cooking shows together that feature young master chefs. Seeing cooking portrayed as exciting and achievable on screen can inspire your child to want to replicate the success of their favourite TV personalities. Additionally, consider exploring your favourite YouTube channels that offer special recipes tailored for cooking with children.

Video Credit: Food Network Magazine Kids Cooking Club

Shopping food with kids can be a good start! Create a shopping list together when planning an occasional dish. Study your favourite cookbook and discuss the ingredients needed. At the grocery store, involve your kids by letting them find items on the list. Use this opportunity to teach them about different food groups, how to read nutrition labels, and make healthy choices. Give older kids a small budget for certain items and let them manage it: this introduces them to budgeting and the cost of groceries.

Meal planning and nutrition teaches children the basics of balanced and healthy eating. Involve them in choosing fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains for meals. Discuss why a varied diet is important for health. Educate kids on appropriate portion sizes and the importance of not wasting food. Make meal planning fun with themed nights, such as Taco Tuesday or Pasta Night. Let the kids help pick recipes and ingredients, encouraging them to try new foods and cuisines.

Setting up a kid-friendly kitchen at home is important when thinking about cooking together. At least during cooking time, you should ensure your kitchen is safe for children. Store sharp objects and hazardous materials out of reach. Designate a lower cabinet or drawer for kid-friendly cooking tools and ingredients. Invest in child-sized utensils and cookware - especially since the little pans, pots, and pastry sets in bright colours look so cute - you just want to buy them! Having tools that fit little hands makes it easier and safer for kids to help.

Always try to find ways to dine together. Aim to have at least one meal together as a family each day: family meals foster communication and provide a routine that kids can rely on. Involve everyone in the process - let kids set the table, pour drinks, or serve food. These small tasks give them a sense of responsibility and involvement. Make mealtime special by keeping it free of distractions. Encourage conversation and sharing about each other’s day, enhancing the family bond.

Microwave Chocolate Muffins 

Chocolate Muffins are one of the best treats your child can make completely independently! These moist, delicious, and rich chocolatey delights can be prepared right in your microwave. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they're also super quick and easy to make without needing a conventional oven. Your child can whip these up before school, enjoy freshly baked muffins for breakfast, and bring the rest to share with friends during lunch! Microwave Chocolate Muffins are ready in just about 2 minutes and stay fresh for days, making them perfect for snacking anytime.

Image Credit: freepik

Here’s how your child can make them:

• In a mug, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of kosher salt.
  
• Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
• Microwave for 2 minutes, or until the cake appears puffy and cooked through.

Make breakfast even more exciting by stirring in some of these favourite add-ins to the muffin batter:

• Brown sugar
  
• Fresh berries
• Chopped nuts
• Extra chocolate chips

These microwave chocolate muffins are a fun, easy, and delicious way for your child to enjoy baking on their own!

Easy Steps to Set Up a Burrito Party for Teenagers

Hosting a burrito party for teenagers is a fun and easy way to create a memorable gathering. You can encourage your teenager to invite friends and organize this event! However, they should first learn the process by arranging a similar party for the family with your assistance.

Image Credit: freepik

• Provide a variety of tortillas, including flour, whole wheat, and gluten-free options.
• Offer a range of proteins like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, grilled steak, and black beans for vegetarians.
• Prepare a selection of fillings such as rice, refried beans, sautéed veggies, and corn.
• Set out a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and olives. Include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce for added flavour.
• Ensure all vegetables and toppings are chopped and ready to go. Another option is to have guests do the cutting of colourful fruits and vegetables together! Fillings that require light frying should be prepared in advance with your child's help to make assembly quick and easy.
• Keep tortillas warm and soft by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a low oven.
• Set up a burrito bar: Arrange ingredients in a buffet-style setup, starting with tortillas and followed by fillings, toppings, and condiments. Use small signs or labels to identify each ingredient, making it easy for guests to customise their burritos.
• Plan some simple games or activities to keep the party engaging, such as a burrito wrapping contest or a trivia quiz!

National Dish Prepared at Home with the Kids

The famous national dish of Dubai is Al Harees. Al Harees is a traditional Emirati dish made from wheat, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a pinch of salt, all cooked slowly to achieve a porridge-like consistency. It is typically prepared during special occasions such as Ramadan, Eid, and weddings, symbolising the rich culinary heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The simplicity of its ingredients and the long cooking process make Al Harees a beloved and comforting dish, enjoyed by families and communities across Dubai and the wider UAE.

it's entirely possible to make a simplified version of Al Harees at home with children! Here's a kid-friendly recipe that maintains the essence of the traditional dish while making the process fun and easy for the whole family.

Simple Al Harees Recipe for Happy Family Dinner 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat or cracked wheat
  
• 1 pound boneless chicken or lamb (cut into small pieces)
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
• Instructions:

Preparation:

Rinse the wheat thoroughly under cold water. This can be a fun task for kids. n a large pot, combine the wheat and water. Let it soak for at least an hour to soften the wheat. Add the chicken or lamb pieces to the pot with the soaked wheat.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Add salt and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and the wheat is soft. This is a great time to involve kids by letting them stir and check the consistency with adult supervision!

Once everything is cooked and soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the mixture into a smooth, porridge-like consistency. Kids can help with mashing under supervision. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in the butter or ghee for added richness and flavour.

Let the Al Harees simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat. Serve warm in bowls. You can garnish with a bit more melted butter or ghee if desired.

Assign kids tasks like rinsing the wheat, stirring the pot, and mashing the mixture. Talk about the cultural significance of Al Harees and the traditions of Dubai!

Enjoy the meal together, celebrating your collaborative effort in making this traditional dish. By involving children in the cooking process, you not only make the experience enjoyable but also create lasting family memories around a cherished dish!