Tyson Recipes

Making It Fun: Cooking with Kids Smarts

• Choose recipes carefully, considering the age and ability of your children. Easier is better—your kids will be safe and enjoy hands-on experiences rather than watching you chop and mix.
• Let the kids pick the recipes from a few you offer. That way everyone is happy with what’s being made and kids can learn how to organize, shop, and plan ahead.
• Get organized ahead of time. Have all the ingredients and tools ready, so kids won’t get bored while you find the flour and search for the bowl.
• Have the kids read the directions, measure, and count out amounts. It’s great practice for reading and math skills.
• No one likes a cranky cook. Have some snacks on hand while you cook so the young chefs don’t get too hungry or thirsty.
• Having kids in the kitchen is a great way to introduce new foods. Young chefs will be much more likely to try the new vegetable or unusual cuisine if they’ve prepared it themselves.
• Make clean-up part of your cooking routine, so kids understand the whole job.
• Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Make sure to praise the creation, even when it’s lumpy, misshapen, and a little overcooked. Remember, it’s a wonderful memory you’re creating, not a gourmet meal.