How To Teach Your Children To Cook

If you're ready to teach your children how to cook, here are
some simple tips for teaching them the basics, and giving them
skills that will last them a lifetime!

First of all, think safety. Any child that has to stand on a
stool or chair in order to reach the stove is too young to
cook. Start younger children off by letting them help set and
clear the table, gathering ingredients, and stirring, mixing or
adding ingredients.

Next, set rules about handling knives and other sharp
instruments and handling hot pans or boiling ingredients. Some
parents start teaching their children to cook by showing them
how to make things that don't require cooking first, and then
graduating to letting them make food in the microwave.

Create a relaxed atmosphere that is fun when teaching your kids
to cook. Remember what it was like when you were learning to
cook? Chances are, you made a few messes and broke a few
dishes. It happens. Learning to cook should be fun, not
drudgery, although there are certain responsibilities that go
along with the privilege, such as cleaning up as you go along,
and leaving the kitchen clean when you're finished.

Start with the basics. Show your kids what the different
utensils are used for, and the right way to use them. Teach
them about herbs and spices, and using the right ingredients
for the right dishes. Cooking is a great way to learn fractions
and chemistry, and your kids might not even realize they're
learning while they're having fun!

Begin with simple recipes. There are some great cookbooks for
kids on the market today, that include step-by-step
instructions and pictures so kids can see what something's
supposed to look like while they're assembling the recipe...let
success build on success.

Give your kids a chance to shine. As they learn to cook more
complicated recipes, let them be responsible for planning --
and cooking lunch or dinner one night. Letting your kids plan
the meal -- and even shop for the ingredients will help them to
realize and appreciate the effort that goes into cooking.

As your kids become more skilled, begin including foods from
different cultures. Many recipes such as French crepes or
Italian lasagna are not difficult to make, and your kids will
develop an appreciation for many different kinds of food.

Especially for younger children, having tools that are their
own size not only make cooking more fun, but make it easier for
them to participate. Kid-sized kitchen utensils can be found at
many department or specialty stores.

Make sure you take plenty of pictures -- you may not realize it
now, but you're making memories that someday will be as
delicious as that batch of chocolate chip cookies you're baking
now!

About The Author: You too, can manoeuvre in the unfamiliar
waters of gourmet cuisine, with just a few well-learned
techniques that are easy to master, and build a repertoire of
literally hundreds of dishes and deserts. Let Geoffrey set you
on the path today, to gastronomical delights!
http://www.free-recipe-books.com