Lafleur

It’s Christmas and the kids are on vacation. Why not put their idle hands to work in the kitchen, by proposing that everyone chip in to make a dish the whole family will enjoy? Here’s an activity that’s not only loads of fun, butinstructive as well, teaching them cooperation, independence and organization.

Children are proud to be able to cook and especially serve the product of their efforts. Learning to cook means learning to count and measure (a quarter cup is less than a half cup!). They’ll understand why cleanliness and tidiness are essential to good kitchen hygiene. They’ll also appreciate the effort you make every day to put delicious and well-prepared meals on the table. Shall we begin?

Choose a recipe suited to your child’s age and abilities. Better yet, to stimulate their interest, let them choose the recipe, such as our Omelette  crêpes with bacon and cheese. With Christmas around the corner, why not go for a dish that you could also offer your host at a dinner party?

• You’ve chosen a recipe, nowexpect the process to take double the usual time! For best results (and peace of mind), set aside a half day in your schedule.
• Prepare the grocery list with your child and go shopping together. Here’s a fine way to show them the benefits of planning ahead!
• Assign your child tasks that they can easily do, such as pouring or mixing, while you take care of the more complex and hazardous work, such as handling sharp knives or kitchen appliances.
• Assemble everything you need to make the recipe, including ingredients, utensils and cookware, on a table or a counter where they have easy access.
• We recommend you place your child at the kitchen table. This way, they’ll be at the right height and have plenty of spaceto do their job.
• In the case of young children, try to stick to the original recipe and method. When you follow the rules, you’ll have a better chance of keeping their interest.
• If you’re fond of cooking, there’s anexcellent chance your kids will also enjoy it. Consider purchasing a few kitchen implements made especially for pint-sized people, such as a mini whisk, small measuring cups and spoons, or a child’s apron. These items cost only a few dollars, and you might find they get reused a lot!
• Let’s be realistic: a mess is inevitable. Remember to keep your smile and take advantage of the occasion to show your child the benefits of cleaning up!