Even though the holiday sales are over, we still want you to get the kitchen item that you want. One of our main visions every start of the year is to cook and eat healthy; and one way to keep this goal realistic is to have the basic kitchen items in the kitchen.
A Steamer
Steaming your food is one way to control the amount of oils or fats you get from what you eat. Using a steamer is healthy because it preserves the vitamins and minerals in foods. Steam helps melt some of the excess fats in foods, which end up in the water that was heated to make the steam. The process concentrates the intrinsic flavor and juiciness of foods which not only makes foods taste better, but controls us from using rich sauces or unhealthy condiments to spice them up. A steamer can even cook eggs!
A Blender
With a blender in your kitchen, you can make your own fresh fruit shakes and smoothies. You can throw in a banana, apple and any other raw ingredient you like and blend in seconds. This does not only give you healthy drinks but you can easily have your juices and smoothies whenever you want them. A kitchen blender can deliver nutritious and delicious meals and snacks full of fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants paving way to a very affordable means of enjoying the most delicious and healthiest drinks the whole family can enjoy.
A Grill Pan
I recommend a grill pan because it is designed with raised ridges that can leave those wonderful grill marks on your food providing an appetizing appearance. What I find more special is the additional unique flavor it can provide from the melted sugars and fats, a thing that cannot be achieved in a standard fry pan or grill. The unique design of a grill pan allows the excess fat to drip down and eliminates smoke and spatter, while at the same time steam-flavoring your foods for amazing results.
It may not be always easy to prepare a healthy meal, especially if you are a very busy mom. But by understanding which kitchen items can help you prepare simple, easy and quick nutritious foods, you can save time and money; and if you plan carefully, a wide range of nutritious food can be presented to the whole family in a variety of different ways. So find any of the kitchen items now and begin the journey to healthiness.
Selasa, 14 November 2017
Jumat, 27 Oktober 2017
Seafood Tips - Cooking Tips for Frozen Lobster Tails
Aside from being less expensive than whole lobsters, the essential meat found in the tail of lobsters can already bring a decadent seafood recipe at home. Cooking lobster tails is simple. But as with any seafood, avoid overcooking. Long cooking will toughen meat which is very hard and rubbery to chew. So cook only until the meat is thoroughly heated, or has turned white.
Broiling
Thaw lobster tail overnight in the refrigerator, or simply drop frozen tail in boiling water with salt and lemon juice. Let water boil again. Once boiling, simmer for 20 minutes covered. Drain. When tail is cool enough to handle, remove soft shell-like covering on underside of tail with a sharp knife or scissors. Split tail open to expose the meat then brush melted butter all over. Place on rack 4-6 inches from broiler and broil for 6-15 minutes, depending on the lobster tail size. Serve in shell with melted butter, or your favorite dip.
Baking
Defrost tail overnight in the refrigerator. If you're cooking it right away, place tail inside a tight plastic bag and submerge in water. When defrosted, cut the shell down the center of the back with kitchen shears. Brush butter on lobster and season with pepper and salt. Place in a baking dish that has been sprinkled with minced garlic then bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Many people bake lobster tail in a 400 degrees oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or longer if frozen, and serve it with lemon juice, butter, or with something fancier like hollandaise.
Grilling
Just place the frozen tail in a plastic bag and submerge the bag in water. When fully thawed, lobster should be parboiled prior to grilling. Make sure you have prepared a good butter mixture for basting. Immerse the tail in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size then plunge in very cold water. Using a large knife cut the tail in half lengthwise. Thoroughly baste the flesh side of the tail then place your partially cooked lobster on the grill with the flesh side down for 4 to 5 minutes, or until light grill marks show. Flip lobster tail to shell side down. Continue basting with the butter mixture during the next 5 to 10 minutes cooking, depending on the size, or until the tail is white and opaque throughout.
Deep-Frying
It is ideal to defrost lobster tail before frying. Deep-frying unthawed tails can result in the meat being tough. Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cornmeal, crumbs, or spices of your choice in a large plastic bag and shake to mix up. Place thawed seafood into the bag and shake to coat completely. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet. Place the coated lobster tail into the oil and cook until the meat turns white and the coating is lightly browned. Dry on a paper towel and serve alongside rice or salad.
Steaming
After thawing, pry shell away from the meat, but keep the back of the meat connected to the shell. Make a marinade and drizzle lobster tail with the marinade. Fill a large pan with water and steam lobster over a double boil or steam insert. When meat has turned white, your food is ready. If you don't have a steamer split the shell and pull the meat most of the way out of the shell so it lies on top of the shell. Put a little water in a pan and sprinkle with salt. I suggest use white wine then add onion, garlic or other spices, or whatever flavor you'd like to add to it for a great tasting lobster. Place tail in the pan and cook on a medium high heat. When meat turns white, baste with butter, and season. Garnish your lobster tail your way.
Boiling
This is the most common method. Fill up a large skillet with water and add a teaspoon of salt. I sometimes add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar; I like how it enhances taste in my seafood. Bring to boil. Once water is boiling, add the lobster tail. If cooking a batch, add lobster tail one at a time to make sure they don't overcrowd in the skillet. When water returns to boil, lower heat and cook for one minute, or 6 minutes every 6 ounces of lobster tails.
Broiling
Thaw lobster tail overnight in the refrigerator, or simply drop frozen tail in boiling water with salt and lemon juice. Let water boil again. Once boiling, simmer for 20 minutes covered. Drain. When tail is cool enough to handle, remove soft shell-like covering on underside of tail with a sharp knife or scissors. Split tail open to expose the meat then brush melted butter all over. Place on rack 4-6 inches from broiler and broil for 6-15 minutes, depending on the lobster tail size. Serve in shell with melted butter, or your favorite dip.
Baking
Defrost tail overnight in the refrigerator. If you're cooking it right away, place tail inside a tight plastic bag and submerge in water. When defrosted, cut the shell down the center of the back with kitchen shears. Brush butter on lobster and season with pepper and salt. Place in a baking dish that has been sprinkled with minced garlic then bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Many people bake lobster tail in a 400 degrees oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or longer if frozen, and serve it with lemon juice, butter, or with something fancier like hollandaise.
Grilling
Just place the frozen tail in a plastic bag and submerge the bag in water. When fully thawed, lobster should be parboiled prior to grilling. Make sure you have prepared a good butter mixture for basting. Immerse the tail in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size then plunge in very cold water. Using a large knife cut the tail in half lengthwise. Thoroughly baste the flesh side of the tail then place your partially cooked lobster on the grill with the flesh side down for 4 to 5 minutes, or until light grill marks show. Flip lobster tail to shell side down. Continue basting with the butter mixture during the next 5 to 10 minutes cooking, depending on the size, or until the tail is white and opaque throughout.
Deep-Frying
It is ideal to defrost lobster tail before frying. Deep-frying unthawed tails can result in the meat being tough. Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cornmeal, crumbs, or spices of your choice in a large plastic bag and shake to mix up. Place thawed seafood into the bag and shake to coat completely. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet. Place the coated lobster tail into the oil and cook until the meat turns white and the coating is lightly browned. Dry on a paper towel and serve alongside rice or salad.
Steaming
After thawing, pry shell away from the meat, but keep the back of the meat connected to the shell. Make a marinade and drizzle lobster tail with the marinade. Fill a large pan with water and steam lobster over a double boil or steam insert. When meat has turned white, your food is ready. If you don't have a steamer split the shell and pull the meat most of the way out of the shell so it lies on top of the shell. Put a little water in a pan and sprinkle with salt. I suggest use white wine then add onion, garlic or other spices, or whatever flavor you'd like to add to it for a great tasting lobster. Place tail in the pan and cook on a medium high heat. When meat turns white, baste with butter, and season. Garnish your lobster tail your way.
Boiling
This is the most common method. Fill up a large skillet with water and add a teaspoon of salt. I sometimes add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar; I like how it enhances taste in my seafood. Bring to boil. Once water is boiling, add the lobster tail. If cooking a batch, add lobster tail one at a time to make sure they don't overcrowd in the skillet. When water returns to boil, lower heat and cook for one minute, or 6 minutes every 6 ounces of lobster tails.
Selasa, 10 Oktober 2017
Kitchen Organization Ideas and Kitchen Clutter Clearing Tips
Kitchen tasks like cooking can be done easily when your kitchen stuffs are organized. You have better access to the kitchen items that you will be using and you can easily search for the kitchen items that you want to use. Everyone dreams of having this kind of kitchen. However, not all know how to make their kitchen clutter-free and organized. With this, let me help with the following kitchen organization ideas through the kitchen clutter clearing tips.
Organizing kitchen can be done by segregating kitchen utensils properly. Always avoid mixing your kitchen stuffs in one drawer or storage. This will just make your task hard. You will spend extra time just searching for the right utensils that you will be using. With this, you have to use different drawers or storage for each utensil. An example for this is to have the proper drawer for knives and your spoon and fork. In this way, you will avoid any accidents. Furthermore, large utensils should also have a specific drawer. This kitchen clutter clearing tip will help you organize your kitchen properly by having the right storage.
However, there are some instances that your drawers are not enough to accommodate your kitchen stuffs. With this, you have to look for an alternative where you can place your extra kitchen utensils. One of the best ways to do this is to use baskets. You can place there ladles and any oversized items. After, you can place them in the area where it is accessible. In this way, looking for them will be easy and you will not spend another extra time looking for them when you need them.
Another organizing kitchen tip is to decorate your kitchen by using organizing stuffs. There are many knife caddies as well as flat ware holders in the market that you can use to organize your kitchen. These knife caddies and flat ware holders can also help you to decorate your kitchen. With the different colors that you can choose, you can set the right theme for your kitchen and make it a monthly habit.
Moreover, storage or cabinets are very important to achieve your kitchen clutter clearing goals. These will help you to keep your stuffs and avoid them being placed anywhere. However, kitchen storage and cabinets should have to be accessible to you. Meaning, you can right away get your stuffs when you need them in your cooking. Thus, do not buy a cabinet that is high for you to reach and do not place them far from your kitchen area.
Organizing kitchen can be done by segregating kitchen utensils properly. Always avoid mixing your kitchen stuffs in one drawer or storage. This will just make your task hard. You will spend extra time just searching for the right utensils that you will be using. With this, you have to use different drawers or storage for each utensil. An example for this is to have the proper drawer for knives and your spoon and fork. In this way, you will avoid any accidents. Furthermore, large utensils should also have a specific drawer. This kitchen clutter clearing tip will help you organize your kitchen properly by having the right storage.
However, there are some instances that your drawers are not enough to accommodate your kitchen stuffs. With this, you have to look for an alternative where you can place your extra kitchen utensils. One of the best ways to do this is to use baskets. You can place there ladles and any oversized items. After, you can place them in the area where it is accessible. In this way, looking for them will be easy and you will not spend another extra time looking for them when you need them.
Another organizing kitchen tip is to decorate your kitchen by using organizing stuffs. There are many knife caddies as well as flat ware holders in the market that you can use to organize your kitchen. These knife caddies and flat ware holders can also help you to decorate your kitchen. With the different colors that you can choose, you can set the right theme for your kitchen and make it a monthly habit.
Moreover, storage or cabinets are very important to achieve your kitchen clutter clearing goals. These will help you to keep your stuffs and avoid them being placed anywhere. However, kitchen storage and cabinets should have to be accessible to you. Meaning, you can right away get your stuffs when you need them in your cooking. Thus, do not buy a cabinet that is high for you to reach and do not place them far from your kitchen area.
Senin, 25 September 2017
2 Oyster Dinner Recipes Plus Oyster Cooking Tips
Every few months my husband and I enjoy treating ourselves to a homemade oyster dinner. Most of the time we bake them in a casserole-style recipe as we don't enjoy just plain steamed oysters.
Oysters should be purchased fresh and then placed into the refrigerator and consumed as soon as possible. Some people say they can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated, but I say that is too long. I believe you should consume them within 3-4 days after purchasing them.
You can purchase a special knife that is found in kitchen and cooking stores called a oyster knife, which will help you to easily open the shell and remove the meat. You will insert the knife blade into the back hinge side of the shell and then twist it, until the shell opens.
Scalloped Oysters
1 pint oysters
1 cup fine bread crumbs
1/2 cup coarse cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup oyster liquid
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
butter for greasing the baking dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and drain oysters until they are clean. Using a 9 x 13" baking dish, rub the bottom and sides with softened butter. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the softened butter until mixed and crumbly, then layer bread crumbs on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the clean oysters on top of bread crumbs and then finish up with the cracker crumbs on top. Season the top layer with salt, pepper and celery salt. Finally, pour the oyster liquid over the top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until done.
Deep-Fried Oyster Fritters
1 cup oyster meat
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cook and drain the oysters, then remove the meat. In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, butter and baking powder. Stir in the flour until ingredients are combined. If the mixture is a little runny, stir in extra flour until its a thickened batter. Stir in the oyster meat and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Heat your deep fryer up to about 350 degrees and deep fry your coated oysters for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Oysters should be purchased fresh and then placed into the refrigerator and consumed as soon as possible. Some people say they can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated, but I say that is too long. I believe you should consume them within 3-4 days after purchasing them.
You can purchase a special knife that is found in kitchen and cooking stores called a oyster knife, which will help you to easily open the shell and remove the meat. You will insert the knife blade into the back hinge side of the shell and then twist it, until the shell opens.
Scalloped Oysters
1 pint oysters
1 cup fine bread crumbs
1/2 cup coarse cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup oyster liquid
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
butter for greasing the baking dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and drain oysters until they are clean. Using a 9 x 13" baking dish, rub the bottom and sides with softened butter. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the softened butter until mixed and crumbly, then layer bread crumbs on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the clean oysters on top of bread crumbs and then finish up with the cracker crumbs on top. Season the top layer with salt, pepper and celery salt. Finally, pour the oyster liquid over the top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until done.
Deep-Fried Oyster Fritters
1 cup oyster meat
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cook and drain the oysters, then remove the meat. In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, butter and baking powder. Stir in the flour until ingredients are combined. If the mixture is a little runny, stir in extra flour until its a thickened batter. Stir in the oyster meat and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Heat your deep fryer up to about 350 degrees and deep fry your coated oysters for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Senin, 11 September 2017
Kids, Kitchen and Cooking - What Children Learn in the Kitchen
Here is one example of a dialogue in the kitchen which can be for children between 3 to 7 or so. From a simple exercise, children will learn a lot. The cooking exercise becomes adventurous and fun.
Shall we make some Transformers Monstrous Toast today? (You can change it to Ben Ten, Barbie doll or any cartoon characters your children are into)
Let's see - what do we need? (Allow kids to answer and be part of the decision making process on what is needed.)
We need a toaster oven. We need milk, can you say milk? Milk, that's it.
Why is milk good for you? It's for your bones and teeth so that you are strong and healthy. How would you play if you had weak bones?
We have bread, what's this? Who knows what this is? You're right. We need a spoon and who knows what this one is? Very good. It's a paintbrush. I know. We are going to paint the milk over the bread.
We're going to pour milk. What am I doing? I am pouring.
(You kind of give the answer, and then ask them the question)
What did I do? I pour. And now, let's mix some more. Look what's happening. Do you see? What's happening? You're right. Now, it's time to mix. What do I need to mix it? You're right, I need a spoon. Now, I mix it.
And they're mixing and you're helping. And remember, when you have the one that's too soggy, no problem. Don't criticize. Let them know they are doing a great job.
And don't forget those safety tips. Toddlers and young kids are extremely curious.
Keep the wires out of the way and make sure your toaster oven is in a high shelf away from curious hands. Knives too.
Shall we make some Transformers Monstrous Toast today? (You can change it to Ben Ten, Barbie doll or any cartoon characters your children are into)
Let's see - what do we need? (Allow kids to answer and be part of the decision making process on what is needed.)
We need a toaster oven. We need milk, can you say milk? Milk, that's it.
Why is milk good for you? It's for your bones and teeth so that you are strong and healthy. How would you play if you had weak bones?
We have bread, what's this? Who knows what this is? You're right. We need a spoon and who knows what this one is? Very good. It's a paintbrush. I know. We are going to paint the milk over the bread.
We're going to pour milk. What am I doing? I am pouring.
(You kind of give the answer, and then ask them the question)
What did I do? I pour. And now, let's mix some more. Look what's happening. Do you see? What's happening? You're right. Now, it's time to mix. What do I need to mix it? You're right, I need a spoon. Now, I mix it.
And they're mixing and you're helping. And remember, when you have the one that's too soggy, no problem. Don't criticize. Let them know they are doing a great job.
And don't forget those safety tips. Toddlers and young kids are extremely curious.
Keep the wires out of the way and make sure your toaster oven is in a high shelf away from curious hands. Knives too.
Sabtu, 26 Agustus 2017
Features of a Quality Kitchen and Cooking Knife
A good cutting knife is going to make your food preparation time a lot easier and faster. Plus if you use a regular steak cutting knife it probably won't be as sharp, and you actually raise the risk of cutting yourself because when it tears the foods, your more than likely will slip. Or if it's hard to cut through, when it does, it's very rapid and not a smooth cut, it's like chop and that sudden movement in the motion when you make the cut will make you slip and possible cut yourself as well. Using the best knife for cutting and slicing your foods in preparation for the grill is important. It helps make working the kitchen, cutting meats or slicing vegetables easier. It's important to have a nice kitchen knife that you can trust and you know it will be easy to use. I don't like pulling an ordinary knife out of the drawer at the last minute and then when I'm cutting it just shreds the foods or tears the meat without giving it a nice cut or slice. It is just a pain in the rear end, if you know what I mean.
When trying to find or if your just looking for a kitchen knife and kitchen cutlery, ensure it has these qualities:
Ergonomically made handle. Even though the blade is important you also want a handle you can grip and it feels comfortable when you holding it. Ergonomically made handles are simple to grip, well-balanced, and will not slip from your hands.
Life-time Warranty. These are usually standard to quality kitchen cutlery. If a brand name manufacturer is not willing to stand behind the product with a Life-time Warranty, the probably will not last.
Name Brand Reviews. Take a look at consumer reviews about the kitchen knife you are looking at getting or the one that intrigues you the most. The best way to tell if it is worth is to see what other people said about it and to read opinions from the people who who bought it.
Full Tang. The cooking knives blade should be a solid piece which runs from the tip to the back of the handle this ensures strength and durability.
Polypropylene. If it is coated with polypropylene it may make them less prone to germs, rust-resistant and keep looking nice over a long period of time.
Quality Stainless Steel. The knives should be solid and not stamped from a high caliber stainless steel.
When trying to find or if your just looking for a kitchen knife and kitchen cutlery, ensure it has these qualities:
Ergonomically made handle. Even though the blade is important you also want a handle you can grip and it feels comfortable when you holding it. Ergonomically made handles are simple to grip, well-balanced, and will not slip from your hands.
Life-time Warranty. These are usually standard to quality kitchen cutlery. If a brand name manufacturer is not willing to stand behind the product with a Life-time Warranty, the probably will not last.
Name Brand Reviews. Take a look at consumer reviews about the kitchen knife you are looking at getting or the one that intrigues you the most. The best way to tell if it is worth is to see what other people said about it and to read opinions from the people who who bought it.
Full Tang. The cooking knives blade should be a solid piece which runs from the tip to the back of the handle this ensures strength and durability.
Polypropylene. If it is coated with polypropylene it may make them less prone to germs, rust-resistant and keep looking nice over a long period of time.
Quality Stainless Steel. The knives should be solid and not stamped from a high caliber stainless steel.
Minggu, 13 Agustus 2017
Parents - 7 Ideas to Get Your Reluctant Cooks in the Kitchen and Cooking
Young kids are not a problem, they always seem to want to help you in the kitchen. Heck, they'll do dishes, sweep floors, stir what's in the bowl, and reorganize your Tupperware. It's the older ones, the tweeners and early teenagers, that sometimes need a little nudge to join in the kitchen fun. Here are some ideas that just might get them interested in cooking up some food, fun, and memorable moments.
Kid in Control
This one will be become a favorite -- an evening where your child is in charge. You basically change places with them. They pick the dinner and do the bulk of the work, but they get to boss you around. They can tell you to chop the carrots, peel the potatoes, set the table, or feed the dog. They're in charge. My kids love bossing me around and I love that they're showing a little confidence in their budding cooking skills. If you try this I'm guessing they'll also tell you to do all the dishes.
One Ingredient/One Meal
Challenge your children to come up with a recipe they'd like to try using any one ingredient that you name. They can pull out the cookbooks or go to the Internet for help. There are many cooking websites that display recipes when given just one ingredient. Depending on the age of your cook, you can make it an easy ingredient like poultry or pineapple, or a real challenge with curry or hoisin sauce. This might be a good time to use what's in season -- cabbage, grapes, broccoli, basil, etc. Not only will they make a dish they've never made before, but they may actually learn a little about the chosen ingredient.
Loud Music and Personal Choice
Some kids are more willing to cook if they get to pick what they want to cook, not you. They're also more willing to cook if they're hungry. Give them cookbooks to look through and get ideas from. Usually they'll pick the recipe with the most appetizing picture or fewest ingredients. Try not to set rules. It's okay if they make omelets for dinner. They're cooking, aren't they? As far as the music goes - let them crank it up while they're creating in the kitchen. If that makes them a happier cook, then that makes you a happier parent.
Kids Cafe
Remember when your children were little and they liked to play restaurant? "Mommy, you sit here and tell me what you want to eat!" Then they give you a banana, hamburger, spaghetti, and milk carton, all in plastic. Now that they're older, why not recreate the fun? With your help, have them make a very limited menu with maybe one entree, two side choices, and two vegetable/fruit choices ahead of time. You are the customer at The Kids Cafe and they get to set your table, be your waiter, and also cook and serve your food. Not only do they get to practice their cooking skills, but they get to work on following instructions, organizing their time, and learning to please a customer. So sit back and have some fun at the Kids Cafe, and don't forget to leave a tip!
Kids + Friends + Kitchen = Party!
How about a Bring-Your-Own-Ingredient Party? Pizza works well with this concept. You supply the crusts and every child brings a different topping. This leads to some really crazy pizzas and some (gasp) experimental tasting by the kids. If not pizza, the menu headliner can be a taco or fajita bar. For dessert start with some big sugar cookie crusts and see what the kids can bring to put on top. They're only limited by their imaginations. Can't you just picture their proud creations?
Invent a Recipe
Let your kids think outside the recipe. This is a natural for kids, they have great imaginations. They get to use any ingredients they want, which will usually lead to discussions of what normally goes together. Sometimes you might get to discuss the definition of "gross", and sometimes you might get into the realm of science and whether something will remain goo or become solid after baking.
Pick a Theme
It's simple - your kids pick a theme, and every family member prepares a dish. The theme can be a meal from a different country or from a different time in history. Why not have a theme like all the food needs to be green or all the dishes have to have apples in them. There are so many possibilities, just look at what your kids are currently interested in for some ideas.
Sometimes kids just need to be pointed in the right direction -- towards the kitchen. With a little patience and a blind eye towards the mess, you can help nurture a life-long love of cooking. I hope these ideas help get your children in the kitchen with you, cooking up some good food, good fun, and good memories!
Kid in Control
This one will be become a favorite -- an evening where your child is in charge. You basically change places with them. They pick the dinner and do the bulk of the work, but they get to boss you around. They can tell you to chop the carrots, peel the potatoes, set the table, or feed the dog. They're in charge. My kids love bossing me around and I love that they're showing a little confidence in their budding cooking skills. If you try this I'm guessing they'll also tell you to do all the dishes.
One Ingredient/One Meal
Challenge your children to come up with a recipe they'd like to try using any one ingredient that you name. They can pull out the cookbooks or go to the Internet for help. There are many cooking websites that display recipes when given just one ingredient. Depending on the age of your cook, you can make it an easy ingredient like poultry or pineapple, or a real challenge with curry or hoisin sauce. This might be a good time to use what's in season -- cabbage, grapes, broccoli, basil, etc. Not only will they make a dish they've never made before, but they may actually learn a little about the chosen ingredient.
Loud Music and Personal Choice
Some kids are more willing to cook if they get to pick what they want to cook, not you. They're also more willing to cook if they're hungry. Give them cookbooks to look through and get ideas from. Usually they'll pick the recipe with the most appetizing picture or fewest ingredients. Try not to set rules. It's okay if they make omelets for dinner. They're cooking, aren't they? As far as the music goes - let them crank it up while they're creating in the kitchen. If that makes them a happier cook, then that makes you a happier parent.
Kids Cafe
Remember when your children were little and they liked to play restaurant? "Mommy, you sit here and tell me what you want to eat!" Then they give you a banana, hamburger, spaghetti, and milk carton, all in plastic. Now that they're older, why not recreate the fun? With your help, have them make a very limited menu with maybe one entree, two side choices, and two vegetable/fruit choices ahead of time. You are the customer at The Kids Cafe and they get to set your table, be your waiter, and also cook and serve your food. Not only do they get to practice their cooking skills, but they get to work on following instructions, organizing their time, and learning to please a customer. So sit back and have some fun at the Kids Cafe, and don't forget to leave a tip!
Kids + Friends + Kitchen = Party!
How about a Bring-Your-Own-Ingredient Party? Pizza works well with this concept. You supply the crusts and every child brings a different topping. This leads to some really crazy pizzas and some (gasp) experimental tasting by the kids. If not pizza, the menu headliner can be a taco or fajita bar. For dessert start with some big sugar cookie crusts and see what the kids can bring to put on top. They're only limited by their imaginations. Can't you just picture their proud creations?
Invent a Recipe
Let your kids think outside the recipe. This is a natural for kids, they have great imaginations. They get to use any ingredients they want, which will usually lead to discussions of what normally goes together. Sometimes you might get to discuss the definition of "gross", and sometimes you might get into the realm of science and whether something will remain goo or become solid after baking.
Pick a Theme
It's simple - your kids pick a theme, and every family member prepares a dish. The theme can be a meal from a different country or from a different time in history. Why not have a theme like all the food needs to be green or all the dishes have to have apples in them. There are so many possibilities, just look at what your kids are currently interested in for some ideas.
Sometimes kids just need to be pointed in the right direction -- towards the kitchen. With a little patience and a blind eye towards the mess, you can help nurture a life-long love of cooking. I hope these ideas help get your children in the kitchen with you, cooking up some good food, good fun, and good memories!
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