Some of the world's greatest chefs got their start hanging onto Mom's apron. Giving your kids a few simple tasks in the kitchen is a fun way to teach them about cooking and nutrition. They may not decide to be star chefs, but you can rest assured they'll know their way around a kitchen — and hey, you never know!
- Planning the Meal. Dinnertime doesn't have to be a battle over broccoli. Planning a meal with your kids is a great way to introduce some healthy ingredients into their favorite foods.
- Washing Fruits and Vegetables. Start your kids' culinary education with this simple but important step.
- Shredding Lettuce. Kids love working with their hands, so they might have so much fun tearing the lettuce that they actually eat the salad!
- Assembling. Let your kids stack their burgers and sandwiches just how they like 'em.
- Measuring. Teach your kids how to measure and they'll have mastered one of the fundamentals of baking.
- Stirring Dry Ingredients. Just make sure their aprons are firmly tied on — you want your kids to stir the dry ingredients, not wear them.
- Separating Eggs. What child doesn't relish the opportunity to get their hands gooey?
- Whisking. This job can be tough on little arms, but it's a great way to teach older kids one of the trickier techniques of the kitchen.
- Frosting a Cake. Encourage your kids to come up with their own frosting designs.
- Tasting — the best part! See what your kids think of their culinary creations and get some insight into their personal tastes.
