Why not let the kids help you tackle your holiday to-dos by delegating some tasks around the kitchen? Here are some tips to keep things fun and chaos-free.
Ask for your kids’ input as soon as you start planning your holiday meals. Show them a few recipe options and let them choose their favourite, which they’ll then need to help you prepare. Sit down together to list the ingredients you’ll need, and then head to the grocery store to pick everything up.
Before you start to cook, ask your children to wash their hands and remind them not to lick their fingers while preparing food. You should also give them an apron to wear. To make sure they understand each step, read the entire recipe with them and explain the different cooking terms used.
Kid-friendly tasks
Depending on their age, your children can help you cook in a variety of ways. Among other things they can:
• Wash fruits and vegetables and mash them with a fork
• Squeeze fruits to extract the juice
• Cut soft foods with rounded scissors
• Measure and pour dry ingredients
• Break eggs
• Grease baking sheets and muffin pans
• Spread dough with a rolling pin
• Shape dough into balls (or use a cookie cutter)
• Mix the ingredients
Finally, once your recipe is complete, your children will be able to help you straighten up the kitchen. Remind them not to touch any dishes or food before they’ve had a chance to cool off. Voilà — all that’s left is the taste test!