TIPS FOR COOKING WITH KIDS

I think we can all agree that it is good for kids to learn how to cook, but it can be hard to know where to start. Today I will share a few tips for cooking with kids. I consider myself lucky – my husband and I both love to cook and both of our girls have enjoyed learning to cook with us. Our 10 year old daughter has even taken a kids cooking class, but we know that is not something every child has the opportunity to do.

My girls had a blast cooking  a Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole the other night for supper.  They followed The Ben’s Beginners™ step-by-step lessons. I was impressed by how much they were able to do completely on their own while I observed. 

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH KIDS 

• START YOUNG – Even when your child is really young, you can have them with you in the kitchen. Let them watch you, let them wash vegetables, let them stir – having them involved from a young age will get them excited about being in the kitchen.
• BE PREPARED – If your child is not ready to chop items, have the items chopped, grated and/or measured and ready in little bowls – your child can pour the ingredients in as needed. It is wonderful to see their smile as they help.
• DON’T EXPECT PERFECTION – The casserole may be more cheesy on one side or maybe something did not get mixed as well as it could have – it’s ok – they are learning.
• BE PATIENT – A recipe may take longer to make now, but it will save you time down the road when the kids know how to cook – they may even make a whole meal for you one day.
• HAVE FUN – Don’t put too much pressure on yourself – try to make it a fun experience. If you don’t know what recipe to make, check out The Ben’s Beginners™ lessons as a place to start.

Children learn healthy eating habits when they learn to cook but some parents do not feel confident in the kitchen, so they don’t teach their children how to cook. If you are a parent who does does not feel very skilled in the kitchen or you need some tips for cooking with kids, I have some good news for you. October 15^th is the first annual International Cook with Your Kids Day, and Uncle Ben’s wants to inspire kitchen confidence in parents across Canada to learn with and teach their kids.

Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole

For this recipe you will need:

• 1 250g package Uncle Ben’s® Bistro Express® Long Grain & Wild – Fine Herbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/2 medium Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
• 1 cup Chopped Onions
• 1 cup Chopped Broccoli
• 1/2 cup Reduced-fat 2% Milk
• 4 oz Light Cream Cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon each Salt & Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 cup Chopped Cooked Chicken Breast
• 1/4 cup Shredded reduced-fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Get the full lesson / instructions for this Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole here.

Did you know that 98% of Canadian parents think it is important to cook with their children? I am glad the percentage it that high! You know your child best, invite them to the kitchen and have them help you, as they help more they will learn more and you will make some great memories together. 

COOKING CONTEST

The Ben’s Beginners™ Cooking Contest awards three Grand Prize winners $10,000 CAD which may be used towards a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). 

Families may enter by taking a photo of themselves cooking a rice-based dish and uploading it HERE. 

All the rules and regulations for the #LookWhatWeMade contest are available on the website – good luck! 

UNCLE BEN’S BEGINNER GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY

One lucky Canadian Mommy Moment reader will win an Uncle Ben’s Beginner Gift Pack.