How to Inspire Kids in the Kitchen
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Elizabeth Starnes Palmer Califano ’11 teaches culinary skills to aspiring cooks of all ages. With her background as a private chef for families and as a mother to Holden, 7, and Maren, 4, she has firsthand experience with the transformative benefits of cooking with kids. We asked her to share ideas for how to get kids involved in the kitchen.
What’s the best way to get started cooking with kids?
Starting small can make the process feel less daunting. Bring your kids grocery shopping and let them help select ingredients, or peruse cookbooks together and pick a recipe that catches their eye. Farmer’s markets are also a perfect jumping off point; let your kids wander around with a basket and pick out a few items without giving them any direction. You can also try growing herbs or lettuce, both of which sprout up quickly. Kids get such a thrill watching the growing process and are usually more inclined to eat something they’ve had a hand in growing and picking. To engage teenagers, try browsing online with them for new recipes or cooking techniques that pique their interest. Teens also love cooking challenges, recreating a test kitchen vibe like they might see on TV. Trying to make the “best” version of something they love gives you both ample opportunities to spend time together in the kitchen.
What are a few kid-friendly recipe ideas?
Kids of all ages love customization options to help them feel in charge and give them the agency they crave. Quesadillas or build your own taco bowls are perfect for this; set out a spread together and let them run wild with all the fillings and toppings. Build your own pizzas also allow for customization. You can make your own pizza dough and lean into the science aspect of cooking; they love kneading the dough, watching it rise, and seeing something delicious taking shape out of a few humble ingredients.
“Time in the kitchen helps children develop fine motor skills, learn mathematical concepts through measuring, enhance reading comprehension through following recipes, and build confidence through creating something delicious.”
What are the benefits of getting kids involved in the kitchen?
In the short term, involving kids flexes their adventure muscles and can help mitigate picky eating. I also see cooking with kids as a dual-purpose activity. Instead of doing a craft project that inevitably ends up in the trash, you get something delicious to eat as well as an educational, confidence-boosting activity. Time in the kitchen together also helps children develop fine motor skills, learn mathematical concepts through measuring, enhance reading comprehension through following recipes, and build confidence through creating something delicious. Long-term, learning to cook for yourself, and eventually for your family and friends, is a powerful tool for nourishment and self-care.
Cooking with kids can feel frustrating. Do you have tips to help mitigate that?
As triggering as it can sometimes feel, let them make the big mess. Let them crack the eggs, even if the shells get everywhere (always crack eggs into a separate small bowl to avoid ruining the whole recipe!). Let them add all the ingredients even if some end up on the counter (just sweep them back into the bowl!). It gives them confidence and a sense of responsibility, and makes them feel so trusted to have a more “grown-up” task. I admit that sometimes I have to avert my eyes to stop myself from jumping in and preventing the mess, but it’s always worth it when the kids walk away feeling proud and accomplished.
