How Kids of All Ages Can Help Out in the Kitchen

By Nicole Spain, Registered Dietitian

Kids of all ages will love to help in the kitchen with everything from breakfast to baking! See tasks by different ages that kids can easily help with, followed by some simple and nutritious recipes.

Mini Chefs: (1-2 years old)
Count Ingredients
Wash fruits and vegetables
Add ingredients to a bowl
Put paper liners in muffin tins
Rinse dishes

Little Chefs (3-5 years old)
All of the above PLUS:
Help gather ingredients
Pour from measuring cups
Mix ingredients in a bowl
Mixing and knead yeast dough
Rolling bread or pie dough
Using cookie or biscuit cutters
Spreading butter on bread
Whisking batter
Mash bananas

Young Chefs (6-8 years old)
All of the above PLUS:
Measuring and pouring dry ingredients
Cracking and whisking eggs
Using specialized hand tools such as a can opener, juicer or garlic press
Grating cheese
Peeling fruits or vegetables
Using paring or other small knives
Mixing cookie dough or brownie batter
Frosting cupcakes and icing cookies
Creating their own recipe books

Preteen Chefs (9-12 year olds)
All of the above PLUS:
Use specialty appliances such as panini press, waffle maker, pasta maker and griddle
Use a food processor, blender and stand mixer
Putting foods in the oven and removing them
Working with timers and thermometers
Baking quick breads and muffins
Adjust recipes using multiplication and division

If you are stuck inside on a rainy day try making our “Bread in a Bag” recipe. Or, on a sunny day, have kids help make a fun lunchtime picnic with our “Egg-cellent Egg Salad” recipe. 

Bread in a Bag

Yields: 2 mini loaves or 1 large loaf

Ingredients:

1 ½ C all-purpose flour

1 ½ C whole wheat flour

3 Tbsp white sugar

1 .25 package of rapid rise yeast (2 ¼ tsp)

1 C warm water

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 ½ Tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a resealable plastic bag place 1 cup all-purpose flour, sugar and yeast and add in warm water.
2. Squeeze air out of bag and seal.
3. Squish with your hands until well mixed together.
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes at room temperature. Bubble will form.
5. Open bag and put in ½ c all purpose flour and ½ cup wheat flour.Add oil and salt.
6. Seal bag again and squish until well blended.
7. Add 1 cup of whole wheat flour.Seal and continue mixing in the same manner until well blended.
8. Remove dough from bag and put onto a lightly floured surface.
9. Knead dough for 5-10 minutes or until smooth.
10. Divide dough in half and place each half into a greased mini loaf pan or make one large loaf.
11. Cover with a towel and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.
12. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until bread is golden brown.

Egg-cellent Egg Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

Eggs                                                       8

Mayonnaise                                       ½ cup

Salt & Pepper                    to Taste

Instructions:

1. Place eggs in medium saucepan and fill with water (so eggs are fully covered). Bring eggs to boil.  Place lid on top and remove from heat.  Let sit for 13 minutes. 
2. Place eggs in ice bath or run under cold water to chill eggs.
3. Peel and chop hard boiled eggs. Kids can help chop eggs with a butter knife.
4. Mix eggs, mayonnaise and seasoning.
5. Chill for up to 3 hr.
6. Serve with crackers or make into sandwiches.