Kids in the Kitchen

Here we are...JUNE 1st!  As we are quickly approaching the end of the school year, we are setting our sights on Summer!  It's no secret that I adore those long, lazy days with the kids, where the hours and sun seem more plentiful. Just the thought of it and a less rigid schedule, makes my heart happy!

One of the things we love to do now that the girls are a little older, is have them plan and execute dinner!  Last Summer, Riley made dinner once a week. Recently, Sydney has become more involved as well.  Last week, they took charge and I couldn't have been more grateful for a night off from cooking!

Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to get them comfortable with kitchen tools, ingredients, measuring and more!  They seem more adventurous in the kitchen, incorporating new ideas and flavors into recipes and as they become more "experienced" in the kitchen.  It's wonderful to watch their excitement as they find what flavors work well together! Recently Sydney, who is as feisty and strong willed as they come, insisted on making a salad for dinner.  Riley was in charge of bruchetta, inspired by one of her closest friends. The girls selected their ingredients, chopped and tossed their dishes with love and care. Sydney incorporated broccoli, grapes and nuts into her traditional salad which made for a salad bursting with flavor.  I could almost taste the effort they both made and it resulted in one delicious meal!

I'd encourage your kids to take part in meal making, especially as they have more time on their hands.  I believe the way to encourage your children to be healthy eaters is to educate and have them take part in growing, selecting and preparing their food.  They are more likely to take pride and eat what their hands helped create as well!

Lastly, the time we spend in the kitchen all together? Memory making!  I want my children to always think of the happy times when we were in the kitchen, developing that love of food and family.