Cooking with your kids teaches valuable skills such as the importance of
nutrition and what vitamins and minerals they can find in the foods you
prepare. Leaning to cook gives kids control of their nutrition and calorie
intake while imparting skills that benefit their ability to work in a
lab and perform complex experiments.
The first step is to get your kids to look up recipes on the Internet or
in a cook book. Watch
YouTube videos which demonstrate different cooking techniques.
Once you have agreed upon a recipe, get them to make a list of all the
ingredients. The next step is to set out all the implements and ingredients.
This helps to reinforce the importance of preparation before starting
an experiment in the lab.
Check that everything is in good working order. Discuss stove and electricity
safety. This is an excellent way to learn how to safely handle equipment
in the lab.
Ask your child to read the recipe from start to finish. Reading and following
recipes teaches them how to follow instructions; a skill that will help
with exams, lab work and experiments at school. Get your child to read
the instructions out loud so that they can practice reading at the same time.
When encountering unfamiliar cooking terms such as folding, whisking or
beating, ask your child to use the index where they can find definitions.
This will help to reinforce the idea that unfamiliar words should be looked up.
Teach your child to measure accurately. Accurate measuring techniques will
ensure success with both baking and experiments. Older children can investigate
the chemical reactions that take place as the ingredients combine.
The most important thing is that everyone has fun. This is not only an
excellent learning opportunity, but it is also a great activity to share
with your children. This is the one time your kids can have fun playing
with their food. H
Here is an easy recipe for cookies that are perfect for the holidays and
for the beginner chef.
· 1 cup butter, softened
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1 egg
· 1 teaspoon vanilla
· 2 1/2 cups flour
In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to
high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until
combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla
until combined. Stir in the flour.
Divide dough in half. Shape each half of dough into a 6-inch-long roll.
Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Roll out and cut with a cookie cutter. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for
6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Carefully transfer
cookies to a wire rack; cool. Decorate with icing sugar and candy.
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