Episode 24 - How to Get Kids in the Kitchen

Ellen Folkman from the blog Family Around the Table shares her tips for how to get kids in the kitchen and fostering a love of cooking from an early age.

Today's episode is dedicated to helping parents get their kids in the kitchen!

I chat with Ellen Folkman, from the blog Family Around the Table, who named her blog after the family dinners that have always been an important part of her life. Making family recipes as well as creating new family favorites is a passion of Ellen's.

When her boys were young, you could find them in the kitchen with her cracking eggs, mixing batter and scooping cookie dough onto baking sheets. All the while spending quality time and learning life skills. Her boys are now teenagers and think nothing of whipping up a batch of snickerdoodle or chocolate chip cookies from scratch on the weekend. In addition to baking, both boys love learning how to make their favorite recipes.

Prior to blogging Ellen wrote two food related columns for the Tampa Bay Times for more than 15 years. She has been married to her husband, Carl, for 26 years. She and her family lives in the Tampa, Florida area.

Ellen is passionate about getting kids into the kitchen, and there's no better time than Christmas to start! Holiday baking is something fun the whole family can get involved in, and Ellen shares some tips and recipes along the way.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

This week's recipe of the week is apple turnovers! Apple turnovers are one of my most favourite bakery items, especially with lots of whipped cream, and I was so excited when I learnt how easy they are to make at home. Deliciously soft cinnamon apple pieces covered in flaky Puff pastry baked in the air fryer or the oven. You won't be able to resist.

LISTEN IN

Listen in to today’s episode on Apple, Stitcher or Spotify.

Episode 24 - How to Get Kids in the Kitchen

HOW EARLY SHOULD YOU GET KIDS INVOLVED IN THE KITCHEN?

Ellen recommends 3 years old, but obviously depends on how comfortable you feel with how focused they can be! When they are younger than can still sit near you while you are doing things in the kitchen and chat about what you are doing.

AGE APPROPRIATE TASKS

Younger kids - Cracking eggs open, pouring ingredients into bowls, stirring ingredients and making cookies (rolling out and using cookie cutters).
Older kids - pouring liquids into measuring cups, handing them the recipe and asking them to gather the ingredients.

WHERE TO START

Ellen suggests starting with boxed brownie or cookie mixes as they are simple and don't require using sharp appliances. Make them your own by adding nuts or chocolate chips in or add some canned frosting on top.

WHY COOK WITH YOUR KIDS

It's fun and great quality time together
It's a way to hand down family recipes
Prepare your kids for adulthood and knowing how to look after themselves

"Just do it! Don't worry about the mess. Everything can be cleaned up. Spilt flour and eggs. Just make sure you have a few extra eggs :)" - Ellen Folkman