On Friday, Jan (and her trusty sous chef Dana) cooked with the class. I had almost forgotten how fun it is to cook with students this age -- it's one of the things I miss about not having a communal snack. These kids are very capable in the kitchen. Back when we were doing the New Moon, I could leave a group of eight in the kitchen for an hour and come back to brownies, fruit salad, Jello jigglers, and rice crispy treats -- all without any direct adult help. For the past several years, I've hosted a kids' dinner party for the auction. The students prepare 4-5 course meals with me as the only adult in the kitchen. The chopping, sauteing, stuffing, and roasting is all done by them!
I hope you're cooking often with your child. I hope they are often cooking for you. Children this age can be taught how to use real knives safely (make sure they are sharp!) and how to read recipes (read the whole thing first!) They can use the stove safely, too (I would still do any stir frying or deep fat frying). The best part is that even picky eaters will try things if they've made it themselves. You haven't lived until you hear a ten year old say "delicious!" as they reach for another ball of melon wrapped in prosciutto.
Looking for a book that can help your child be more independent in the kitchen? Try Molly Katzen's Honest Pretzels
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