When learning something new, start with easy tasks that end with success. This encourages continued interaction. When learning cooking, start with simple recipes. This badge will cover how to introduce others to cooking to start the progression.

NOTE: Make sure you try any recipes you will be introducing to kids before doing so. Make any adjustments you feel need to be made so the recipe acceptable to your kids. This includes removing / replacing ingredients that might cause allergic reactions.

Feel free to send corrections, variations or additions to the supplemental recipe cards that go with this badge program to larajla@larajla.com.

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Steps

1. Why teach kids how to cook?

Not only does cooking reinforce reading, math, science and nutrition skills, the kids have fun learning! Cooking with kids takes time, patience and a high tolerance to the resulting “mess.” Do not assume your kids know anything about cooking. If one knows how to do a step, let them demonstrate for their friends. You want them to have a sense of accomplishment and pride when you are done.

Before you start with the steps below, review the “recipe cards” available in SUPP_No Cooking Recipes.pdf. You can print the recipes out for the kids for them to adjust and keep as you work on them. A separate file, SUPP_No Cook Blanks.pdf, includes blank cards for additional recipes.

2. Kitchen safety.

Work to create a list of safety issues. Be able to explain why each item is necessary. Then, create a master list or poster with your kids that can be kept where they’ll be cooking. Let them start the list with what they know such as washing their hands. As they mention a rule, ask why it is important to help reinforce the safety issues. Let them do as much as possible.

3. Kitchen math.

Get physical items and learn to measure wet and dry goods. Find or create a chart of equivalent amounts including items like four quarts is the same as a gallon and three teaspoons equals a tablespoon. Have the kids test these measurements to help reinforce these ideas.

Review one or more recipes. Determine how the recipe needs to be adjusted to cover an entire troop, group or class.

4. Recipe cards.

Explain what a recipe card is. Hand one out to the kids to review together. This should be something you’re planning to make with them. Review what is on the card and make sure they understand what everything means, including abbreviations. Discuss what might happen if directions weren’t followed. Hand out blank recipe cards and ask that each child find a recipe to share.

5. Grocery shopping.

Before you’re ready to cook, you need to make sure you have all your ingredients. With a recipe in hand, review what you have available to use and what you need to purchase at the grocery store. Take a trip to the store and get what you need. If you cannot go to the store, set up a pretend store and let the kids find their ingredients. You might want to include a few “variation” items as well.

Discuss how to check the dates on perishable items. How can you tell if a fruit or vegetable is good? How can you tell if meat is good? How long can you leave something in the refrigerator before using it?

6. Kitchen tools.

Keep track of all the kitchen tools you use in a week. Show a sampling for the kids to look at, touch and try as you work through sample recipes.

7. Substitutions.

Allergies, food dislikes and more cause people to adjust recipes. Ask each kid if they are allergic to any food items. Then, ask what food each doesn’t like to eat. Discuss what items can be used as substitutes. Keep a list for future reference.

8. Snack mixes.

Provide various dried items for the kids to create a snack mix or trail mix. Provide a blank recipe card for them to create their own recipe as they add items to their mix.

• Cereal
• Dried fruit
• Nuts (only if there is no one with allergies)
• Dried fruit
• Candy

Two recipe cards are in our sample file for variations on snack / trail mixes.

Take a small walk so they can eat while they move. As you hike, ask the kids what else they might include in their mix. Ask the kids to adjust their recipe cards when you are done.

9. Flavorings.

Prepare popcorn ahead of time. Have a variety of items to add to the popcorn so the kids can see how adding different “flavors” affects the popcorn. Start with plain popcorn and have them rate it. Then add items like powdered butter or cheese, caramel, etc. Again, have blank recipe cards for them to track their favorite toppings.

10. Ice cream in a can.

You can do this with cans, zip-top bags or even commercially available tools. Have the kids do all the measuring and shaking (or kicking). You can also provide ice cream toppings for additional flavor choices.

11. Fruit and vegetable dips.

Fruit dips can be used with a variety of fruit. Discuss the various fruits and vegetables available at different times of the year and why. Supervise kids with any sharp items if they are old enough to handle a knife. Cut the fruit and vegetables after the dips are made.

12. Dessert in a bag.

Mixing items in a zip-top bag minimizes mess. Try one or more recipes in a bag.

13. Exploring more.

Look through the recipe cards or find a recipe that doesn’t fit the above categories and try it with the kids.

14. Clean-up.

Discuss the proper way to clean up to make sure everything is sterilized. Make sure all leftovers are properly stored.

15. Encourage kids to continue cooking.

Look for ways for kids to continue cooking. A cooking party featuring two or three recipes is a good rainy day activity. Starting a cooking club allows the kids a way to explore seasonal foods. Even cooking at home will allow them to continue improving their skills. What other ways can you encourage kids to cook?

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Sites to Explore

www.kids-cooking-activities.com

KidsHealth.org

www.betterkidcare.psu.edu

www.continyou.org.uk/family/cook_and_eat_well

www.dole.com/NutritionInstituteLanding/Resources/Brochures/tabid/1004/Default.aspx

www.squidoo.com/kids_can_cook

www.mondaycampaigns.org/the-kids-cook-monday

familyfun.go.com/recipes/teaching-kids-to-cook-714658

www.kidactivities.net/category/Snacks-No-Bake-Recipes.aspx

busycooks.about.com/od/summerrecipesandmenus/a/nocookdesserts.htm