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Has your child shown an interest in cooking? Or do you just want to encourage them to be a little more independent? Teaching your chid basic kitchen skills will not only ensure their safety, but it can also help to inspire cooking creativity.
If you’d like to encourage your child to get involved in the kitchen, here is some great advice from an independent school in Somerset…
Wash your hands
It is important to look at food hygiene with your child before you let them loose in the kitchen. Start by explaining the importance of washing their hands before handling food. You can then look at why it is important to wash fruit and vegetables before eating, in order to rinse away any harmful bacteria or pesticides.
Food safety
Discuss why you must not eat food that has exceeded its use-by date and how to spot the signs that an item is no longer fit to consume. This includes the appearance of mould or changes in look and smell. Another important lesson is to keep raw meat separate from other ingredients. Explain the use of separate chopping boards and utensils when preparing raw meat products.
Kitchen equipment
Kitchen equipment can pose a number of risks if not used properly. Knives pose a particular risk when in inexperienced hands, so take time to demonstrate basic chopping skills. Advise your child to chop slowly and carefully, and to keep their fingers out of the way. The hob and oven is another potential danger in the kitchen. Teach your child the importance of using oven mitts when using the oven and explain that using anything thinner, such as a tea towel could result in a painful burn.
Learning the Basics
Once your child understands health and safety in the kitchen, they will be ready to start learning the basics of cooking. Start by teaching them how to boil a pan of water safely and correctly. This will give them the know how to prepare boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, rice and pasta. Go on to using the oven, teaching them to accurately follow instructions on packets or recipes. You may also want to show them how to check that meat is cooked thoroughly. This can be done by sight alone, or with the help of a thermometer.
