Involving your children in cooking teaches them so much more than simply preparing a meal – they’re developing confidence, independence and creativity, as well as an appreciation for the food they eat.
So to help you get started we’re loving Uncle Ben’s new Ben’s Beginners Cook & Play course – a new, FREE online course designed to teach kids and parents new cooking skills.
The course has been developed by children’s food specialists Louise Lennox and Aisling Larkin, who have identified five things your child should be able to cook by the time they finish school:
1. Preparing ingredients
Preparing the ingredients for a recipe is the most important foundation in cooking. The process involves identifying new foods, learning how to weigh and measure ingredients, and understanding food hygiene.
2. Prep skills
Any given recipe can call for a number of techniques like pouring, peeling and grating. Teaching kids these skills develops dexterity and fine motor skills, which are key to growing their confidence in the kitchen.
3. Poaching
Poaching is a great skill to learn from an early age as it such a healthy way to cook. Using the fool proof method in the techniques section of the Ben’s online course, all kids will learn how to poach an egg. And think of it like this: once they get to grips with it they’ll soon be making you brekkie in bed!
4. Chopping
Cutting is a key skill all children should learn how to master. Start with scissors, as your child can use them safely, and when they become more confident, progress to chopping and dicing using knives suitable for children of all ages.
5. Making a sauce
Making a basic sauce is such a versatile skill. The white sauce recipe in the Ben’s Beginners online course has so many uses in different recipes and is quick and easy to make.
So why not help develop these skills by bringing a cooking school into the comfort of your home with Ben’s Beginners Cook & Play – visit www.bensbeginners.ie and get your family cooking!
