If you’ve ever spent time around kids, you know the kitchen just has a magnetic pull. Kids want in, whether it’s the clatter of pans, the smell of something baking, or just the chance to get their hands a little messy.
I’ve spent over 20 years working with children, so I know bringing kids into the kitchen can be a test of one’s patience. The picture we have in our head isn’t always how it plays out. I’ve seen many parents become frustrated because of spilled ingredients, raw food that ends up in little mouths, licked fingers, short attention spans, and children running off with messy hands.
I also know that the benefits of bringing kids into the kitchen are vast. Math, science, language, and motor skills all come into play. Think measuring, counting, fractions, vocabulary, spatial awareness, and observing cause and effect, to name a few. The time together also builds memories, provides opportunities to share or create traditions, builds confidence, and builds self-sufficiency.
With a little patience and guidance, the effort can be rewarding. That’s what this series is all about. Kids in the Kitchen is part recipe, part encouragement, and part the experience of what happens when you bring children into the fold.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or just someone with a small sous chef, I hope this series inspires you to hand over the whisk more often. It’s not always clean, but it’s always worth it.
To kick off Kids in the Kitchen, we’re starting with some hands-on Mother’s Day ideas. I’m including two recipes, one written just for kids and one that was intended for adults, but with tips on how to bring children into the mix. These two recipes are perfect for small helpers and come with just enough mess to feel like an adventure. Whether you’re making breakfast in bed or a mid-morning brunch, these are sure to make Mom’s day special.
“Shake-It” Whipped Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional)
Instructions
Adult
- Measure out the ingredients ahead of time.
Child
- Add ingredients to the jar.
Adult
- Close the jar, make sure it's well sealed.
Children + Adults
- Start shaking!
- Keep shaking until it turns to whipped cream. Open the jar and check on it after about two minutes of shaking. If it's still liquid, keep shaking.Note: Small hands have little shakes, so they’re going to need help. If you have older children, they can take turns, or the adults can help. If you’re working with very young ones, have the child count to a set number, so they know when their turn is up.
Notes
Clear container with a lid. The mixture needs room to move, a quart-sized container works great. Dusty Apron is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are a couple of options:
Tips for toddler/preschool aged:
Work on a cookie sheet, so spilled ingredients stay in one place (easier clean up). Bonus Activity:
Measure cream into a bowl. Give the child a measuring spoon and have them scoop cream from the bowl into the jar. Have them “measure” 4 or 5 scoops into the jar (counting practice). If you have more than one child, they can take turns scooping (2 or 3 scoops each). When they’re done scooping, pour the remaining cream into the jar (plus any cream that spilled onto the baking sheet). Early Childhood Development Skills:
- Math: Counting
- Science: Observing cause and effect – cream changing from liquid to foam
- Social: Taking turns – shaking and scooping
- Motor skills, hand-eye: Pouring ingredients into a jar
Yogurt Brûlée
This is a fun one! This recipe was intended for adults, but I wanted to offer a few ideas on how to bring kids into the mix. A kitchen torch is used to caramelize the sugar, so keep in mind that a flame can be exciting for children to watch and tempting to touch. Every child is different, the very young or risk-loving child might be better sitting out for the flame part (you know your child best, I’ll leave it for you to decide). For those adventurous parents and caregivers, find a safe spot for your child to watch and maybe instruct them on where to sit/stand and where their hands should be kept (flat on the counter, in their pockets, etc.). If they leave their safe spot, turn off the torch, and move them back to their safe spot before continuing.
Ingredients
- ½ cup strawberries
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- granulated sugar for sprinkling
- ½ cup fresh mixed berries
Instructions
- Cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces, then divide the strawberries between two heat-proof bowls.
- Place yogurt and vanilla bean paste in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
- Layer 1/2 cup of yogurt on the strawberries (or enough to almost fill the bowl) and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle sugar on top of the yogurt. The amount needed will depend on your bowl size. The sugar should thinly coat the entire surface of the yogurt.
- Run the flame of a kitchen torch over the sugar to caramelize.
- Top with 1/4 cup of fresh mixed berries.
Notes
You will need heat-proof bowls and a kitchen torch. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are a couple of options:
Nutrition
How to bring kids in
Adult: It’s best to do these prep steps before the child is in the kitchen.
- Fill a mixing bowl with water (this will be used to wash the strawberries).
- Line a plate or bowl with paper towels (this is where the washed strawberries will go).
- Measure yogurt and vanilla bean paste into a bowl (save the mixing part for the child).
- Fill a small bowl with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Child
- Wash the berries – place berries in the bowl of water and swirl them around with hands.
- Take the berries out and place them on the paper towel-lined plate or bowl.
- Mix yogurt and vanilla paste.
Adult
- Cut strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
Child
- Place strawberries in the bottom of the heat-proof bowls.
Adult or Child
- Layer 1/2 cup of yogurt on the strawberries and smooth the top.
Child
- Use fingers or a spoon to sprinkle sugar over the surface of the yogurt.
Adult
- Give the bowl a shake to evenly distribute sugar. Run the flame of a kitchen torch over the sugar to carmelize (see above for tips). The bowl will be hot; allow it to cool.
Child
- Top with 1/4 cup of fresh berries.
Toddler-Preschool Skills and Activities
Science:
- When washing the berries, have them predict if the berries will sink or float.
Math:
- When washing the berries, have them count the berries as they place them in the bowl.
- After caramelizing the sugar, while you’re waiting for the bowls to cool, have the child sort berries by type.
- Choose the number of berries you’d like to place on top of the yogurt, and have children help count out the berries.