Children in the kitchen. It can be a joy and the foundation of a treasure trove of memories. Or it can be a recipe for disaster, if the timing isn't right, if the day is too stressful.... or if you're making a dish that's just too hard for little ones to particpate in.
Cooking with your children as helpers (as opposed to ingredients, all you Hansel and Gretel fans) is a wonderful way to spend time together. A little planning -- and much flexibility -- will carry the day.
The Idaho Potato Commission has some easy recipes that score on multiple levels. They're simple, they're tasty, they use ingredients children are familiar with.
Baked Idaho Pommes Frites
SERVES: 4
SERVES: 4
ACTIVE TIME: 10 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES
4 large potatoes, well scrubbed
Cooking spray
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 450° F.
Cut each potato into eight lengthwise wedges. Place potatoes in an ungreased baking pan. Spray potatoes evenly with cooking spray.
Bake 20 minutes. Remove potatoes from the oven, turn them over using a spatula, and return the potatoes to the oven to bake an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Season with salt and serve hot.
Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 278 calories, 1 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 154 mg sodium, 6 g protein, 64 g carbohydrates (does not include optional ingredients).
Tex-Mex Ketchup
This is a mildly seasoned ketchup and is a great starter recipe for budding chefs.
This is a mildly seasoned ketchup and is a great starter recipe for budding chefs.
SERVES: 8 (2 tablespoons each)
ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon mild chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
Stir until evenly blended. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 34 calories, 0 mg cholesterol, 366 mg sodium, 0.5 g protein, 0 g fat, 9 g carbohydrates
Bacon-Cheddar-Ranch Topping
A combination of flavors that both kids and adults enjoy. Adults should help with cutting the scallions (clean, child-safe scissors are a fun way to do this job, too).
SERVES: 8 (2 tablespoons each)
ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
3/4 cup light ranch salad dressing
2 scallions, finely chopped (use green part only in this recipe)
2 tablespoons 2% Sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons packaged 50% reduced-fat real bacon pieces
Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
Stir until evenly blended. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 75 calories, 12 mg cholesterol, 285 mg sodium, 1.5 g protein, 6 g fat, 4 g carbohydrates
Easy Microwave Cheese Sauce
Perfect for dipping or making cheese fries, this sauce won't disappoint.
SERVES: 8 (2 tablespoons each)
ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
1/2 cup 2% milk
2 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Combine the milk and cream cheese in a small microwave-safe bowl with handles. Heat on high for 1 minute, 30 seconds. Use a whisk and stir until smooth.
Heat another 30 seconds on high, then whisk again.
Add grated cheeses and stir constantly until smooth. If necessary, heat at 10-second intervals, stirring in-between, until an even consistency is achieved.
Serve immediately.
Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 76 calories, 20 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium, 4 g protein, 6 g fat, 1 g carbohydrates.
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