Time spent in the kitchen together as a family during the holidays will leave your children with lifelong memories.
Holiday baking is the perfect time to teach your children about the traditional foods your family enjoys. With these five tips, everyone can safely participate in holiday baking:
1. Wash those hands
First things first, everyone must wash their hands before they even get started. To prevent foodborne illnesses, wash your hands every time you come in contact with raw meat or eggs.
2. Keep dangerous items out of reach
Keep items like sharp knives and peelers away from little hands, unless you're closely supervising. Have a hot pot on the stove? Always turn the handle in and, if possible, put the pot on the back burner.
3. Tasting time
The best part of cooking? Tasting your creation! But to make sure your little chefs don’t consume raw ingredients that can make them sick, let your kids know they must ask for permission before they can lick utensils. Once the finished product is out of the oven, remind impatient kids that food must cool off before they dive in.
4. Find age-appropriate jobs
There are a ton of jobs that are perfect for children, no matter what their age! Measuring ingredients, washing produce, stirring ingredients in a bowl, greasing a pan, setting the table, peeling hard-boiled eggs and pouring cold liquids are all great ways for a helper of any age to safely join you in making some memories in the kitchen.
5. Supervise older children
Don't get lax on supervising older children! Even older children should only be allowed to use a blender, mixer, microwave, oven and other appliances under the watchful eye of an adult.
Holiday baking is a great time to get your kids cooking with you and to teach them how to be careful in the kitchen. Just add a pinch of laughter and a dash of holiday cheer, and you'll be making memories all of you will cherish forever.
