Sous chefs

Happy Fun with food Friday! 

Today's tip is simple but effective - allow your kiddo(s) to help you in the kitchen!

If you've kept up with my other Fun with food Friday posts, you'll know that every exposure counts when it comes to picky eating. Each time your kiddo experiences a novel or non-preferred food - whether it be visually, by smell, by touch, taste, etc. - they are learning about that food by creating pathways in the brain. These pathways, over time, help to lessen anxiety over novel and non-preferred foods.

Meal and snack preparation is a wonderful way to provide your kiddo(s) with exposure to novel and/or non-preferred foods. Not only does it help with the feeding process, it also helps your kiddo(s) develop independence and important fine motor, visual motor, and bilateral coordination kitchen skills, such as cutting with a fork and knife, spreading, opening/closing containers, pouring, scooping, stirring, kneading, etc. Cooking and baking are also great ways to incorporate some math and chemistry education into your day!

Today, I challenge you to have your kiddo(s) help you out in the kitchen - it can be breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack time, baking, anything! Read on for some of my favorite tools that might help you more easily incorporate this activity into your daily quarantine routine as well as some great recipes to try! 

Tools:

• KiddiKutter: a knife that cuts food and not skin! See the website for more information as well as where to purchase.

• Standing tower: a stool or chair alternative that allows your kiddo(s) to reach the meal prep area safely! Available at Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, and more!

• Non-slip plate: allows for cutting, spreading, etc. without slipping or sliding! Available on Amazon.

• Non-slip cutting board: allows for fruit, veggie, meat prep without slipping or sliding and includes a groover around the perimeter for minimal spillage! Available on Amazon.

• Curious Chef tools: a line of tools created especially for little hands! These tools are smaller in size and include grips and safety features. Available on Curious Chef's website as well as Amazon.

Recipe Resources:

• Taste of Home: This article includes 30 fun, easy recipes to use with your kiddos. My favorite is Turkey Wafflewiches!
• Delish: This slideshow contains 14 kid-friendly recipes. My favorite is Donut Apples!
• Tasty: This site has 21 links to fun and delicious recipes you can make with your kids. My favorite is Peanut Butter Banana Quesadillas!
• Kitchn: This article includes 15 dinner recipes you can cook with your kids. My favorite is One Pot Meatballs and Pasta-Os!

Happy cooking! :)