To get a meal on the table requires some amount of prep and a great deal of patience. And involving the kids means that plus a whole lot of mess. But is it worth it? Absolutely. Introducing your little ones to cooking not only teaches them so much about what they’re eating but also allows them to learn new things through each step of the process. Here’s a simple dish to familiarise your child with some of the most common actions performed in the kitchen.

Yoghurt parfait

This recipe sees bright fruits peep through layers of fresh yoghurt. It is easy to make and the kids can enjoy it the second they have finished doing the washing up!

Step 1: Add yoghurt

Actions: whisking / pouring

Yoghurt is the base of every parfait and you can use any type — regular, Greek, or even dairy-free. Give the kids a whisk or spoon and get them to whip the yoghurt until it’s smooth and creamy. Drop the mixture in a parfait cup or mason jar.

Just beat it

Step 2: Layer with a crunchy element

Action: pounding

To add crunch to parfait, most recipes recommend using granola. Swap the easy for exciting and let the kids crush corn flakes or any other cereal instead. Fill a zip lock bag with cereal and let them use a rolling pin to pound it till gets a crumbly texture. Nuts can be added if your child isn’t allergic to them.

Pick up everything needed for yoghurt parfait

Fresh ingredients for great results

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AED 16.50 / Each

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Whole Earth organic corn flakes 375g

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AED 7.00 / Each

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Spinneysfood raw walnuts 60g

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AED 31.50 / Each

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Seeberger nuts and berries 150g

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Step 3: Top with fruits

Action: Chopping / slicing / peeling

While berries pair well yoghurt, the next layer could include any fruits they love. Using a knife helps kids improve their fine motor skills, so aim for those that require slicing like bananas, strawberries, or peaches.

Fruit-full
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AED 78.75 / Each

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Driscoll's strawberries 850g

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AED 24.75 / Each

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Driscoll's blackberries 170g

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Step 4: Sweeten

Action: Drizzling / pouring

Kids generally love sweet stuff, so the quickest way to turn this into a treat is by adding some honey. Allow them to drizzle the golden liquid using a honey dripper, as the twisting motion helps to strengthen their manual dexterity as well as hand and eye coordination.

As sweet as honey
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AED 12.75 / Each

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Langnese pure bee honey 125g

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AED 31.25 / Each

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Capilano organic raw honey 340g

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