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.
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.
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.
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.