The Sweet Chef

It’s Saturday afternoon and my kids are jockeying for position at the kitchen counter. We’re baking chocolate chip cookies, our fun and easy one bowl favourite that are a household hit every time.

I’ve been baking with both my kids, Sasha and Athena, since were 18 months old.

During those younger years I would give them their own bowl of flour and sugar and some measuring spoons to play with letting them mix, blend, pour and mess about and have fun on their own while I did all the measuring and most of the stirring.

Baking and cooking are two life skills everyone wished they had but only some possess. People are always interested to hear I can bake and are in awe when I tell them I’m a professional pastry chef.

Why not give your kids the chance to get the kudos for baking a fabulous summer fruit pie, towering layer cake or more simply some chewy chocolate chip cookies. Start them on their culinary journey today with my 8 easy steps to success for baking with kids.

Young kids 2-6 years old may need a break in the middle of preparing the recipe or may bail on you altogether. My kids have done those things lots of times. Don’t give up! Finish the task and share the rewards.

Older kids 7+ should be able to help along the way with before and after tasks such as shopping and cleaning up.

If you’re new at baking with your children I recommend doing it with one child at a time while the other is off doing fun things with dad or grandma.  Then switch it up with your other children.

When the kids are older you can make more complicated recipes and share the duties between all your kids.

Here are my foolproof steps to success and fun while baking with your kids.

Let’s get started!

1. Find a recipe… The easiest thing to do is use a tried and true recipe that you’ve successfully made in the past. I like cookies. They’re easy one bowl recipes that are a hit with kids and adults alike.
2. Check the cupboards and make a list… Go over the recipe you’ve chosen and check that you have all the ingredients on hand.  Make a list of all the things you don’t have. Now it’s time to go shopping!
3. Shop… Shop for the ingredients a day in advance. It’s a great idea to have your kids join you. This helps them learn important life skills they’ll need later on like choosing and buying the food you need.
4. Clear the clutter… On the day of baking you want to clear the kitchen counters of excess clutter, tools and appliances that you won’t need. You want your child to be able to focus on the experience and not get distracted. Empty counters are easier to clean!
5. Get organized…Think about the tasks ahead. What tools will you need to make the experience a success? Make a list if you have to or walk the kitchen with the recipe in hand. Gather up all the tools you’ll need such as bowls, spoons, measuring cups, scrapers, pans, etc…
6. Ignore distractions…Give your family the heads up that you’ll be busy for the next hour and a half. If the phone rings and you’re not expecting an important call then let voicemail answer it. This shows your child you’re really focused on them.
7. Get messy… Baking is tactile and messy but that‘s part of the fun. If you plan in advance that Johnny or Jenny is going to get flour and sugar all over the floor and walls then it’s not such a big deal when it happens. And yes, the egg shells will end up in the batter but it’s really not a big deal. So roll up your sleeves and jump right in!
8. Have fun! …Most important thing is to have fun with your kids. Remember, you’re teaching them valuable life skills while having fun and eating the rewards.