Oct. 31 Frugal Gourmet is putting on a Kids Learn to Cook Night that’s going to feature a perfectly ghoulish menu.
The night will begin at 5 p.m. with kids learning to cook Wingetti, severed head lettuce, and ghoulish mud pie. This will be a fun and safe way for kids to spend Halloween night.
The kids are encouraged to dress in costume. The crazier the costume the better. Bring your friends and have a great time learning to cook and having fun too.
Bob Sorenson will be leading the group of up to 25 in the kitchen located at the Ridge 4936 Barriere Town Road. All aged children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Even if the children are young, they may not be able to help you prepare the dishes but they don’t want to be left out. Give them an empty pot or spoons so they can pretend to cook with you ... or bang out a tune.
Younger kids can watch what you’re doing and help out with small tasks, like stirring something or setting the table. Older kids can be taught how to crack eggs or measure ingredients. Even teens might be lured into the kitchen if you tell them they can choose the dish and you’ll help prepare it with them.
Benefits of time together:
· Preschoolers see how the dishes they eat are put together — and they get hands-on experience, which is a great way to learn and feel like they are helping out.
· School-age kids can learn some cooking basics and use their math skills as they help combine ingredients for recipes. You also can use the time to talk about good nutrition and why you chose the ingredients you’re using. It can lay the groundwork for healthy eating later on.
· Teens might appreciate the chance to improve their cooking skills — good preparation for when they’ll need to cook for themselves. Teens also might be interested in trying different cuisines. Do they love Asian food? Visit an Asian market and put together something authentic.
“Parents get something out of this kitchen togetherness, too. First, there’s the quality time you’ll share. Then there’s the pleasure of sitting down at the table together to enjoy what you’ve whipped up” says KidsHealth.org.
HealthyCanadians.gc.ca states the benefits of teaching your child to cook include “Cooking is an important life skill. Reading recipes help your child’s literacy skills. Measuring ingredients help improve math skills. Picky eaters are more likely to try food they help make. Cooking is a great way to instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime.” They go on to say that even “Little chefs can cook. Children should start by learning basic cooking skills and build their way up. Use these age-specific guidelines to help your little chef succeed in the kitchen. Don’t forget to go over safety rules and explain what they can and cannot touch. It’s also important to show them how to safely use equipment.”
Cook a dinner for your child and they will eat for one night. Teach them to cook and they’ll never go hungry. While you’re at it you might as well have some fun! Call Yellowhead Community Services to register. Space is limited. 250-672-9773