In the hustle of everyday life it can be hard for busy parents to take time out to teach their kids basic cooking techniques. Cooking requires time, patience, and some extra clean-up, especially with the little ones. I have been working with children in the kitchen for over a decade and am a true believer that all of the extra work is worth the time and effort.
Cooking with your kids can help get them interested in trying new healthy foods they might normally turn away. I have seen this happen countless times, and when kids are involved in cooking their meal, they take ownership and are more likely to eat the foods they prepare themselves. Of course children would rather choose snacking on chips and cookies over veggies any day. Wouldn’t we all?
That’s why I like to teach them hands-on techniques of how to cook and eat everyday healthy whole foods that make their bodies feel good and grow strong. I have discovered that if you make it fun and exciting they will want to come back and cook with you again and again. I turn up some of their favorite music and I invite them to party with me in the kitchen. I have started cooking with children as young as 1 years old. I give them little tasks, whether it’s breaking up lettuce, or putting the carrots I just chopped into a measuring cup or bowl, mixing, and gathering ingredients from the fridge and pantry; children really just love to help. You can let your child practice cutting with a butter knife, and also let them taste the ingredients you are using, of course avoiding the raw eggs and meats.
While you have their attention, it is a great opportunity to talk to them about the ingredients and where they come from. It is also a great way to teach them their colors, numbers, flavors, and important kitchen safety rules. “Remember sharp knives, and fire are only for adults, I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” I’m personally a big fan of Pinterest and like to let the children pick out what we are going to make from one of my boards that I have filled with recipes I like.
Don’t be afraid to let your kids get involved in the kitchen, even if it means more mess and more time at the beginning. I would recommend starting off small choosing one meal per week where your child will be your helper. Over time, he or she will gain self-esteem, learn about different cultures, and feel like they are contributing to the family. They will also develop life skills, and will be more likely to try more fresh fruits and veggies.
快乐 Happy Veggie Egg Rolls!
1 tsp peanut or olive oil
2 cups of savoy or green cabbage, chopped
2 cups of shredded carrots
2 cups of bean sprouts
4-5 shiitake mushrooms stems discarded caps thinly sliced
1 can of water chestnuts, chopped
2 tbsp green onions, sliced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, grated
2 tbsp Tamari or soy sauce
1 tbsp corn starch
1/4 cup warm water
14 egg roll wraps
sweet and sour sauce or sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Once hot add the cabbage, sprouts, carrots, chestnuts, ginger and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables just begin to wilt but still remain a little bit crisp. In a separate small bowl combine the corn starch with the water and mix thoroughly. Add the corn starch mixture and soy sauce to the pan along with the green onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
Place two tablespoons of the cooled mixture on the center of the egg roll wrap. Fold the bottom up over the filling. Next, fold the two sides over, making it look like an envelope, then roll it up like a burrito. Have a little bowl of warm water next to you, dip your finger in and use a little bit of the water to seal the edges closed.
Place egg rolls on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes then turn them over. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Serve with sweet chili sauce or sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy! Xiǎngshòu! 享受
Growing Into the World 