The Kitchen
A Great Place to Create Holiday Memories

When it comes to the holidays, few things generate as pleasant a memory as the sights, sounds and aromas of a bustling kitchen. Although adults typically oversee meal planning and preparation, the holidays are a great time to introduce children to the joys of cooking.

"Some families serve the same foods every year with few modifications," said Claudia Conkin, director of food and nutrition services at Texas Children’s Hospital. "Others are more experimental and enjoy testing new recipes. Either way, recruiting children as helpers not only provides assistance, but is also a wonderful way to establish family memories and traditions."

Children can perform useful tasks from washing vegetables to stirring, mixing and measuring. The most important ingredients parents can provide are planning, patience, guidance and a dash of humor.

"Gathering the family around the dinner table to discuss the holiday menu takes the burden off Mom or Dad and allows others to contribute ideas," Conkin said. "Once a consensus has been reached, enlist everyone’s help. Be sure to complete a shopping list as well as a task list so everyone knows what he or she will be doing."

One of the best ways to introduce children to the kitchen is through baking, Conkin added. Be sure to wash hands, and start with a clean work surface and fresh ingredients. Review safety precautions before beginning, and ensure tasks are appropriate for the child’s age.

Here are some fun ways to get children involved:

• Flour the work surface and let your child knead dough by hand or with a rolling pin.
• Once the dough is rolled out, give your child cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
• If making "drop" cookies, let your child spoon the dough onto the cookie sheet.
• Allow your child to coat and flour baking pans and spoon in batter.
• Help your child decorate cookies, cakes and cupcakes with icing and assorted toppings. Be creative!

Encouraging children to help in the kitchen provides another benefit for busy parents – extra hands for clean up.

"Of course, there may be more of a mess to deal with, but don’t let that deter you," Conkin said. "The memories and experiences you will share as a family will far outweigh the burnt cookies and spilled flour."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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