Kids' Night to Cook, Part II

About author / Christine Gable

Culinary enthusiast; kids cuisine and slow cooking; magazine recipe developer; professional writer. Her simple recipes are great for family dinners.

Do Americans still consider family meals a high priority, even with today’s busy lifestyles? A recent survey by SuperTarget, conducted by Harris Interactive, indicated that yes indeed, they do. The survey results also suggested that food still plays an important role in American families. No surprise there, eh?

Parents of children under 18 typically reported that their family ate dinner at home about 6 times per week, with 93 percent cooking that meal at home with their family. Over 84 percent said they go grocery shopping with the family at least once a week and 77 percent said they cook dinner with their children. Where do you fit in with those stats?

You probably know that I think kids are great helpers in the kitchen, especially when you match the task to their ability and age level. It’s delegation of labor, after all: younger kids can help with washing fruits and veggies, stirring mixtures and setting the table. Older children can get in on the act by chopping veggies and helping to do exact measurements—even sautéing on the stove and learning age-appropriate stove skills. Kids can help make grocery lists, shop and unpack, too.

The above referenced study also found that children who are involved in meal preparation and grocery shopping early in life establish healthier eating patterns that will help them make better food choices throughout life. Now that’s smart planning for the future—so go ahead, start delegating.

Here’s a list to help get you started on Kids’ Night to Cook at your house—with 5 more of our family’s favorite kids’ meals to make.

What do your kids like to cook at your house?

1. Baked Fish & Noodles
Another freezer staple (like frozen chicken), baked fish is one of my daughter’s favorites. Whether you go for sticks, fillets, breaded or not, paired with a pot of buttered noodles, a salad or veggie, the kids can do it.

2. Burgers & Fries
Always a favorite combo. Bake some frozen fries or make these oven fries to sidestep all that hydrogenated oil—the least healthy part of French fries. Wash and cut 6-8 potatoes in thin wedges and place in large ziploc. Pour in some olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, chili powder and a dash of pepper. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 25-30 minutes at 425ºF, until crispy and golden. Flip taters with spatula halfway through baking.

3. Chili
With a pound of beef, a can of beans and some tomato sauce, the kids are set to go. Don’t fret if you’re out of kidney beans—we’ve used white beans, black beans, pinto beans—all with great chili success.

4. Soup & Sandwiches
What can I say? My kids love ham & cheese—and with a can of soup it provides a filling meal. Add some carrots, celery and broccoli with dip on the side to boost that veggie intake.

5. Mac & Cheese
Whether you try grandma’s recipe or the box, it’s always popular. Pair it with some baked beans, hot dogs or a big salad, and it’s a meal that your kids will want to make time and again.