Kids Cuisine

Even kids who enjoy cooking and helping in the kitchen aren’t always in the mood. Who is?

In our home, kitchen gadgets have kept the kids interested longer than they would have been otherwise. The boys use the tools for their intended purpose or they make up new uses all together. In any event, the tools add a new dimension that appeals to their curiosity or sense of accomplishment. Other tools help me create results that are more appealing to the kids.

In this list, I’ve included a few kitchen tools we’ve had fun with — many of which you probably already own — and a few ideas for food activities. Also in the list are tools I use to add appeal. And then there are a few just-for-fun items as well! Enjoy!

1. Egg Slicer

The basic egg slicer is wonderful for the pre-knife skills of the youngest kitchen helpers. Slicing hard-cooked eggs is easy enough, and kids can use this gadget for so much more. The great part is that the work results in usable product! Let kids slice mushrooms for stir-fry, slice apples or other fruit for muffins, and slice bananas for cereal.

2. Garlic Press

My three-year-old recently used the garlic press to make orange juice from Satsuma/clementine/mandarin orange segments. What fun he had! He was able to peel the oranges, segment them, and press them all on his own. Why not hand over a press and a few grapes or pineapple chunks for a juice-making activity?

3. Mini Muffin Pan

It sure is nice to say okay to seconds, thirds and fourths with no worries. I make most of my muffins in the mini pans now. The kids love them, it is just the thing when you’re baking for a classroom or sports team, and it makes for easy portion control!

4. Kids’ Kitchen Stand

In our kitchen, we have a counter where you can sit and eat. This is perfect for when the kids help with cooking. If you don’t have this and you want your kids at the counter with you, this stand raises little ones higher than a stool would, and it’s safer than a high chair.

5. Kids’ Aprons

I came across these while Christmas shopping and I thought they were too cute. Although my boys don’t have these, they come in a variety of patterns and colors for boys and girls. A fun way to make cooking time official.