Kids in the Kitchen!!

If you have come in recently to the WIC office you probably have already heard about having kids help out in the kitchen.  If you haven't that is okay you have come to the right place. We are going to go through a bunch of information about why it is important to have kids in the kitchen, safety in the kitchen, and give you a few kid friendly recipes!!

Why should kids help in the kitchen?
-  It helps kids learn how to follow directions
- It teaches them how to use their hands
- It teaches them to try new foods
- Kids feel good about themselves when you tell them they are doing a good job
- Good memories for the kids and the parents!

Before the kids help in the kitchen it is important to make it safe.  Here are some tips:
- keep dangerous tools out of reach
- use a step stool
- always stay with your child
-unplug appliances
- have plenty of time to cook
- teach kids the importance of HOT and what times can be hot to touch
- keep hands clean- wash with soap and warm water before handing food, wash again if handling raw meat or eggs, wash hands if you sneeze, cough or blow your nose

Now that you have some safety tips here are some  recipes to try out with the kids!


Fruit Salad
3/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
3/4 green grapes, halved
1/3 cup small cantaloupe, cut into chunks
1/3 cup medium firm banana, sliced
2 tablespoons and 1/2 tsp orange juice

Preparation
1. In a large bowl, have your child combine the fruit ( Leave out bananas until right before serving)
2. Then have your child pour the juice over the fruit and mix it with hands to coat
3. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
4. Add bananas when you are ready to serve.

Ants on a log
   
Celery
Peanut Butter
Raisins

Preparation

1.  Parents cut up celery into 2 inches pieces
2. Parents spread peanut butter or if child is old enough have them spread it with a plastic knife.
3.  Kids add as many raisins want on their logs.

Fruity Kabobs

Ingredients

Skewers
1 cup strawberries
1 cup thickly sliced bananas
1 cup grapes, halved
1 cup apple pieces

Preparation

Kids can thread fruit on skewers in any order they like.  You can serve this with some yogurt for a good afternoon snack!


If you have any questions about your kids helping in the kitchen call your WIC nutritionist!

- Eileen Alwang
   WIC coordinator

- Melanie Zeck
   WIC intern