Grandparents are some of the best chefs in the world. Years of experience cooking for family and friends make them culinary masters. We hope that all the grandparents out there teach their grandkids these 14 important kitchen skills. They are invaluable! It is time to train the future generation of chefs and give them a headstart with culinary knowledge.
How to Read a Recipe
Baby boomers will definitely be able to teach kids how to read a basic recipe. This will require some explanation about fractions and weights but it is such a fun way to learn these things! Kids should also learn how to read recipe steps and understand that going in order is essential!
Measurements
One of the first things a grandparent should do is show kids the difference between a cup, a tablespoon, and a teaspoon. Show the kids how to measure and level ingredients, filling them up correctly. This may seem like a very simple thing to learn but it will set the foundation for a kids future culinary career.
What is Healthy
One of the best things a baby boomer can teach a kid is the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods. This will not only set them up for a lifetime of healthy cooking but also healthy eating. Cooking together with fruits and vegetables will make a lasting impression!
Try Everything
Baby boomers know that one of the best ways to be successful in the kitchen is to try everything. You need to taste your food in order to know if it is good. Expanding a kid's pallet can be hard but is is something a baby boomer should really try to do. If Grandma can get the kids to test and try everything they make, she will surely be a hero.
How to Mix
There are so many different ways to mix foods. You can fold it, you can whisk, you can gently stir it and sometimes foods just need to be whipped! Knowing the difference is key! We are sure all the baby boomer chefs can explain to the kiddos how to do all of these different mixing methods.
Kitchen Dangers
Grandma needs to make sure that the kids are being safe in the kitchen. Understanding the dangers that surround cooking is important! The oven is hot, the knives are sharp, the mixer is fast. All of these things need to be ingrained in every kid's (and grown-up) brain. Cooking is fun! But you also need to be careful.
How to Cut
Now that we mentioned sharp knives, we want to point out that kids CAN learn how to safely use a knife. Grab a set of kid-safe knives that will not hurt but can still chop through food. Grandma can help chop, dice and julienne, showing off her knife skills and sharing her culinary knowledge.
Basic Family Recipes
A kid who knows how to make at least one or two meals is truly amazing. Baby boomers should show kids how to make a few of the family favorites. Passing down recipes between generations is such a fantastic tradition. The only one who can really teach the next wave of kids how to cook the family's traditional dishes is Grandma! We are counting on you, baby boomers, to pass down those recipes we love so much!
Smoothies
Kids can definitely learn how to make their own smoothies. Not only are smoothies easy, but they are also fun! Let kids experiment with flavors, adding their own blend of fruits and veggies to the blender. Baby boomers should show kids how to make smoothies ASAP. Then they can make their own snack, breakfast or even dessert! Smoothies are the best.
Set The Table
All kids should know how to set the table. Grandma is the perfect person to teach this task. They can show kids which side the fork and knife go on and how to put out placements. Maybe those baby boomers can also teach kids how to clear the table at the end of the meal. Not only are these skills useful, but also so helpful!
Pack a Lunch Box
If grandma can teach the kids how to pack their own lunchbox, she will get a gold medal. Packing a lunch box teaches self-sufficiency and also helps kids understand the importance of nutrition. Kids will also benefit from their own actions and have a tasty lunch for school!
Breading
Breading veggies is such a kid friendly task that any baby boomer can teach. Dipping foods in flour then egg and then in breadcrumbs is a simple thing that kids will quickly learn. They will also enjoy the fact that they are really participating in the cooking process. Breading foods is a skill that can be applied to many meals so this is an important kitchen skill.
Aroma is Everything
Besides tasting food as you cook, you should also smell the food you are making. The aroma can tell you quite a bit about the food you are making. Grandma always says to cook with all your senses! Make sure kids learn how to smell food and adjust flavor using a whole new sense.
Clean The Kitchen
Cleaning is just as important as cooking. You can't cook a good meal in a dirty kitchen. Grandmas sure do know how to scrub pots, deep clean ovens and use that dishwasher daily. This is a very important lesson that all kids should learn. Cleaning is essential and a skill that even the youngest kids can learn.
This post was originally published on Spatula Desserts
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