Cook This: 3 recipes for cooking with children from Paris’s Rose Bakery, including breakfast crêpes

Cooking with Kids: Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Beyond

Creating memories in the kitchen with children can be a rewarding experience. It’s about more than just the food; it’s about fostering a love for cooking, teaching valuable skills, and spending quality time together. While it might seem daunting at first, with a little patience and the right recipes, cooking with kids can be a delightful adventure for everyone involved.

Further reading: 5 Breakfasts That Will Make Your Morning Simple

Embracing Imperfection: The Key to Cooking with Kids

One of the most important things to remember when cooking with children is to let go of perfection. The goal isn’t to create a flawless dish but to engage and inspire young cooks. Expect spills, messes, and perhaps a few unconventional techniques. Embrace these moments as part of the learning process and focus on the fun.

Kid-Friendly Recipes: Simple and Delicious

Choosing the right recipes is crucial for a successful cooking experience with kids. Opt for recipes that are simple, engaging, and offer opportunities for hands-on participation. Here are three recipes that are perfect for cooking with children: breakfast crêpes, cranberry and oat scones, and chicken balls with teriyaki sauce.

Recipe 1: Breakfast Crêpes

Crêpes are a versatile and delicious breakfast option that kids love to make and eat. The batter is easy to prepare, and children can have fun flipping the crêpes and adding their favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tbsp butter, plus extra for frying
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (175 mL) milk
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Maple syrup, lemon and sugar, cinnamon sugar or honey, to serve

Equipment:

• Small saucepan
• Pitcher
• Whisk
• Sieve
• Large bowl
• Large frying pan
• Fish spatula

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
2. In a pitcher, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and 1/2 cup (125 mL) water.
3. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and carefully whisk to create a homogeneous mix. Refrigerate for at least an hour, but preferably overnight.
4. Heat a little butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Pour in a thin layer of batter, tilting the frying pan to spread the batter evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is lightly browned. Using a fish spatula, flip the crêpe and cook for another 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Recipe 2: Cranberry and Oat Scones

These scones are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. The combination of cranberries and oats adds a touch of sweetness and texture, and kids will enjoy helping to mix the ingredients and cut out the scones.

Ingredients:

• 7 tbsp butter, plus extra for greasing
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 cup (125 g) whole-wheat flour
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup (60 g) oats
• 2/3 cup (160 mL) buttermilk
• 1 cup (125 g) dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 egg, for glazing

Equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Food processor (optional)
• Medium bowl
• Rolling pin
• 5-cm (2-inch) cookie cutter
• Small bowl
• Fork or whisk
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Wire rack

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190C (375F). Grease a baking sheet, then line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine both flours, the sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and oats. Mix well using a wooden spoon.
3. Add the butter. Using clean fingers, blend together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. (Alternatively, use a food processor to mix the mixture.)
4. Combine the buttermilk, cranberries, and orange zest in a medium bowl. Add this to the other bowl and combine until it forms a dough. (It can be nice to use your hands for this, but watch out for over-keen little hands, as it is important not to overwork the dough.) The dough should not be wet or sticky.
5. Lightly dust a clean work counter with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough about 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) thick. Cut out the scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spacing them 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
6. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a fork or whisk. Using your fingers or a pastry brush, brush the egg glaze on top of each scone. Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Recipe 3: Chicken Balls with Teriyaki Sauce

These chicken balls are a fun and flavorful meal that kids will love. The teriyaki sauce adds a touch of sweetness and umami, and children can help shape the chicken balls and coat them in the sauce.

Ingredients:

For the teriyaki sauce:

• 1 onion
• 1 (5-cm/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp sake (optional)

For the chicken balls:

• 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) ground chicken or 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 onions
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment:

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
• Medium bowl
• Large frying pan
• Plate
• Baking dish

Instructions:

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Finely chop the onion. Grate the ginger.
2. Heat the olive oil or sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and sauté for 5 minutes, until the onion is softened, translucent, and without color. If necessary, add a splash of water and reduce the heat.
3. Add the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake, if using. If you want a lighter sauce, you can add a tablespoon of water. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened and syrupy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow to cool. Some people like the sauce with the onions and ginger, some people like the sauce strained and smooth – either way is lovely.

For the Chicken Balls

1. Finely chop the chicken breasts, if using. Put the chicken into a medium bowl.
2. Thinly slice the onions.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 7 minutes, until softened, translucent, and golden. If the onions start to turn dark, add a splash of water and reduce the heat.
4. Using the flat part of the knife, press the garlic against the cutting board. Repeat the motion until a fine paste forms. Add the mashed garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute.
5. Transfer the onion mixture to the bowl of chicken. Mix with a wooden spoon.
6. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, and soy sauce, if using. Mix with a wooden spoon. (This is definitely a fun task for younger children, as the mixture is squishy and can’t be over-mixed.) Stir in the cayenne pepper, if using.
7. In the palm of your hands, roll a tablespoon of mixture into a golf-sized ball. (The balls can range in size, depending on the size of your hands. A combination of sizes can also make a more interesting plate!) Place on a plate, then repeat with the remaining balls.
8. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F).
9. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken balls and turn continuously for 10 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a baking dish. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken balls and roll them in the sauce until the balls are evenly coated. Add any remaining sauce. Bake for 10 minutes, until glossy and cooked through.

Tips for Success

• Prepare in Advance: Gather all the ingredients and equipment before you start cooking. This will help keep things organized and prevent frustration.
• Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks: Give children tasks that are appropriate for their age and skill level. Younger children can help with measuring ingredients, stirring, and washing produce, while older children can handle more complex tasks like chopping vegetables (with supervision) and following recipes.
• Make it Fun: Put on some music, tell jokes, and encourage creativity. The more fun you have, the more likely children are to enjoy cooking.
• Be Patient: Cooking with children takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process, and be prepared for messes and mistakes.
• Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: The most important thing is that children are engaged and learning. Don’t worry too much about the finished product.

Cooking with kids is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and instill a love of food and cooking. By following these tips and choosing kid-friendly recipes, you can make it a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. So, gather your little chefs, put on your aprons, and get ready to cook up some fun!