Cooler Weather means Comfort Cooking!

The colder weather has arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to get your kids involved in the kitchen. At COOKSMART, we believe in empowering children with kitchen confidence, and what better time to start than now? Let’s explore how to engage kids in the kitchen, and the perfect recipe to start!

 

Engaging Kids in the Kitchen:

  1. Age-Appropriate Tasks: Kids are incredibly capable in the kitchen, and at COOKSMART, we leverage their potential by assigning age-appropriate tasks. From washing apples to peeling them and measuring out both wet and dry ingredients, these activities not only build kitchen skills but also boost confidence. A fun challenge is trying to peel an apple all in one piece!

  2. Supervised Independence: While we provide the necessary skills, it's crucial to step back and supervise, allowing kids to take the lead in guiding the recipe. This approach fosters a sense of independence and accomplishment.

  3. Skill-Building Focus: Our kitchen activities are tailored to age and skill levels. COOKSMART's trained staff ensures that children develop essential skills, such as safety precautions while using a variety of heat sources in the kitchen (e.g. oven safety) through using our kitchen skills report card to track and celebrate their progress.


Apple Crumble Recipe - Perfect for Fall Cooking with Kids:

  • Fresh or frozen apples, peaches, berries, rhubarb (peeled, chopped)

  • Lemon juice (optional)

  • Sugar (optional) to taste

  • Cinnamon (optional)

  • Butter

  • Flour

  • Oatmeal

  • Brown Sugar

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

  2. Fill the bottom of a baking dish with your choice of fruit.

  3. Sprinkle lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar (if desired) over the fruit. Mix to spread flavours.

  4. For the crumble, estimate the amount needed (¾ cup for small, 2 cups for large).

  5. Measure equal amounts of butter, flour, oatmeal, and brown sugar.

  6. Combine all crumble ingredients in a bowl.

  7. Use clean hands or a fork to work the ingredients until a soft crumbly dough forms.

  8. Spread the crumble evenly over the fruit and pat down gently.

  9. Bake until the fruit is soft and the topping is crisp (approximately 40 minutes, depending on the dish size).

Now, you're not only engaging your kids in the kitchen but also creating lasting memories with a delicious fruit crumble! Happy cooking!

Cooksmart Admin