When my daughters were young scheduling summer activities was always a challenge.  Fortunately, I could always count on my mother-in-law to take them one day a week for various activities, from trips to a museum to the water park to shopping trips to the mall. 

Many times they’d just stay at “G’ma Pat’s” house, where she could keep them entertained for hours (air conditioning and a pool were definite plusses).  Their favorite endeavor, though, was baking with G’ma!

With her home economics degree, G’ma knew her stuff.  They’d start early in the morning…before the heat became unbearable… and would spend hours happily turning flour, milk, water, yeast and various other ingredients into bread, rolls and other  assorted baked delights. My girls learned the joy and satisfaction of literally having their hands in the dough.

If there’s no G’ma Pat at your disposal, there’s the next best thing through a children’s cooking show called Hey Kids, Let’s Cook! This 30-minute cooking show, targeting youth ages 8 to 14, airs on a number of public television outlets throughout California. 

If the show is not playing in your location, you can access a number of archived episodes through their website, Hey Kids, Let’s Cook! 

The host and creator of the show, Kathy Powers, is a teacher who has a passion for introducing children to the fun and sense of accomplishment achieved through cooking.  In addition to demonstrating a wide range of kid-friendly recipes, she is able to share information on nutrition, basic cooking skills, cultural food practices and the agricultural roots of many of the foods we enjoy.

Kathy is ably assisted in each episode by two young assistants.  They enjoy recipes ranging from breakfast items like French toast to snack items like homemade yogurt and parfaits, to lunch and dinner treats like lasagna rolls, chicken chow mein, or macaroni and cheese. 

A complete collection of recipes from all episodes since the program launched (November 2006) is available on the website as well.

Cooking with your children is a wonderful way to enjoy time together.  Even young children can assist in the kitchen.  The earlier and more often you include them in meal preparation activities, the better!  Even preschoolers can help out in the kitchen; you just have to give them tasks that are age-appropriate.

Our tip sheet, Healthy Eating for Your Preschooler, can help guide you in those decisions.  Take your children with you shopping and encourage them to help pick out foods; they’ll particularly enjoy seeing the wide range of offerings at local farmers' markets.

Kid-friendly recipes are plentiful on the internet, including Meals Matter, so check those out as you search for easy recipes that will build your child’s skills and confidence.

So, pull out an apron for you and your child and get started.  Who knows – you may have the next Rachel Ray or Tyler Florence in your kitchen!

Mary Anne Burkman, Registered Dietitian