Our nephew Kai is 9 years old. Quite a fascinating little boy, he loves adventure and has quite a fun group of friends who he spends lots of his free time with. His parents are very hands on in their parenting and encourage him to do creative things to not only pass time but actually enjoy it. Whether it’s hunting for special looking rocks for his mother to make necklaces for himself and his friend or colouring in a ludo board made from scratch by his father, or making a rock fortress with friends from his school in Ethiopia, he is always up to some adventure.
Kai also often has adventures in the kitchen with his parents. His father- quite the baker- will include him in the baking of cakes. Just recently he wrote us a letter about their latest kitchen adventure as a family. “Daddy cooked Kentucky Fried style chicken in a pressure cooker on Friday and Mummy baked KFC style biscuits and I LOVED the chicken, but not the biscuits.”
We share that because his parents are every bit as good-natured as he is and well, it makes for a really hilarious story. And that is what kitchen adventures mean to children over what could be a long, hot and boring holiday- a chance to create memories and the basis for great storytelling.
Inspired by Kai, we are highlighting some of the best recipes we have on here for children and encourage you to make time this summer to create these dishes with them and them friends. Here’s to a lifetime full of summer kitchen adventures!
By the way, the kids don’t have to be yours! You could be Aunty, Uncle or babysitter, just make some fun time for the kids in your life this holiday!
REGGAE SALSA
With 5 summer ingredients, Reggae Salsa this will definitely up the ante. You can even have some of their friends over for a salsa party. The help with the prep and then sit and enjoy their hard labour over a fun movie. You may choose to either leave out the pepper altogether or handle it yourself to prevent younger children from dreadful mistakes like rubbing their eyes and face with the hot substance. By the time they get to teenage years, they will be able to make on their own!
PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA!!!
The kid who does not love pizza has not been born. There is just something about the oozy gooey cheesy bread and tomato sauce combination that is a hit with every child. Instead of dialling 1-800-CARDBOARD, make your own from scratch! The classic Italian Pizza Margherita is a great place to start. You can make it more fun by providing more toppings that they like so they can make individual pies of culinary art.
POPSICLES
Beat the heat with these delicious Passion Fruit Popsicles. You get to control their sugar intake and provide a snack that is actually nutritious at the same time. Strain out the seeds for younger and or less adventurous children but whatever you do, wash your entire arm first so you can safely lick those juices as they melt and run down your wrist.
SIMPLE JAMAICAN BREAKFAST
Teach your child how to make this Simple Jamaican Breakfast of Eggs and Plantains and you will never have to wake up early on a weekend morning again. Learn the dish that launched Chef Lij’s interest in the culinary world and that delights adults and children alike around the Caribbean and Latin American region.
SPICY TUNA FRITTERS
This is one of our earliest posts and our Spicy Tuna Fritters are still a huge hit and for good reason. It is simple, quick, delicious and budget friendly. Of course as with all recipes, adjust the spice level suitable to your child. Some children tolerate more spice than others. Any way you do it, it is guaranteed to go down well with children and adults alike. These would also be great with older children.
CHEF NOTES: Since I started out early in the kitchen, I would love to hear from your little junior master chefs. Let them try these recipes with your supervision and see how much more helpful they will be in the kitchen in the future. We would love to hear their feedback as well so let them leave comments. Take pictures of them in the kitchen making the dishes and we will post them proudly on our facebook page. Just send them to us!
robisaba says
The Passion Fruit seeds in the Popsicle look quite intriguing.A very clever one!
collinsbarbara says
Reblogged this on barbarasfoodandfinds and commented:
I am definitely going to make these!
duodishes says
Pizza and popsicles will go down in history as a kid’s faves. Keep your list going for your own little one. 🙂
Chef and Steward says
LOL! I think you are very right!
but i'm hungry says
Hmmm… wonder how soon I can teach my toddler to make me breakfast? I like the sound of that! 😉
Chef and Steward says
Maybe not for a few years but you can certainly start setting the tone for a great times in the kitchen!
KatG says
Katie’s favourite dish to make with me is mac + cheese + sausage + baked beans. Next time I think I’ll leave her to do it alone. The popsicle is very interesting. Might just look into trying that.