3 Advanced Cooking Recipes That Will Challenge Your Tweens In The Kitchen

Have your tweens mastered the basics recipes and ready to take their cooking skills to the next level? If so, it’s time to roll up their sleeves and dive into some advanced recipes that will spark their creativity and challenge their culinary prowess. Get ready to make memorable meals and foster a lifelong love for cooking as your kids tackle these exciting challenges.

Recipe 1: Homemade Sushi Rolls

Homemade sushi rolls are a fantastic way to introduce your tween to the art of sushi making. This recipe will challenge their knife skills, precision, and creativity as they learn to roll and assemble their own sushi.

Ingredients

• Sushi rice

• Nori (seaweed) sheets

• Fresh fish or other fillings

• Bamboo sushi rolling mat

Instructions

• Begin by teaching your tween how to properly cook and season the sushi rice. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then cook it according to the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using it to assemble the sushi rolls.

• Demonstrate how to prepare the fillings for the sushi rolls. This can include slicing fresh fish like tuna or salmon, cutting vegetables such as cucumber and avocado into thin strips, and preparing other ingredients like crab sticks or tempura shrimp.

  Encourage your tween to be creative with their fillings and to experiment with different combinations.

• Once the fillings are ready, show them how to assemble the sushi rolls using the bamboo mat. Place a sheet of nori on the mat, spread an even layer of rice over the nori, and arrange the fillings in a line along one edge. Carefully roll the sushi, using the mat to apply even pressure and keep the roll tight. Slice the finished roll into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Recipe 2: Gourmet Mac and Cheese with a Twist

Ingredients

• A mix of cheeses of choice. Some great options include sharp cheddar, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan.

• Macaroni

• (Optional) Additional ingredients: herbs, bacon, truffle oil.

Encourage your tween to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create their own unique version of mac and cheese

Instructions

• Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns a light golden color, then gradually whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce.

• Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheeses until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices your tween wants to add.

• Once the cheese sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked pasta and any additional ingredients like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of truffle oil.

• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with a layer of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the top is golden and crispy. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness.

Recipe 3: Spicy Chicken Tacos with Homemade Salsa

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs

• Marinade for the chicken: lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Combine them in a bowl.

• Salsa: Tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt

• Additional toppings: some great options include avocado slices, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

• Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

• Make the salsa: Dice the tomatoes and onions into small pieces, finely chop the cilantro, and remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing them. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with lime juice and salt to taste.

  Encourage your tween to taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is a great opportunity for them to learn about balancing flavors and creating a dish that suits their taste preferences.

• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for a few minutes on each side until it is fully cooked and has a nice char. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

• Assemble the tacos: warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven, then fill them with the grilled chicken, homemade salsa, and any additional toppings your tween likes. Serve the tacos with lime wedges and enjoy the delicious, spicy flavors.

By tackling these advanced recipes, your tween will not only improve their cooking skills but also gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their culinary creations. Whether they’re rolling sushi or grilling up spicy chicken tacos, these recipes will challenge and inspire them to become more confident and adventurous in the kitchen.

If your kids enjoy these recipes, take a look at the KidCanCook cooking program for schools!

In our classes, not only do our students learn to make the food themselves, they get to experiment with different flavors and textures while learning about healthy eating habits. This hands-on experience fosters creativity in the kitchen and empowers kids to make nutritious choices.

Join us today and watch your child develop essential cooking skills while having fun!