Basic Cooking Skills Little Chefs Will Learn In Our Cooking Class

In case you didn’t know, cooking is not just a fundamental life skill; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold in the kitchen! In order for the little chefs to embark on their culinary quests, mastering basic cooking skills is essential to pave the way for endless creativity and delicious discoveries. In this guide, we’ll explore essential cooking skills that every young foodie will learn in the KidCanCook cooking class. From chopping and measuring to stirring and sautéing, these foundational techniques will empower your little ones to express themselves through food.

Essential Kitchen Safety Tips

Cooking is an exciting activity for young chefs, but it's crucial to start with the basics of kitchen safety. Teaching children how to navigate the kitchen safely ensures they have fun while minimizing the risk of accidents. Here are a few safety tips we incorporate into their cooking routine in class and at home.

The importance of cleanliness

Little chefs are taught to wash their hands thoroughly before handling any food. This practice not only helps eliminate germs but also instills a sense of responsibility and hygiene. Additionally, they learn to keep the cooking area clean by wiping surfaces and washing utensils regularly prevents contamination and creates a safer environment for food preparation.

How to use kitchen tools and appliances

This involves which tools are safe for them to use, such as plastic knives for cutting soft fruits and vegetables, and which should be handled by adults only, like sharp knives and hot stoves.

At home, we urge parents to supervise children closely when they are using any kitchen equipment. Make sure they understand how to operate appliances safely, such as turning off the stove after use and avoiding the microwave unless supervised. Proper instruction and supervision ensure that children learn to respect the tools and equipment in the kitchen.

Prevent burns and injuries

Additionally, it is vital that children learn about the importance of being cautious around heat sources such as hot surfaces, boiling water, and steam. Oven mitts and potholders are used to protect their hands and to keep a safe distance from pots and pans on the stove.

Understanding Cooking Measurements

Understanding how to measure ingredients properly ensures that recipes turn out as expected and helps prevent culinary mishaps. We'll start by introducing the basic tools used for measuring, such as measuring cups, spoons, and a kitchen scale.

Basic cooking tools are included in the KidCanCook educational kit

Little chefs will learn to read measurements and explain the difference between liquid and dry measurements. It's also important we teach them how to level off measurements for accuracy using the flat edge of a knife or a spatula to level off the top of a measuring cup or spoon, ensuring the correct amount is used. This technique is particularly important for baking, where precise measurements can affect the texture and taste of the final product.

For practice, students get to practice measuring different ingredients to get a feel for how much each measurement looks and feels.

Basic Knife Skills for Little Chefs

Knife skills are an essential part of cooking, and teaching children how to handle knives safely and effectively is crucial. Kids are introduced to kid-friendly knives that are designed for safety, such as plastic or serrated knives.

KidCanCook upcoming line of child-safe knives

Once they are comfortable with handling knives, we'll teach them basic cutting techniques from simple tasks like slicing soft fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, strawberries, and cucumbers. As they become more proficient, they will be introduced to more challenging tasks like chopping and dicing. Students need to practice regularly at home as well to build their confidence and precision. Mastering basic knife skills will empower young chefs to prepare ingredients efficiently and safely, paving the way for more advanced culinary techniques.

Introduction To Basic Cooking Skills On A Stovetop

With the supervision of the instructors, students will learn about the basic techniques such as:

• Stirring: Stirring ingredients constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. We demonstrate how to use different utensils, such as wooden spoons and spatulas, for various tasks and encourage children to practice stirring ingredients in a pot or pan, emphasizing gentle and consistent motions.

• Sautéing: Sautéing involves cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sautéing is a versatile technique that can be used for vegetables, meats, and even eggs, giving young chefs the ability to create a variety of dishes. We show them how to move the ingredients around the pan to ensure even cooking and emphasize the importance of paying attention to the heat and adjusting it as needed to prevent burning.

• Boiling: Explain the process of bringing water to a boil and how to add ingredients such as pasta or vegetables. We'll teach them to monitor the boiling process and use a timer to ensure the ingredients are cooked to the desired tenderness.

• Simmering: Cooking ingredients at a lower temperature to prevent them from boiling over. Understanding these techniques will give young chefs the confidence to prepare a wide range of dishes and explore their creativity in the kitchen.

Learn About Healthy Ingredients For Meals

Last but not least, teaching children about healthy ingredients is crucial for fostering good eating habits and a love for nutritious foods. We start by introducing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, explaining their nutritional benefits and different uses in recipes. Children will learn wash and peel fruits and vegetables, ensuring they understand the importance of cleanliness and removing any dirt or pesticides.

Next, using the basic knife skills learnt, kids learn how to properly cut and prepare these ingredients using cutting techniques for various types of produce, such as slicing, dicing, and julienning.

As we try out recipes, we explain the nutritional benefits of the ingredients and how they contribute to a balanced diet. By understanding how to prepare healthy ingredients, children will develop a lifelong appreciation for nutritious foods and the skills to create delicious and healthy meals.

Fun and Easy Recipes for Young Cooks

Once children have mastered basic cooking skills, it's time to introduce them to fun and easy recipes that they can create on their own! Start with simple breakfast recipes such as fruit parfaits or yogurt bowls. For main dishes, introduce children to easy sandwich and wrap recipes or a simple pasta dish. We'll le

arn how to combine different proteins with cheese, vegetables, sauces and seasonings to create delicious meals.

Encourage our little chefs to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create their own unique dishes. By providing fun and easy recipes, children will gain confidence in their cooking skills and develop a love for creating delicious meals.