Weekend Wonder: Thanksgiving ‘Recipe’ Testing

When we think of cooking with young children, it is wise to keep these two words in mind:

Food Preparation.

That’s it. You set yourself up for success by keeping expectations attainable.

You don’t even need a set recipe!

I think most parents would be amazed by how much simple food preparation activities can support your child developmentally.

If you are looking to support your child in being an individual who can write letters, button their jacket, tie their shoes, and just about anything else that requires fine motor skills - this type of practice is key.

These activities also offer invaluable sensory input - something that young children need and experience less of in today’s world. Why would you want to use kinetic sand when you could snap green beans?

Lastly, these help your child feel a sense of contribution as a member of your family.

Some recipe testing will help build anticipation for Thanksgiving. Make a plan with your child. Talk about some of the dishes you could practice making before the holiday. Grocery shop together or discuss your ingredients by placing them all out on the kitchen countertop together.

Let’s consider these lovely prepared foods pictured above and the simple skills they require - all of which your child can handle.

1. A Spreadable Starter

   1. Set out halves mini bell peppers or sturdy crackers/toasts for your child. Set out a soft cheese, a spread, or a jam.

   2. Show your child how to spread the topping on a few peppers, crackers, or toasts.

   3. Add something on top, if you like - dried fruit or fresh herbs, both of which your child could help cut with clean child-safe scissors.

2. A Sautéed Green

   1. Choose a cooking green - chard, kale, mustard, etc.

   2. Show your child how to tear the leaves from the ribs, using a three finger grip.

   3. Invite your child to chop stems with clean child-safe scissors or a wavy chopper.

   4. Place in pan with olive oil and seasoning. An adult will cook the greens.

3. Roasted Green Beans

   1. Invite your child to snap a bowl of green beans. Each bean can be snapped into a few pieces.

   2. Add to an oven-safe dish with olive oil and seasonings and roast.

4. Whipped Cream for Pies

   1. If you are so inclined, invite your child to make whipped cream - by shaking whipping cream and a bit of sugar and vanilla in a jar, or whisking with a child-friendly hand-held whisk (this takes a long time - but it does work!).

   2. Invite your child to spread the whipped cream atop your pie before serving.

Have fun with this process. Show curiosity and delight. Collaborate together when you have a half hour of down time during the weekend or an afternoon.

The more practice before Thanksgiving, the better!