Junior Chef Showdown

Junior Chef Showdown

10 Kitchen Skills Parents Should Teach Their Kids By Age 10

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Amber Dowling

It’s no secret the kids on Junior Chef Showdown know their way around a kitchen. The impressive 9 to 13 year olds can do everything from hand-whip a frothy meringue to grill up a perfectly finished cut of meat. Watching these passionate little people create in the kitchen is amazing, to say the least. Your own kids may not be there just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t teach them to hold their own in the kitchen too. From cutting to cleaning, here are 10 kitchen skills that every parent should teach their kids before the age of 10. 

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  • Meal Planning
     
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    Meal Planning

    <p>People who meal plan either love or hate the process, but one thing is for sure: it’s an important step in teaching <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/cooking-with-kids/photos/fun-ways-kids-eat-more-veggies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kids how to eat healthy</a> and cook a variety of dishes. When kids are younger, let everyone in the family pick one thing they want to eat for dinner that week and write it down. The kids will be pumped when it’s their turn to make dinner. As they get older, have them participate in the planning, shopping and prepping. Those skills won’t just translate into easier weeknights for the whole family; it’s a planning skill they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives. </p> <p>Looking for some meal-prep inspiration? Get the recipe for this easy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ranch-pork-chop-sheet-pan-supper/22583/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Ranch Pork Chop Sheet Pan Supper</strong></a></p>
  • Cutting and Peeling
     
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    Cutting and Peeling

    <p>By the age of 3 or 4, many kids are ready to try cutting soft things like bananas or strawberries with blunt knives. It’s all about knowing your kid and gauging their interest level, but the earlier you start teaching the proper techniques (fingers away from the blade, how to properly pass it) the more at ease you’ll be when your kid does eventually pick up that big kid knife. The same goes for peeling items like <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/tasty-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">potatoes</a> and carrots. Need some extra reassurance? There are lots of great kitchen starter sets out there that come with bonus safety features to help protect little hands. </p> <p>Is your kid getting good at chopping and peeling? Why not get to work on some toppings for these family friendly <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/french-bread-pizzas/15511/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>French Bread Pizzas</strong></a></p>
  • Breading and Shaping
     
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    Breading and Shaping

    <p>A tangible — and fun — way to get kids involved in the kitchen is to have them help bread items for baking or frying, or to shape things like hamburgers, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/mouth-watering-meatball-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meatballs</a> and dough. It’s also a great way to help them get over any fears of touching new textures or getting their hands dirty. When they’re younger, kids can learn motor skills and dexterity from such tasks. And when they’re older, well, you’ve got a great sous-chef on your hands! </p> <p>Get your kids to help shape some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-fried-rice-balls/19743/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Chicken Fried Rice Balls</strong></a></p>
  • Use the Blender
     
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    Use the Blender

    <p>Children love throwing ingredients in a blender and creating new things. From pestos and sauces to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-tasty-smoothie-recipes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy smoothies</a>, blenders can be an essential tool in the kitchen. The best part is that it’s easy to involve kids. When they’re younger they can push the buttons and throw things in, and when they’re older they can help you to create new flavour combinations that you maybe hadn’t previously thought of. </p> <p>Involve the kids tomorrow morning with a delicious <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peanut-butter-and-banana-oatmeal-smoothie/16749/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Smoothie</strong></a></p>
  • Baking Basics
     
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    Baking Basics

    <p>If you need an activity that lasts longer than 10 minutes with younger kids, reach for a simple baking recipe. Between the measuring, pouring, stirring and tasting, baking can be a great activity that teaches a ton of different skills. When mixing a bowl remind them to have one hand on the bowl and one on the spoon, and try to limit the “tasting” of ingredients like raw flour and eggs, which can carry bacteria. </p> <p>Whip up Anna Olson’s <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-chocolate-chip-cookies/12744/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies</strong></a></p>
  • Cook on the Stove
     
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    Cook on the Stove

    <p>By time kids are 10 they should be able to perform basic stovetop skills, like flip pancakes and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/30-irresistible-grilled-cheese-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grilled cheese sandwiches</a> — while supervised, of course. Teaching stovetop safety is important, but letting your kid pour and stir the makings of a stir-fry or learn how to put the perfect char on a piece of bread is quite empowering and can encourage them to keep creating. </p> <p>Grab the kids and whip up some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-ham-and-cheese-sandwich/6809/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches</strong></a> for lunch.</p>
  • Rice and Stove-Top Cereals
     
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    Rice and Stove-Top Cereals

    <p>Whether you love the ease of your rice cooker and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/healthy-instant-pot-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instant Pot</a> or you cook your grains the old-fashioned way on the stove, involve your kids. Teach them the basic ratios (maybe by posting a handy guide on the fridge) and experiment with different grains. The quicker they learn how to whip up basic carbs, the quicker they can begin experimenting with different flavour profiles and tastes. </p> <p>What kid wouldn’t reach for a bowl of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-pie-oatmeal/14929/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Apple Pie Oatmeal</strong></a>?</p>
  • Following Simple Recipes
     
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    Following Simple Recipes

    <p>Involve the kids and help them practice their reading, math, time-management and planning skills by picking simple recipes and letting them take the lead. Then, once they’ve got a few favourites down pat, riff and experiment by swapping out flavours (fillings in a cookie recipe, lemon instead of white wine vinegar) to show them how recipes can inspire and invoke a world of new ideas. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/easy-tortilla-hot-dog-wraps-35593/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Easy Tortilla Hot Dog Wraps</strong></a></p>
  • Food Presentation
     
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    Food Presentation

    <p>Learning to cook is great, but it’s also worth getting your kids to think about how they plate the food they’re creating. After all, we eat with our eyes first. Make shapes with cookie cutters at your next <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/junior-chef-showdown/blog/anna-olson-chocolate-banana-pancakes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pancake breakfast</a>, create <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/celery-logs-with-pimiento-cheese/23033/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vegetable "logs" or "bugs"</a> on your next platter, or put snacks on sticks for a whole new play on a classic, like this sandwich. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sandwiches-on-a-stick/16762/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sandwiches on a Stick</strong></a></p>
  • Food Safety and Cleaning Up
     
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    Food Safety and Cleaning Up

    <p>Along the way, it’s worth teaching your kids how to handle food and clean up as you go. Remind them that meats should be cut on a separate cutting board, always wash your hands before you start, and never leave items to thaw out overnight on the counter or in the sink. Get kids involved with dishes early on, and minimize as much mess as possible with smart recipes that cut down on utensils. You’ll find you might be a lot more patient with your kids as a result!</p> <p>Get the recipe for these low(er)-mess <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/foil-pack-grilled-sweet-and-spicy-chicken-wings/22549/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Foil-Pack Grilled Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken Wings</strong></a></p>
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