Cooking with the kids!

I am not much of a cook and I am certainly not known to bake.  I wouldn't say that I'm a terrible cook - though some would beg to differ - it's just that I usually try to cut out added fat and calories and that does not suit everyone's palates.  The personal aversion to baking is simple:  if it's in the house, then I will eat it.  So I try not to fuel temptation with cookies, cakes, and the like. 

Imagine my surprise when I started pulling mixes off the grocery store shelves in preparation for Thanksgiving.  I bought a box of pumpkin bread mix and pumpkin cookies.  First of all, anything with pumpkin mentioned gets my mouth watering.  I keep at least 2 cans of pumpkin on hand at all times and toss it into oatmeal, smoothies, or some other concoction.  (Remember there are many who scoff at my skills in the kitchen).  The first item that was baked was the pumpkin bread.  I didn't even try to lighten the recipe!
 
I asked my 3 year old if she wanted to bake with mommy she was right there with her little stool ready to crack eggs and stir some batter.  As a matter of fact, she did crack the eggs (might have gotten a bit of shell in the mix), pour the pouch and other ingredients into the bowl, and then she stirred her little heart out.  We added chocolate chips to the mix and poured the batter into the pan together.  Then, she did what I used to do - she licked the bowl, spatula, and whisk.  

The result was super delicious, and after she had the first taste, she insisted we bring some over to my sister's house to share.  It was so much fun!  A couple of nights later my husband made the pumpkin cookies with her.  He's not as much fun as I am... no chocolate chips.

Of course we can't bake all the time - that wouldn't be prudent for a wellness coach.  She does help make her breakfast in the morning.  When we make oatmeal, she pours the package, stirs the oats and water, and then presses the buttons on the microwave.  This morning, she requested an egg - which she cracked - and I'm pleased to report that her breakfast was shell-free.

If you are parent or caregiver to a preschooler, check out this little gem of information from the www.choosemyplate.gov website : 
Having your preschooler help you in the kitchen is a good way to get your child to try new foods.

Kids feel good about doing something “grown-up.” Give them small jobs to do. Praise their efforts. Children are much less likely to reject foods that they helped make.

As preschoolers grow, they are able to help out with different tasks in the kitchen. While the following suggestions are typical, children may develop these skills at different ages
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers/HealthyHabits/PickyEaters/kitchenactivities.html