Consider buying your kids cooking supplies. You've arranged the kitchen to benefit them. They now need their own supplies. Here's what to buy the kids for their first cooking supplies.
Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls are one of the first cooking supplies to buy for kids. If you have plenty of mixing bowls on hand, just let each kid handle their own bowl. You can use stickers, blank address labels or a permanent marker to mark each bowl with the kids' names.
Sturdy bowls work best. For something different, try wooden bowls. Find a hard plastic for younger kids. Older kids can use glass mixing bowls, which can be heavy. Wash the bowls before use to make sure there's no residue or other foreign objects. Find some colored mixing bowls for even more mixing fun.
Bakeware Just for Kids
Most bakeware won't be specifically manufactured for kids, but buying them their very own bakeware helps encourage them to keep cooking. Buy reliable cooking and bakeware. Bakeware includes roasting pans, cookie sheets, cake pans and muffin tins. Buy some decorative muffin tins to make shapely muffins for holidays and seasonal themes. Look for some mini bread loaf pans that are sure to be a hit with the kids no matter what age they are.
Their very own Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are another set of cooking supplies that every kid cook should have. Measuring is an important skill to learn in cooking, especially with new recipes. Many cooks eventually learn what half cup of milk looks like or what a cup of flour looks like. Buy each kid a set they can practice with and use while cooking. Don't forget to buy measuring spoons too.
Stainless steel metal measuring cups are available. If you use liquids or food that could react to the metal (like garlic), then you should avoid buying the metal ones. Plastic measuring cups are probably the best type to buy for kid chefs. You can also find collapsible measuring cups that may bring even more fun to the cooking adventure.
Kid Utensils
Plastic cooking utensils are best for kids, especially those just starting to experiment with cooking. Find ones that can withstand high temperatures (accidents do happen). Look for bright colors to encourage them to use their utensils. Teach the kids what each utensil is for and how it's used. Wash the utensils after each use. Find a place that the kids can store their utensils. Buy a separate kitchen utensil caddy for the kid's cooking utensils.
A Kid-Friendly Cookbook
Cookbooks make great gifts and are part of the necessary cooking supplies that all kid cooks should have. Many cookbooks geared toward kids are available at stores. Search for a few cookbooks that have pictures that go with the recipes. The recipes should be written so that kids understand them. If you can't find a cookbook that your kids like, make one up yourself. Use some of the recipes you like or search in the Internet. Take a trip to the library and let kids pick out some cookbooks they like.
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