[Texasmujer]

The ability toi cook is a skill that your children wil benefit from for the rest of their lives. Teaching your child to cook is great way to spend time with your kids. Learning to cook takes time and can span their childhood, culminating in a young adult who can cook for him or herself.

When teaching your kids to cook allow plenty of time. Choose a recipe that you will both enjoy making and eating. Determining how much your child can help in thre kitchen depends on his or her age, maturity and experience.

In addition to teaching your kids to cook, teach them to clean up. Let them know that the job is not done until the kitchen is clean.

KIDS RULE FOR THE KITCHEN
It's important to establish rules for your kids in the kitchen. Post the rules where everyone can see them. A few of the following rules are important to put on your rules list:
*No touching knives or stove.
*Do not touch any appliances without adult supervision
*always wash your hands before handling the food

LUNCH LESSONS
Like adults, kids like variety in their daily lunch. Here are some lunch packing tips to make your kids happy everyday when they open their lunch box.
* Use a variety of breads for their sandwiches. Breads such as whole
wheat, rye, oatmeal, or pita bread; you can also use bagels, muffins.
tortillas, or waffles.
* It is recommended that children get five 1/2 cup servings of fruits and
vegetables a day. Tempt their taste buds with a mixture of fresh
cubed fruit.
* Little fingers like little foods. Pack some pint-sized raw vegetables.
Include a container of dip and your child will think it's a treat.
* Kids yearn for the sugary sweet breakfast cereals on TV. Some of
those choices may be a good choice for the lunch box. Most dry
cereals (no matter how sugary) are more nutritious than an individual
bag of potato chips. . The next time you're in the grocery store, let
your kids pick out their favorite cereal and pack a handful in their
lunch.

Recipes For Kid Cooks
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a healthy snack, easy to make and perfect for kids to
practice their mixing skills.
'
INGREDIENTS: 4 eggs
1 tablespoon relish
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
paprika

Place eggs in a pan with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Cover the pan and have your child set the timer for three minutes. When it rings, turn off the heat. Let the eggs remain in the water until it cools.
Let the child crack and gently peel the hard boiled eggs. Cut the eggs in half and drop the yolks in a small bowl.. Using a fork, let your child mash the yolks with pre-measured relish and mayonnaise. Help him or her fill the egg halves with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Cool in refrigerator for a few minutes and enjoy.