BettyCrocker.com member KittyTrixie left an interesting post in the Cooking and Baking with Kids forum this week. The member asked for ideas to help an impatient 16 year old learn to cook and feed himself well, especially in the summer months when he is home more often.
I am so impressed with all the great replies. They really show how passionate and knowledgeable other BettyCrocker.com members are. Among the suggestions were:
• explore cookbooks
• use the microwave
• use small electric appliances like an indoor grill and slow cooker
• Use pre-cooked proteins, like pre-cooked grilled chicken strips
• oversee him as he cooks dinner to help introduce skills
• have him practice using convenient and easy foods like a taco kit or boxed dinner
When teaching teenagers how to cook, I like to begin by creating a list of their favorite foods. One easy way to do this is to print the menus from restaurants that they love. Have them circle the foods that they would order. This is a good starting place.
Then, find some good tried-and-true recipe for the foods they have identified. Recipe sites that allow people to rate recipes and leave comments are a great resource. If thousands of people have rated a recipe with high marks, it is probably a good, consistent recipe. BettyCrocker.com offers both those features for recipes.
Many recipe sites also feature instructional videos. One of my favorite recipes is Fiesta Enchiladas, which features a video. The recipe calls for a taco dinner kit and uses lean ground turkey. The recipe builds different skills, including how to use the stovetop and oven safely. One reviewer remarked that it “received the teenagers’ stamp of approval!” This one is definitely a winner, and will help build confidence in any beginner cook.
More great “starter recipes” for cooks are:
Burger and Veggie Packets
Slow Cooker Pizza Pork Chops
Chicken Ranch Tacos
Got some great insights for teen cooks? Share them with us.