This is from my Texas beef council newsletter.

www.txbeef.org.

As a chef and a single mom I am a huge advocate for getting kids involved in the kitchen. Not only does it provide quality family time, which we never get enough of, but I feel that it also helps children understand the value of nutritional meals. Besides, I still use the family recipes my mom taught me when I was young, and I want to pass those on. Whether it’s with your children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren or neighborhood kids, a perfect time to start this tradition is in the summer.

TIPS FOR INVOLVEMENT
Meal Planning:
Create family time by looking through food publications or cookbooks for recipes. Have each family member select recipes they would like to try and work them into a weekly menu plan. To add a special touch, write out the menu and post it on the refrigerator or at each persons place at the table.

Preparation:
Recruit your little chefs to stir or add ingredients to the recipe, keeping them away from the stove or oven. Depending on the age of your child and their motor skills, be careful not to assign tasks that involve cutting or hot stoves and ovens.

Table Setting:
One of my most vivid childhood memories was setting the table. I learned the correct way to set a table when I was four years old and will never forget. Use the following teaching tool to set the table:

·  RIGHT has five letters therefore the KNIFE, SPOON and DRINK, each with five letters, goes to the RIGHT of the plate.

·  LEFT has four letters therefore the FORK goes on the LEFT, (this is true for both the salad and dinner fork).

Creative Touch:
The finishing touch is always a fun way for kids to express their creativity. Have your child decide on a presentation plate or display bowl for the final dish and allow them to garnish or decorate it in their favorite way.

Clean Up:
Just as you assign tasks when cooking also discuss clean up. Have your child clear plates, help load and unload the dishwasher, put away linens and push in their chairs.

Nutrition:
Teach children how to read nutrition labels and discuss ways to make healthy choices when it comes to snacks and meals. Make nutrition fun by painting your plate with colorful fruits, vegetables and lean beef.

Kids and Safety in the Kitchen:
When making family time in the kitchen, it is important to include safety, for both young and old!

Knives and Other Sharp Stuff:
Never allow a child to use a knife without assistance. Always use a cutting board to protect the work surface and the knife, and most importantly, stay focused!

·  Graters: Use the handle of the grater and be careful not to scrape your fingers or knuckles when cutting the food. A box grater is much safer than a hand-held grater.

·  Peelers: Make sure little hands aren’t slippery when using a peeler. Hold the handle of the peeler in one hand and the food you are peeling in the other. Be sure to peel away from you.

Pot Holders and Oven Mitts:
ALWAYS use pot holders and mitts, and not a dish cloth!! Pot holders and oven mitts are designed to withstand the heat of a hot pot or pan. Also, make sure they are not wet as this will not properly protect your hands.

Ovens, Stoves or Grills:
Never allow a child to use any hot cooking tool unsupervised! When cooking on stove burners, keep pot handles pointing away from other burners to avoid overheating handles and away from the front of the oven to keep the pots and pans from accidentally being knocked over. When lifting lids or opening the oven door, do so away from your face to avoid steam burn.

Food Safety:
Wash your hands using soap before doing anything, ESPECIALLY cooking or handling food. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never place cooked meat on a surface that has had raw meat. Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly.

Here are ideas to get you, and your "Future Chef" started:
Cheesy Taco Cups
Chuckwagon Beef and Pasta Skillet
Meatball and Veggie Platter
Pizza Pie with Mashed Potatoes