Setting your kids up for success in the kitchen can seem daunting at first, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. Getting them started with a few small tasks is often all it takes to give them a huge confidence boost and can lead to a few offers of a (sometimes) helpful hand in the kitchen. With school holidays upon us, there’s never been a better time to get your kids started in the kitchen. I’ve pulled together a few tips on where to start, with some easy recipes to boot.

COOKIES AND BISCUITS

Mixing, measuring, rolling, and cutting biscuits and cookies is a great way to build their dexterity and interest in cooking. Teach them how to roll and cut with some simple love-heart cookies, or up the nutritional goodness with some breakfast cookies. I won’t lie – it will get messy. Embrace it, and give them a lesson or two on how the dishwasher works as you go. A win-win!

BANANA BREAD

If you’re looking to keep the mess to a minimum, you can’t go past a one-bowl wonder like banana bread. Alongside all the banana-mashing and egg-cracking, making banana bread is a great opportunity to teach them how to handle cooking preparation. Get them measuring out baking paper to line the tin, prepping ingredients with measuring jugs and spoons, and setting the temperature and timer on the oven. Who said school was out? Get them to test the centre with a wooden skewer and watch their faces light up as their delicious banana bread comes out of the oven. Try this recipe for banana bread with raspberries and coconut, or for an even simpler version try our wholesome banana bread with spelt flour baking mix.

CREAMY DESSERTS

Popsicles are great for teaching them about the effects of temperature on food while also providing a healthy lesson in patience. Pop some coconut cream and maple syrup into a jug, whisk and pour into popsicle moulds and after three hours you’ll have some delicious coconut popsicles. Want to take your science lesson to the next level? Try some tasty strawberry and cream yoghurt panna cottas for some wobble action sure to induce plenty of giggles. To keep it simple while also learning about texture, try these choc-fudge milkshakes. Super fun and super yum!

OMELETTES, PANCAKES AND FRITTERS

Letting your kids use the stove can be a bit scary, and they should always be supervised when around any naked flames or hot surfaces. Once you’ve shown them how it works and how to stay safe, it’s time to get cooking. An eggcellent omelette is a great starting point. Eggs are great to use as an example when explaining how the stove and heat settings work. Once they’ve tackled a basic omelette they can graduate onto a delicious asparagus and ricotta souffle omelette, banana buckwheat pancakes or basic-but-brilliant corn fritters. Soon enough they’ll be cooking you breakfast in bed. You’re welcome!

You can find more tips and healthy fun-filled adventures in my book Basics to Brilliance Kids.