"Ev Bakes" with Mom; Stress-free Cooking with Kids | Louisville and Southern Indiana Family Lifestyle Photographer
I recently visited my good friend and her sweet girl, Whitney and Everly, as they enjoyed doing one of their favorite hobbies together - baking! Whitney is SO good at not allowing the chaos and mess of baking with little ones get in the way of involving Everly in this fun activity. This is such a great way to connect with your children, teach them through hands-on leaning, and share something you love with them. She has some really great tips and some fun recipes that you can try with your own little ones!
Today’s current reality has left us all spending the majority of our time at home with our family. While this can understandably be difficult at times, we have the opportunity to use these days to practice being more present and intentional, connect with one another in new and fun ways, and spend much needed quality time with the ones we love. Let’s use this time to enjoy one another and make sweet memories with our children!
Watch this adorable episode of “Ev Bakes” :) and then make sure to read all of Whitney’s helpful tips and easy recipes you can try with your own kiddos!
Tips to take the stress out of cooking with kids…
Prepare your space.
Clear the area you will be working in so you aren’t overwhelmed by clutter.
Start with an empty dishwasher or sink so all the dirty items can be quickly put somewhere
Get all of your ingredients out on the counter so you aren’t hunting for anything in the middle of all the FUN! :)
Have a safe spot for your kid to stand or sit that allows them to be at counter height- a sturdy chair, step stool with a back, or a “kitchen helper” stand
Start with a simple recipe
An unfamiliar and complicated recipe could cause stress for you and your kiddo- the journey of cooking and baking with a child is much more important than your end result!
Review your recipe so you are comfortable with the steps
Clean as you go
This may seem unnecessary, but can really make the experience much smoother
Have a “garbage bowl” designated for any items that need to go in the trash.
Any items you have already used, place on the opposite side of the kitchen or work space so you aren’t overwhelmed with too much in front of you.
Don’t stress the mess
Kids aren’t concerned with the perfect shaped cookie, insta-worthy muffin, or perfectly iced cake. All they know is they are having a great time; despite the extra flour on the floor and sugar all over the counter.
Allow your child to take on a task even if you think they will spill, splash, or splatter. Every time they get the opportunity to work on that skill they will become more and more proficient! (yes, even at egg-cracking)
Be prepared to finish alone
Although time in the kitchen with kids can be a really wonderful bonding and learning experience, it doesn’t always hold their attention long enough to see the end product
Involve them in the cracking of eggs, mixing of batters, and cutting of biscuits. If/when they lose interest, continue the recipe then proudly show them the end result that they created with you!
The joy of having my daughter in the kitchen with me is that I am sharing a passion of mine with her. I have always loved cooking and want my daughter to have the same love. But, if your hobby isn’t cooking and being in the kitchen is a major stressor, share whatever gift you have with your kiddo instead! Painting, crafting, sports, photography- whatever you love, share it with those you love.
A few simple recipes…
Easy 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/old-fashioned-peanut-butter-cookie-recipe/
Basic Smoothie Recipe
1 cup milk
1 cup yogurt or Kefir
1 ½ - 2 cups frozen fruit
1 tsp honey
Place all ingredients in a blender; blend and enjoy!
Easy Biscuits
Grab a can of baking powder, flip to the back and follow the very easy recipe for biscuits. This is posted on pretty much every can I’ve ever bought. Easy and yummy!
