Cooking up a storm

LIFESTYLE REPORTER

WANT to get the kids involved in the kitchen? Now is also the ideal time and here are four tips to help:

START SMALL

Don’t try to tackle a long recipe, start off by making a salad, sandwich, boiled eggs and toast, let them sugar and roll pancakes – quick and easy.

MANAGE THE INEVITABLE MESS

Keep your kitchen from looking like a tornado hit it, without spoiling the fun for your junior chefs; strategise around cracking eggs, designate areas to blend, sprinkle and wash up as you go.

CREATE TRADITIONS

Beyond baking cookies during the holidays, find out what fun rituals you could start with your kids when they’re still young. Bake fresh cupcakes and cakes for birthdays, Sunday roast and a tasty apple pie for dessert.

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE

By the time they are five or six, they’re ready to make a fruit and cinnamon smoothie or pancakes.