Seasonings
Seasonings are spices kept in your pantry. It is recommended to replace all your spices each year or two. The strength of the spice diminishes as time goes by. My reality is I buy new ones as I run out. I do not label mine when I open them. (Though that is a great idea to keep track of the time it has been in your pantry.) If the flavor doesn't come through I add more. I should throw out and replace, but I have a hard time wasting food or money.
Black Peppercorns
"The dried dark ...
Herbs
Herbs are a great way to add flavor to your food. They can be used fresh or dry. Herbs are divided into two categories, tender and robust. We will learn about 8 common herbs.
When I was teaching my Little Chefs about these herbs, we got to the bay leaf and they said remembered when we were eating with Grandma, Grandpa and Great Grandma and we had the stew and Great Grandma found the leaf. She took it out because we don't eat that. Now they know it is called a bay leaf and they know from ...
Knife Skills
Now that we have learned about knives we are ready to practice our knife skills by learning how to chop, dice and mince. We started out with a cucumber because even though it has a tough exterior it has a soft interior. Bananas are too soft and they stick to the knife which is distracting and makes them touch the blade too much trying to get the stuck banana off.
I started by giving my Little Chefs a cucumber only 4" long.
The first thing they do is cut lengthwise a thin slice off the ...
Knives
Knives are most precious to chefs. They are the most commonly used tool. Using the right knife makes the job easier and faster. A knife should be razor sharp. When knives are used properly dull knives are more dangerous then sharp. Knives should cut through the food not bruise and smash the food. Knives should always be manually washed, carefully, as soon as you are done using them.
When cooking with kids they are intimidated by the large knives. I always start my Little Chefs out with ...
Cooking Tools
In my search for information to teach my children about cooking, I located a book originally printed in 1896 called The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer, now reprinted by Dover Publications. It is interesting to note that the original book was updated and revised through 1990, the thirteenth edition! Fannie Farmer wrote the original edition teaching the reader cooking methods and techniques and sharing over 1200 recipes. (Is Martha Stewart our modern Fannie Farmer?). I ...
Cooking Equipment
If you walk through the cooking section of any store you are overwhelmed with many many different options. One item can come in different sizes and different colors. Some items are advertised to make a kitchen task easier. We have a variety of tools, but we have discovered less is more when beginning to learn to cook with kids. While we use some of the variety of choices, these are the pieces of equipment we use the most.
Saucepan (variety of sizes)
Variety of sizes, one non-stick ...
Do’s In The Kitchen
Before we start cooking we need to learn a few things we should DO to help the cooking process go a little smoother. Following these 7 Do's will also help you have a better experience.
7 Do's in the Kitchen
DO read the recipe all the way through before getting out any equipment or food. Here you will discover the steps to the recipe. You will get a general idea how complicated the recipe is and how long it will take to prepare. Beginners add 2-3 times the estimated prep time.
DO ...
Martha Stewart Cooking School
We started in 2011 with the goal to cook recipes we found from chefs we liked. In 2012 we did some cooking and some crafting. I was always looking for some guideline to teach my Little Chefs the basics. One day I was flipping through the tv guide and discovered the Martha Stewart Cooking School episodes on PBS. I loved watching each episode because it was the basics of cooking. I have never learned the basics so it kept my attention and I enjoyed learning so many new things. I was excited to ...
How To Select, Store and Freeze Broccoli
How To Select Broccoli
The florets should be tightly closed.
Broccoli should have a deep green color all over.
Stalks should be firm and slender.
Do NOT select those with yellow spots or yellow flowers.
How To Store Broccoli
Do not wash the broccoli.
Raw broccoli needs air circulation. Place broccoli in an open plastic bag.
Place in the fridge in crisper drawer.
It is best to use in 3-5 days but may last a week.
Wash only before use.
How To Freeze Broccoli
Use ...
How To Select and Store Summer Squash
We are doing something a little different around here. Instead of random recipes we are going to give you one meal a week. Monday will be a teaching tool or tip relating to some part of the menu. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be three different components to the menu. Thursday will still be our Fantastic Thursday Linky party. Friday will be a craft or activity relating to the theme of the menu.
What is summer squash? Zucchini, yellow crook neck squash and yellow straight neck are the ...
How To Measure Liquid Ingredients – From My Little Chefs To Yours
Earlier this week Little Chef A showed you how to measure dry ingredients with a short video. Since that was so much fun today Little Chef A is back to show you how to measure liquid ingredients.
This time she had an even better time making the video. She is so proud of her improvement and becoming more confident. I am also so proud of her!
Click to watch!
Now that you know how to measure dry and liquid ingredients you are ready to start cooking...if you haven't already! Let your ...
How To Measure Dry Ingredients
We thought it would be fun to create a few how to videos from the viewpoint of my Little Chefs. We did a few last year and wanted to try it again. Some of our friends thought it was a lot of fun watching my Little Chefs crack an egg and shape a roll. My kids do love to cook and they really do love to create.
This is the first video, How To Measure Dry Ingredients. It will be a great chance to see them in action and to get to know them a little more. Some of these videos may not be the ...
