8 Reasons Why You Should Cook with Your Children

This post is sponsored by Barilla®. The content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Cooking is a family affair in our house. It’s one of those everyday activities in which I can find a plethora of learning opportunities for my twins. And my kids utterly love playing the part of sous chefs! My twins, Ames and Joules, are 4 years old now. So, whenever they see me heading to the pantry to collect ingredients to make something, they come running to stand at attention and wait for their “assignment.”

One of our recent kitchen adventures was to make Tomato and Parmesan Crostini (which turned out delectable thanks to the Vero Gusto® Sicilian Herb Sauce by Barilla®!). After we made our Crostini, I reflected on the help of my sous chefs and then wrote down 8 key benefits of cooking with my little ones.

Here is the recipe for the delicious Tomato and Parmesan Crostini:

I’ll just tell you upfront, the key ingredient that makes the snack delectable is the Vero Gusto® Sicilian Herb Sauce by Barilla®. It’s made in Parma, Italy—and it’s true to Italian cooking. Honestly, it’s the homemade taste that gets me! It’s made with the finest regional ingredients--and a flavorful soffritto base comprised of onion, garlic, and finely chopped carrot, with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings new depths of aroma and flavor. Truly spectacular. And as if their ingredients weren’t enough, the process of how Barilla® delivers the sauce, also referred to as tomato passata, is fascinating. The tomato passata is made by a process, originated in Italy, that strains all seeds and skins—leaving the most flavorful parts of the tomatoes. There is nothing artificial and there is no added sugar. It’s basically a jar full of delicious goodness that I hope you enjoy!

Here are the 8 reasons why we should all be cooking with our children:

1. Builds math skills.

Whether it’s counting eggs for a cake or measuring olive oil, we are practicing recognizing numbers and counting together!

2. Introduces new words.

Basil, ounces, and herbs are just a few examples of words my kids didn’t know before our most recent cooking session. The opportunity to expand vocabulary is endless in the kitchen!

3. Helps with listening skills.

Not only are kids given the opportunity to listen to instructions, but they’re also having to potentially follow multi-step instructions for baking and cooking. I always tell my twins to put on their “listening ears” when we get started on a recipe so we can have a delicious outcome.

4. They learn cause and effect.

Even something as basic as learning that putting bread in the oven causes it go from soft to crunchy or that warming cheese causes it to melt are great examples.

5. They’ll be more willing to try something new if they helped make it.

This is probably one of the most important benefits to cooking with kids. Toddlers are well-known to be the pickiest eaters around! But, what I’ve noticed is that Ames and Joules will actually TRY something new if they’ve invested the time to make the food.

6. Boosts creativity.

Whether it’s garnishing a Crostini or decorating a cake, letting them add their own flare helps the kids tap into their own imagination.

7. Boosts confidence--because their help was important!

We all get a little more confident when we practice things, right? Getting comfortable in the kitchen is no exception to this. And I always give my kids positive reinforcement and thank them for being so helpful.

8. And, most of all, it’s a special way to bond.

In all reality, any activity with our kids is time well spent. We can be silly, sing, or dance while we cook, and it only brings us closer!

Alright, now that you’ve heard my reasons why we should get our kids in the kitchen with us more...let's get back to the Crostini! Go grab your ingredients and get in the kitchen with your little ones! You can find Vero Gusto® sauces by Barilla® at Albertsons in-store and via online grocery.

Ingredients:

8 oz., Vero Gusto® Sicilian Herb Sauce
1 baguette, sliced into 1/2" – 1” slices
1/4 cup extra virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Parmigiano–Reggiano
Basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F.

2. Heat sauce in a pot on the stove top until warm.

3. Cut bread and lay on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400 °F for 2-5 minutes.

4. Top with heated sauce and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano and basil.