The Joy of Cooking with Kids these School Holidays

As school holidays approach, it's the perfect opportunity to invite your little ones into the kitchen. Embracing a hands-on approach to cooking not only creates cherished memories but also instills valuable life skills in children. Just like our nose-to-tail philosophy ensures no part of an ingredient goes to waste, cooking with kids allows them to appreciate every step of the process, from prep to plate.

Planning the Menu: Start by involving your kids in the meal planning process. Encourage them to suggest their favourite dishes or ingredients they've always wanted to try.

Grocery Shopping Adventure: Take your little chefs along for a market adventure. Emphasize the importance of choosing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Not only does this teach them about making informed food choices, but it also supports sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Prep Time Fun: Back in the kitchen, enlist your kids' help in preparing ingredients. From washing vegetables to peeling garlic cloves, there are tasks suitable for every age and skill level. 

Cooking Together: Once everything is prepped, it's time to get cooking! Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids, whether it's stirring the pot, seasoning dishes, or arranging ingredients on baking trays.

Family Feast: Finally, sit down together as a family and savour the fruits of your labour. Make mealtime a special occasion by setting the table with care and encouraging conversation. By sharing meals prepared with love and teamwork, you're nurturing not just their bodies but also their hearts and minds.

Recipes to create with the Kids

• Smash Burgers:  A succulent burger, with perfectly caramelised edges, that pairs perfectly with Tuckshop’s burger sauce. The hot pan and pressure of smashing the patties results in a delicious dark crust and impeccable flavour. Keep it simple with some fresh lettuce, tomato, onion and let the burger speak for itself. 

• Chicken Noodle Stir Fry Weeknights call for fuss-free, healthy and comforting dishes that will please the entire family. This Chicken Noodle Stir-fry ticks all the boxes! It’s a dinner option that’s full of veg and full of flavour too and it comes together in under 15 minutes. Like any stir-fry, we suggest having everything cut up and ready to go before heating up your wok because it comes together extremely quickly. 

• Beijing Pork Noodles (Chinese Bolognese): A one dish kind of meal, that is nothing short of delicious! Coming together in under twenty minutes, it's healthy, flavoursome and allows you to use whatever veg you might have lying in your fridge. Perfect for those busy weeknights, providing a comforting meal for the entire fam. With our pork mince coming in at $14.5, it's also a budget friendly meal, so yes you better add this recipe to your regular routine!

• Bacon Mac & Cheese: ​This comforting dish is a classic favourite among kids and adults alike. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its irresistible taste but also in its simplicity; it's made in just one pot, minimising cleanup and maximising family time.

• One Pan Chicken with Tomato and Mozzarella: A one pan meal that comes together in under an hour is always a weeknight favourite. It’s a dinner that’ll have everyone smiling. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or seasonal veggies and rice.