Most children like to help their parents in the kitchen especially with the cooking process such as prep and serving. It is an incredible way to boost confidence and build self-esteem.

Apart from that, getting your children involved in cooking could be a great way to develop life long skills that will not only improve their nutrition, but can also boost confidence, and create a wonderful bond between you and your child.

If given the proper guidance they can be a great helper in the kitchen.

So, how to get them involved? Here are some tips and yummy simple recipes you can try along with your children at home.

 

Shopping & Prepping

For a start, you can get your children involved with the whole process – from shopping to prepping, to planning, and preparing.

You can begin by bringing them to the grocery store (post-CMCO) and have them choose different fruits and vegetables.

They can also help you plan the menu for the day.

Table Setting

Teach your children setting the table, clearing the table, and cleaning the dishes.

Perhaps the children can start by washing their cups and plates.

 

How Can They Help You?

You can use simple techniques and simple recipes, then slowly introduce them to different foods and advance their skills as they improve.

You can also get them to use their personalised apron, chefs hat, mixing utensils, bowls, and some kid-friendly recipes.

 

Yogurt with Mango Sauce & California Raisins

 

(Recipe by Nurul Aziah Musa, Certified Dietitian)

To make Mango Sauce and California Raisins

• 3 tablespoons of California Raisins
• 1 mango, cubed
• ½ mango, pureed
• 2 cups of water
• 10 g jelly powder
• 1 litre fresh milk
• 3 tablespoons of brown sugar

To Make Yogurt

1. Heat up water and add jelly powder. Stir until dissolved and boil
2. Pour in fresh milk and sugar
3. Bring to boil and turn off the heat
4. Pour into a container and leave to cool
5. Chill in the fridge.

To Make Mango Sauce

1. Puree mango in a blender
2. Pour into a container and mix with mango cubes

Once it is set and chilled, the yogurt is ready to be served.

Pour over the mango sauce generously and sprinkle with California Raisins.

A great healthy dessert using the natural sweetness of fruits.

 

California Raisin Bread Pudding with Custard Sauce

(Recipe by Rushda Adiba Ismail, Dietitian at KPJ Damansara Hospital)

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

To Make Bread Pudding

• 60 gram California Raisins
• 8 slices of white bread
• 500ml low fat milk
• 2 eggs medium size
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla sauce

To Make Custard Sauce

• 300ml low fat milk
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of custard powder

Additional ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon of butter to grease the baking tray

 

Method:

1. Heat up the oven at 180°C.
2. Combine low fat milk, 30 gm of California raisins, egg, sugar and vanilla essence in a container. Mix well.
3. Tear the bread slices or cut each slice into four parts. Then soak the bread in the mixture. Make sure all parts of the bread are soaked and absorb the mixture.
4. Pour into the greased baking tray. Sprinkle the other 30 gm of raisins onto the bread pudding mix. Set aside for 10 minutes.
5. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.
6. For custard sauce, pour all ingredients into a pot and stir until sauce thickens. Cook over low heat.
7. Cut the bread pudding and pour the custard sauce over the bread pudding.