Kids in the Kitchen – Family-Friendly Cooking Activities
By Michelle Vessel
If echoing cries of “Mom, I’m hungry!” and “Mom, I’m bored!” are pretty much non-stop occurrences around your household, it may be time to introduce your kids to a hobby that can solve both of these problems in one fell swoop: the wonderful world of cooking. From barely-walking toddlers to teens on the verge of setting off on their own, there’s plenty of fun – and practical value – to be gained from spending time in the kitchen with your kids.
A Recipe for Success
According to Jennifer Low, author of Kitchen for Kids: 100 Amazing Recipes Your Children Can Really Make, cooking and baking call on a broad spectrum of skills and talents that will serve kids well throughout their entire lives. In addition to boosting their practical know-how and instilling a sense of how to find their way around a kitchen, cooking activities can help kids cultivate healthy eating habits and teach basic facts about nutrition. What’s more, registered dietician Susan Moores, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, says that even the pickiest eaters are more likely to sample new foods if they had a hand in the meal preparation process.
Age-Appropriate Fun in the Kitchen
No matter what age group your child falls into, there’s bound to be something they can do in the kitchen. The trick lies in doling out age-appropriate tasks that are challenging and engaging without being overly complex or potentially dangerous.
Toddlers – For the littlest helpers, imitative kitchen play may be the best place to start. Set up their play kitchen while you make dinner, or give them a few safe pots, pans and utensils to play with. Once kids are old enough to follow simple instructions, have them rinse vegetables, carry discarded items to the trash can, stir foods that aren’t currently cooking and add sprinkles to baked goods.
Preschoolers (3-5) – Kids in this age group are often very enthusiastic kitchen helpers. Keep tasks relatively short and break up activities into distinct chunks, allowing them to assist by stirring foods, retrieving specific ingredients or (non-sharp) tools, adding pre-measured ingredients or tearing vegetables like spinach or lettuce. Older preschoolers with advanced motor skills may be ready to measure liquid or dry ingredients and crack eggs.
Primary grades (6-9) – This phase of childhood usually represents the height of pickiness and food selectivity, so give your child every opportunity to branch out by assembling and measuring ingredients, reading recipes, or stirring foods that are simmering over low heat in a sauté pan (under adult supervision, of course!). Pre-made components are a great way to encourage independent cooking skills, so stock up on things like pre-cooked pizza shells, frozen waffles, or steam-in-the-bag vegetables that can be used as a base for complete meals.
Tweens & Teens (10 & up) – Kids in this age group are usually ready to take on basic recipes with moderate supervision. Straightforward tasks like baking cookies from scratch, whipping up a batch of pancakes or French toast, or preparing a simple pasta dinner should be well within their abilities, especially with a bit of adult help and encouragement. As teens get older, many are ready to take on even the most challenging of cooking tasks. However, don’t assume too much; they may have difficulty winging certain skills without input from a knowledgeable adult. Within reason, feel free to give your teen free reign in the kitchen, reinforcing safety guidelines and setting clear expectations about after-meal cleanup. Begin introducing them to other aspects of food preparation, such as meal planning, budgeting and grocery shopping.
Take it to the Next Level
Now that you’ve introduced your kids to some basic cooking techniques, it’s time to branch out. Here are some project and activity ideas to entertain and educate the budding chef in your family.
Plant a kitchen garden – Take cooking a step further by growing your own ingredients. Opt for a large plot garden or stick with a few containers on your back porch, growing kid-friendly favorites like strawberries, watermelon, and pumpkin. Sneak in a few veggies for extra credit.
Cook up a science project – Measuring, mixing, blending – many of the basic techniques that you use when following your favorite recipe – can also be applied to science activities. Check the “recipes” listed on the website bizarrelabs.com for ideas and inspiration.
Plan a cuisine-themed party – If your pint-sized chef has some likeminded friends, consider hosting a cooking party. Assemble a make-your-own-pizza station, and then have the kids bake and decorate cupcakes for dessert. Spice things up with a Top Chef-style contest scaled back to match your child’s skill level.
Spend time with an expert – If your child shows a real flair for cooking, it may be worth it to invest in a cooking class. National chains like Whole Foods and Sur la Table often offer kids’ cooking classes; check with retailers in your neighborhood for specific details.
Cook by the book – Need some inspiration? Check out classic kids’ cookbooks from luminaries like Rachel Ray, Paula Deen, Emeril Lagasse, Martha Stewart and Williams-Sonoma.
Teaching your favorite foodies-in-training how to wield a spatula and crack an egg is just one part of spending time together in the kitchen. With a repertoire of basic techniques at their disposal and a little imagination, there’s no limit on the fun you can have with your kids in the kitchen, whether they’re toddlers, teens or somewhere in between.
This Space is the Place – Emergency Arts
By Chad Felix
Ours is an art scene that has habitually taken a back seat to bigger, louder parties. First Friday and a re-vitalized downtown arts district notwithstanding, the Vegas art scene is one more often entirely overlooked than actively participated in. Critics tend to cast it aside; casual patrons ignore it. But now that could be changing. Welcome Emergency Arts, the locally driven art space that turns the spotlight from marquee entertainers and drink specials to some of our biggest dreamers and heaviest thinkers.
Critical Conditions Inspire Big Ambitions
Without question, it is a bold, risky set of endeavors. First, convert an old hospital; Emergency Arts is located in the historic former Fremont Medical Building in downtown Las Vegas. Next, offer spaces to artists, photographers, actors, writers, graphic designers, retailers and more for as low as $200 a month. Finally, do what you can to help the community within those hospital walls survive with a little help from the community outside of them. Ambitious, yes, but it is succeeding, and all within the city of instant gratification. How? Because locals, as we know, want more than just stiff cocktails, loose slots and late nights. We are of a different breed, and this is something that Emergency Arts founders Michael Cornthwaite and Jennifer Harrington have taken into account.
Not Just Another Waiting Room
At the heart of Emergency Arts is The Beat Coffeehouse and Records. This full-menu toting, organic-coffee roasting café and record store is likely the best hospital lobby you’ve ever had the privilege to wait around in; certainly it is the only one in which you’ve browsed through records. With diverse menu offerings such as Greek yogurt and fresh croissants for breakfast; the Slap & Tickle (organic peanut butter, homemade jam and smoked bacon on a pan de mie) for lunch; and a wide selection of coffee, tea, beer and wine, a light meal at The Beat is the perfect start to your night downtown. Just add live jazz every Wednesday at eight or the Human Experience poetry readings every Monday at seven and you have an exciting new weekly outing. But this is just the lobby! After your meal, exploration is essential. Navigate the first and second story hallways of this tastefully restored hospital for a tapestry of artistic endeavors and innovative small businesses.
First Floor Discoveries
July 16th, 2010 marked the grand opening of Emergency Arts and the official opening of spaces on the first floor. Here patrons find both a variety of small businesses and gallery spaces. Bring your bicycle to the Bike Bucket–an independent co-op bike shop–for repair; find a unique new look at FlockFlockFlock Vintage Boutique or Haute Thrift’ture; discover what your blank walls have been missing at Sporadica Designs; or peruse the galleries of Jerry Misko, Mikel Patrik, Bryan Hainer Photography and The Burlesque Hall of Fame. Most importantly, discover some of the most creative minds this town has to offer.
The People Upstairs
Now, with 2011 upon us, Emergency Arts and its vibrant creative community is stepping it up once again with the grand opening of the second story. This floor boasts twenty new tenants with businesses ranging from yoga studios to vintage boutiques, small salons to large event spaces, health oriented nonprofits to mobile communication solution companies. Although fourteen of these spaces are already up and running, the official grand opening is due early in 2011. So join the Emergency Arts group on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or visit their website to be sure you don’t miss out on this big event!
Having a comfortable space of your own is one of the most valuable things for the aspiring artist and entrepreneur. Equally as important is feeling the support of your hometown and its people. With Emergency Arts, we’ve got the space. We’ve got the dreamers and the thinkers working in it. All we need now is for the community to stop by and enjoy it.
For information on upcoming events, specific business info and hours, space inquiries and general information, visit www.emergencyartslv.com.
Alex Forman
Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2011
Undoubtedly, life comes fraught with highs and lows. The real challenge is to learn from our trials and forge positively into the future; a challenge that Faith Lutheran High School senior Alex Forman works to conquer every day. Realistic, grateful and humble, Alex sets up for the future by focusing on attainable goals and personal strengths, while being present for all of life’s day to day gifts. Soon he will most assuredly use his talents and intelligence to join the forces of the world’s forward thinkers, not simply for personal gain, but to be an inspiration and a leader, and for that, Alex Forman is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 3.9
Sports/Clubs:
- Varsity Lacrosse, 2008-Present
- Team Vegas Elite Lacrosse Team, 2009-Present
- Student Council, 2011
Awards/Community Service:
- Crusader Athletic Award, 2009
- Crusader Academics Award–3.75 G.P.A. and above for the entire year, 2009-10
- Sociology Student of the Year, 2009
- Donations to the Homeless, 2008-11
- Big Brother Lacrosse Program, 2011
Goals & Aspirations: “For now, I would like to graduate high school with scholar honors and a top 10 class ranking, and also get accepted to USC for the study of international business. One day I would like to have a positive impact on the development and overall distribution of vehicles fueled by alternative energy sources.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am very proud of maintaining a 3.75 GPA (un-weighted) through all of high school; it took a lot of hard work and dedication. I am also proud of working full time every summer since 8th grade in order to save up for my car.”
Alex Looks Up To: “I look up to my father because he started his career without help from anyone. He worked his way from the bottom to the top of his business and became one of the most successful business owners I’ve ever met.”
Alex is Stronger and Wiser Because: “The loss of my mother when I was in the seventh grade was the largest obstacle in my life; but it has helped me to become closer to my family and become a much stronger person. The lesson learned from the experience is that every day is a gift, so don’t dwell in the past; be thankful for the present and look forward. Take risks and learn from your mistakes.”
A Step Above – Kimberly Coombs
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2011
Palo Verde High School senior Kimberly Coombs is undeniably determined to lead by example as she travels along the high road to success. Embracing diversity, willfully taking on tough tasks, and maintaining an active role in social issues are integral landmarks on her journey. In a word, discipline is what sets this champion athlete, outstanding student and JROTC all-star apart from the competition. For consistently striving to uphold strong moral character, along with a sense of responsibility to her country, family, peers and community, Kimberly Coombs is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.592
Sports/Activities/Community Service:
- Varsity Cross Country, 2007-09
- Varsity Girls Swimming, 2008-10
- Air Force JROTC Women’s Physical Fitness Team Captain, 2008-Present
- Orchestra, 2007/08
- Kitty Hawk, 2009-Present
- Assistant Swim Coach–Summerlin Seals, 2010
- Central Christian Church Volunteer, 2008/09
- Summerlin Community Fundraisers, 2007-Present
- Palo Verde High School Fundraisers, 2007-Present
Scholarships/Awards:
- Varsity Letter–Cross Country
- Varsity Letter–Girls Swimming
- Scholar Athlete–Swim Team & Cross Country, 2007-09
- 200 Relay Nevada State Champion–Swim Team, 2008/09
- Nevada State Champions–Swim Team, 2009
- Varsity Most Valuable Player–Cross Country, 2007
- NIAA Nevada All State Academic Team–Cross Country, 2007
- 2nd Place All Air Force–JROTC Physical Fitness Team, 2009/10
- 3rd Place Clark County School District–JROTC Physical Fitness Team, 2010
- Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, 2009
- Nevada Girls State, 2010
- Wendy Heisman High School Scholarship State Finalist, 2010
- Student of the Month, 2010
- UNLV Army ROTC Scholar Athletic Leader Award, 2007
- Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Award, 2009/10
- Women’s Veterans of Nevada Award, 2009
- Military Officers Association of America Award & Scholarship, 2010
- Cadet of the Month–Air Force ROTC, 2008/09
- Commanders Award–Air Force ROTC, 2008
- Cadet of the Quarter–Air Force ROTC, 2009/10
- Outstanding Citizenship Award–Air Force ROTC, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “I intend to attend college at either a military academy or at a university in Southern California where I plan to obtain a great education, be a member on a swim team, and develop my leadership skills. After attending veterinarian school and serving my country, I aspire to set up a veterinarian practice in Las Vegas.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being part of the Palo Verde Girls Swim Team that won the 2009 Nevada State Championship. It was the first time the swim team had won the state championship. Winning the championship acknowledged all the hard work and motivation of my teammates and our coaching staff. Go Panthers.”
Kimberly is Successful Because: “My determination, hard work ethic and aspiration to always be better than my best effort helps me succeed, along with the support, guidance and encouragement of my teachers, coaches, and family.”
Alexander Shen
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2011
Backed by a stringent list of priorities, a perfect SAT score, rock-solid work ethic and a vision, Palo Verde High School senior Alex Shen is a force to be reckoned with. This upstanding student spends his time in a multitude of ways, always striving for excellence in academics, athletics and charity. It all seems to be part of his larger plan, that is, to succeed in his chosen career and family-life; to remain true to his faith and convictions; and to be a vital asset to his community. Given his actions so far, he’s well on his way toward making this plan a reality, which makes Alex Shen – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.800
Sports/Clubs:
- Golf, 2008-Present
- Computer Club, 2008-10
- Science Club, 2007-10
- Varsity Quiz, 2009-10
- Science Bowl, 2009-10
- National Honor Society, 2008-10
- Yearbook Staff, 2010
- Speech and Debate, 2008-10
Awards/Community Service:
- National Merit Semi-Finalist, 2010
- AMC10 Highest Score in Nevada, 2009
- Scholar Athlete, 2008-10
- Nevada All-Star Academic Team, 2008-10
- AP Scholar, 2009-10
- Opportunity Village Magical Forest, 2008
- Three Square Food Bank, 2008-09
- Ragnar Relay Race, 2009
- Ronald McDonald House Charity McHappy Day, 2009
- NHS Mentoring, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “I wish to attend a prestigious college and study international finance and affairs and then go into business school. Hopefully, I can work and travel for a couple years after college, then settle down and have a family.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I got a perfect score on the SAT reasoning test. I got straight A’s all through high school while taking the most rigorous courses. I worked very hard and sacrificed a lot of my time, but in the end it paid off.”
Alex is Successful Because: “I have a very strict sense of priorities in life. Number one is God, as I always try to follow his teachings. Number two is family, as I always take my parent’s advice to heart. Number three is school. The rest comes after.”
Alex Looks Up To: “I look up to Job from the Bible. He had a distinct set of core principles, and he stuck to them despite losing all of his money, his house, his wife, his children, and even his health. His determination is a great source of inspiration for me.”
Lesley Chan
Sierra Vista High School
Class of 2011
Despite her many accolades, Sierra Vista High School senior Lesley Chan aspires to more than just perfect scores and praise. Sure, she receives these, but for her, they are merely positive byproducts of the ambitions that will boldly take her in the way of her hero, “where no man has gone before.” Beyond the borders of academics and athleticism, Lesley’s demeanor is hallmarked by light-hearted candor, enviable self-discipline and maturity. With these qualities at the forefront of her character, she sets her sights above the marks to achieve her own measure of success and leadership, and for that, Lesley Chan is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.43
Sports/Music/Clubs:
- Varsity Tennis, 2008-10
- Track & Field, 2008/09
- Junior Varsity Bowling, 2007/08
- Orchestra (Violin; 2007-Present
- Studio Art AP–Drawing, 2008/09
- French Club, 2007-Present
- Varsity Quiz, 2008-Present
- Mu Alpha Theta, 2009/10
- Renaissance Club, 2009/10
- National Honor Society, 2009-Present
Awards/Community Service:
- Athletic Scholar
- Tennis MVP, 2010
- White Letter (Tennis; 2010
- Bagel Award (Tennis; 2010
- NIAA All-State Academic Team Award, 2008/09
- Varsity Quiz Regional Championship, 2009
- Canarelli Middle School Tutor
- Sierra Vista High School Tutor
- Canarelli Middle School Orchestra Volunteer, 2009/10
- Campus Clean-Up, 2008
- National Honor Society Canned Food Drive, 2009
- Elementary Middle School Fall Festivals Volunteer, 2009/10
- Golden Desert Debate Tournament, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “I intend to graduate from high school with an Advanced Honors Diploma. I also strongly seek to attend a respectable out-of-state college and earn a degree in Humanities and/or Social Sciences. I aspire to then attain a career that enables me to play a distinguished role in society.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am so proud of my high school tennis team. They started out as a band of shy beginners; as their captain, I avidly worked with them throughout the season, and they have all grown so much in terms of skill and confidence.”
Lesley Looks Up To: “Captain James T. Kirk is my absolute hero. He is highly intelligent, extraordinarily versatile, exceedingly brave, and remarkably steadfast in his moral code. He always puts the crew first, and he is an outstanding leader.”
