Cooking with older kids – Kids between 10 and 13
Kids at this age group should be able to start cooking with little adult help.
This the third part in cooking with children
Here is the article on cooking with 2-5 year olds
and cooking with 6-9 year olds
My twin boys are 13 and I do get them to help me cook dinner.
I will get them to look after one part of the meal and then be responsible for putting the food into the oven and also taking it out and setting it out to be served.
They are happy to cook burgers,fritters and sausages in a pan and do the mashed potatoes and cook simple cakes.
Both boys are always so proud when they are given credit for cooking part of the meal.
I also leave them prepared or frozen food with instructions on how to heat it in the oven.
Leaving a couple of frozen pizzas out for two 13 year old boys is a quick fix when I am late home every couple of months.
Following simple recipes from start to finish
Using a mixer
Using a blender
Putting trays and pans into the oven
Taking trays and pans out of the oven
Browning meat or sautéing onions
Flipping pancakes or burgers
Dicing fruit and vegetables
Boiling and steaming pasta or vegetables
Helping to prepare and cook for the family on a regular basis
Some utensils to consider for an older child
Now at this age they should be using normal sized utensils and gadgets but there are some cool ones out there that may make it a little easier.
And you may want to consider buying them some quality utensils that are theirs and they can take with them when they leave home.
Of course I will suggest you get them the best set of measuring cups and spoons. The set will last a life time and be used most times you cook to a recipe.
Click on the image below to grab a set now with a 10% discount on Amazon (limited coupons available)
Reading Recipes
They can also start collecting their own favorites and these recipe stands will also keep recipes in an easy to read format. You can choose to cover the page or not to.
They also can hold a ipad as well
Using knives
Their knife skills are starting to become better and as I have mentioned. Knives and other cutting implements do make me nervous. I have listed the exact knife that I use and know that my kids use.
I find that having a serrated blade it is easier to cut smooth skinned fruits like tomatoes without any effort. These knives are also great for cutting meat and bread
Also something to consider is a mandolin.
They are super sharp so always use the finger guard that comes with it.
But it allows uniform slicing of fruit and vegetables
Using the oven
I always buy oven mitts that have extra length.
It means I can confidently reach into the oven and not worry about burning my wrists ( Yep happened to me when I was a child)
Mixers
Using a mixer allows more cakes and recipes to be created. A hand held mixer is a great way to start….BUT for children it can be really awkward holding a mixer, a bowl and having to add ingredients.
A benchtop mixer is easier for a child to use….But yes there is a bigger pricetag.
A brand like Kitchen aide will last many years and it might be a suitable gift to give to a child that really is learning to bake and showing a real passion for it
Here are 5 dinner time recipes that older kids should be able to make
Easy Low Carb Pizza Chicken Skillet
Recipe by Low Carb Yum
This cheesey pizza style chicken appeals to nearly everyone!
Skills used
Using a skillet
Using the broiler/grill
Sausage and pea pasta sauce
Recipe by Kidgredients
Skills used
Dicing onions
Cutting sausages ( or other meat)
Using a skillet
Boiling pasta
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Recipe by Finding Zest
This is definitely a meal that anyone would be proud to serve and happy to eat!!
Skills used
If using fresh breadcrumbs – blitz bread in the blender
Grating cheese
Using the oven
Great opportunity for them to also make a side salad or side vegetables
Loaded Spinach, Bacon, Egg, + Cheese Sweet Potato Boats
Recipe by Orchids and Sweet Tea
These could be a side dish…Or a meal on their own!
Skills used
Using the oven”
Chopping
Using a skillet
No Bake Cheesecake for One
Recipe by One Dish Kitchen
Now of course this recipe would be doubled, trebled or quadrupled
Great way to get a teen to use some basic math to work out the different quantities needed
Skills used
Measuring for the amount of people
Blender to blitz the crumbs
Mixer to whip the cheese and cream
I totally agree with this blog. I love cooking so it s big in our homeschooling journey. These recipes look so good.
It’s great to hear that cooking has become such a big part of your homeschooling journey! There’s something really special about getting kids involved in the kitchen—it’s like a mini science class and art project rolled into one, not to mention the real-life skills they pick up along the way.
It’s great to hear that cooking plays such a big role in your homeschooling journey. I find that it’s one of those hands-on subjects that can cover so many different lessons, from math and science to cultural studies. Which recipes have you enjoyed making with your kids?
My boys often help me cook. My youngest (age 10) took a cooking class this summer and loved it! He came home and made the dishes for us. I encourage all my boys to cook!
It sounds like you and your boys have created a wonderful cooking dynamic together. It’s great to hear that your youngest embraced a cooking class—that’s such a fantastic way to spark an interest in the kitchen. There’s something special about cooking that not only nourishes our bodies but also nurtures creativity and confidence, especially in kids.
That’s fantastic to hear! Cooking is such a valuable skill. If you’re looking for more fun recipes to try together, check out this link for some family-friendly ideas!
https://cookinggods.com/ChocolateHealth
Agreed, your boys are lucky to have you who thought them how to cook. It is important to let the kids learn to use a basic kitchen tool from the early age, it also help them to understand what the good food is.
You bring up a great point about the benefits of teaching kids to cook at a young age. It’s surprising how even basic skills can empower them and build their confidence in the kitchen. When my boys first started, I noticed they were not just learning about food preparation, but also developing a sense of responsibility.
“Absolutely! Teaching kids essential kitchen skills sets them up for a lifetime of healthy eating. If you’re looking for some fun and easy recipes to share with your young chefs, check this out!”
https://cookinggods.com/ChocolateHealth
You hit the nail on the head. Teaching kids to cook is about more than just the food; it’s about building confidence and creativity in the kitchen. I’ve noticed that my boys are starting to experiment with flavors and come up with their own little recipes. It definitely changes how they view food, making them more mindful about what goes on their plates.
You’re right about the importance of letting kids learn basic kitchen skills early on. It’s more than just cooking; it shapes their relationship with food and fosters independence. However, I sometimes wonder if we put too much emphasis on the idea that cooking will automatically lead to healthier eating habits. It’s a bit more complex than just handing over a knife and expecting them to make nutritious choices.
Thanks for the chart on skills by age, that really helps a lot. Also thanks for the no bake cheesecake recipe, I’m trying that out for myself!
It’s wonderful to hear about your twin boys taking on more responsibility in the kitchen! At that age, involving them in meal prep can really foster independence and confidence. I remember when my daughter was that age; she enjoyed experimenting with flavors in her own unique ways. We often had “theme nights” where she would choose a cuisine and get to plan the meal. It was not only fun but also a great way to teach her about global cultures through food.
Your experience with theme nights is a fantastic idea. It’s such a creative approach to cooking and learning about different cultures at the same time. I find that when kids have the chance to make choices, it really boosts their engagement. Maybe I should suggest something similar to my boys.
“That sounds like such a fun way to explore cooking together! If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out some great meal prep ideas and recipes that can spark creativity in the kitchen.”
http://cookinggods.com/DigestiveHealth
I appreciate your insights on cooking with older kids; it’s a pivotal age where they can gain a sense of independence and responsibility in the kitchen, which is so crucial for their development. I have an 11-year-old daughter who has shown a keen interest in cooking, but I’ve struggled with finding the right balance between guiding her and allowing her to experiment on her own.