Tips for baking with kids

Who doesn’t have a happy memory of baking with their moms or grans – evoked by the mouth-watering smell of vanilla or freshly baked bread? My personal baking journey started on Sunday afternoons, a time of extreme boredom in our house growing up, and marked by endless nature programmes on TV. 

My dad loved a good lemon meringue pie for tea and that was what I set out to master. My mom dug out all her family recipes and we tried a few until we found the perfect one.

Create memories with your little ones

1. Start with an age appropriate recipe eg. for toddlers choose a “no bake” recipe so they don’t have to use the oven.

2. Choose a recipe that is mostly flop-proof so if they make a measuring mistake they will still have something delicious to eat afterwards, and the sense of achievement that goes with it.

3. Make sure you have all the ingredients you need beforehand in order to avoid frustration.

4. Create a teaching moment and make it educational, whether it is the reason oil and water don’t mix, where our eggs come from or the fractions of measuring cups.

5. Let them be creative, let all that natural inspiration come out in decorating cupcakes.

6. Let them make a mess. Allow them knead the dough, lick the bowl and generally touch and feel. It is a great sensory experience for kids with sensory issues, and a wonderful stress reliever.

7. Encourage an adventurous palate

8. Talk to them while you are busy.  Kids open up more easily when they are distracted with an activity.

9. Above all have fun with your kids, laugh at your flops, and enjoy your finished products.

For a fool-proof red velvet cupcake recipe, click here.

Tips for easy cleaning up

– Aprons! Use these to protect clothing.

– Place large pieces of greaseproof paper or paper towel down on the counter before you begin. At the end just gather it all up and throw it out.

– Use dishwasher-safe bowls and utensils and toss the lot in the dishwasher when you are done.

– Clean as you go – if you see a large blob of icing on the floor, clean it up before it gets walked into the carpet in the lounge or rest of the house.

– Never, ever let them use the edible glitter unattended!

These tips were provided by our baking expert, Juliet Donald.