Festive fun for kids in the kitchen

14/12/2018

SHARE:

How about some cracking Christmas cooking to get the kids off the sofa and into the kitchen this Christmas? As stressful as it can sometimes be, cooking is a lovely way to have fun and do something creative together – and you can eat the results (hopefully!). With many of us off work over the holidays, you have more time to prep and clean up afterwards without the everyday routine getting in the way.

So why not give it a try and bond over some baking this Christmas? We’ve rounded up some easy ideas to get your creative cooking juices flowing – don’t forget to get the kids involved with the tidying up, too! (Cheeky bonus!)

Recipes before the big day

Spicy Tree Biscuits
Why not double up the fun with a recipe that also helps decorate the tree! These decorative Christmas tree biscuits courtesy of BBC Good Food combine the best of both worlds.
Gingerbread men
Traditional ginger bread people always go down well – you can add festive icing decorations like a santa beard and hat! Why not give this recipe from BBC Food a go?
Christmas tree cupcakes
What about these spectacular Christmas tree muffins courtesy of Netmums? Sure to spruce up any festive dessert table!TIP: Don’t just limit yourself to sweet treats – if your kids are already on chocolate overload, try getting them to help with savoury canapes like cheesy star shapes (stock up on ready-made puff pastry – it keeps in the freezer and goes a long way!) or get their help with the Christmas dinner – the kids can roll the stuffing balls, wrap the pigs in blankets etc.
Ideas

Why not try these simple ideas to make sure you’re prepared for any spontaneous Christmas kitchen action:
- Buy festive shaped cutters for simple biscuits, pancakes or even omelettes – we love these ones from Sainsbury’s Home.
- A helping hand – if all that preparation and shopping lists of ingredients makes your head ache, try a ready-made kit – there are loads out there, but we like this lovely Gingerbread House from Waitrose and Partners (RRP £6.25).
- Stock up on festive themed ingredients (butter, eggs, flour) and decorations – edible glitter, silver balls and food colouring – so your plans to bake won’t go up in a puff of icing sugar when you discover you’re missing a key ingredient…but all the shops are shut!