Starting from a young age, we had our daughters in the kitchen helping to prepare their meals. Naturally, it took longer having little hands in the mix. I have to give my husband credit; he loves to cook and is sure to sprinkle in patience with each recipe he makes alongside our girls. The more our daughters started to cook and learn about seasonings and marinades, the more curious they got. It’s now common for them to make a meal list, locate the items at the grocery store, and prepare the food independently.

We used to grab a jar of Alfredo sauce to top a box of cooked pasta and partner with broccoli for a fettuccine dish. After some time, our youngest daughter, Lola, wanted something more. Searching online, she found a simple recipe for Alfredo sauce from scratch. We started out by asking Lola to dump sauce from a jar into a glass bowl to heat, offering her age-appropriate tasks. Through her own desire, after being introduced to the basics, she’s flourished her own interest. I always know she’s in the mood for fettuccine when she pulls out the cutting board and begins to mince garlic cloves.

Giving your child confidence to prepare food is more than just a meal, but a skill that they can use the rest of their lives. Upon comparing ingredients Lola realized that a homemade sauce has a lot less salt than a jarred sauce. Taking the time to grow your own food, plan and prepare meals, is something each child care take pride in.

When a child begins to walk, they are ready to begin taking on a role in the family dinnertime. Setting a place at the table, folding napkins, or drying dishes gives even the littlest hands a special role in caring for one another. At nine years old, Lola asked for a skillet for her birthday, a peeler for Christmas, and most recently said she’s in need of a new cutting board. Introduce your child to the kitchen. You just might be surprised what they are capable of.

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Direction

Heat butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Mix in cream and garlic, and bring to a simmer, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce has thickened and is smooth, 8 to 10 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese once sauce has thickened and stir until smooth.