When toddlers want to cook with moms, then you need some tips for cooking with toddlers. Toddlers love to imitate others around them. My toddler always asks for frying pan and wants to "cook" every morning as soon as he wakes up. It can not only be fun but also dangerous. So you'd better read this article before pulling out the knives and turning the stove. Below some do s and don't s to think first:

1. Always wash our hands and let them do as you do. Sanitary habits are good to introduce at early age. Do not forget to wash their hands again after they cough, sneeze or go to the bathroom.

2. Demonstrate the proper use of utensils and remind them about the temperature of the utensils. One sharp thing we always use is knife. You can give a little explanation on how sharp it is that might get them hurt. Always put knife out of toddlers' reach. Toddlers must be kept away from hot frying pan or stove too. An alternative you may have, just give them creative cookery club or cutting food boxto make them play pretend and get busy safe cooking time.

3. Prepare a simple recipe toddler can do by themselves. Have some cheese, chocolate rice or chocolate chips, bread or cookies and butter. Show them how to buttered the bread etc or let them decorate their own meals. To make you easier to clean the messy, put plastic on the table toddler will use. There are two special recipes for toddlers available at the bottom.

4. Get ready with ingredients and any necessary utensils before you let your toddlers join you in the kitchen. Do not let your toddler wait so long and squirm.

5. Do not make cookie dough made with raw eggs, a main source of salmonella because of the risk of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria that may be present in raw eggs. To prevent illness from bacteria, you'd better keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.

6. Watch out for falls. Since your toddler is most likely going to be sitting on the counter or standing on a chair, make sure they are not in danger of falling or consider investing in a special stool that has a rail to keep kids on the right level, but still safe.

7. Pay attention on their ages and what they probably can do for help:

Under a Year: Place items on plates and cookie sheets

1-2 year: Mix batter, add pre-measured ingredients, decorate sandwiches and cookies

2.5-3 year: Spread things, cut with a dull knife, roll balls and use cookie cutters

3.5-4 year: Measure ingredients, assemble sandwiches and ice cookies, break eggs

In short, cooking with toddlers can be fun when we do it with love. Otherwise, you will get frustrated to have toddlers cooking with you.

As written in point 3 above, below are two special recipes you may give to your toddlers:

> Mud Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup of peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 dry powdered milk
1/2 cup raisins
crushed graham crackers
chocolate milk powder

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into balls.
2. Place a little chocolate milk powder on a plate and roll the balls around in the powder. These can be refrigerated and eaten for snack later or immediately.


>> Alphabet Sammies

Ingredients:
Alphabet Cereal
Sliced Bread
Peanut Butter, Jam, or Honey

Directions:
1. Spread peanut butter, jam or honey on bread with butter knife.
2. Pour some alphabet cereal in a bowl or on a cookie sheet and spread them around. Let your toddler spell his name or other easy word on the bread. Little toddlers can just put random letters on their bread and still have fun.

Have a nice cooking time with toddlers!