"Horry" wrote

> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?

Generally stick to ones that have not too much more than 5 ingredients
(unless the extras are a little measure of dried spices etc). This is a
good age to learn some simple cassaroles.

> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.

Definately time.

> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat

What does he like? There's really little a kid age 12 cant manage unless
they arent used to a knife yet, and if so, supervise for a few months til
they get the hang of it.

> Obviously, no naked flames, hot liquids, sharp knives (unless it'd be
> possible for an adult to pre-prepare the parts of the recipe requiring
> those things).

Actually, naked flames as in gas stove is fine. Hot liquids fine but teach
him to use a ladle to pull out a portion of soup, and get a strainer on a
handle so he can dip out hot pastas (eblows and the like shapes) from the
boiling water (vice lifting the pot to the sink). Get some tongs for that
too as spagetti shaped things are easier to manage that way.

On knives, 12 is old enough but no matter what the age, supervision and
showing 'safe cutting techniques' is needed at the start.

In my opinion, 12 is actually past the age when I expect a kid to be able to
handle basics in the kitchen with a knife. Maybe not yet to the 'slit a
pork loin so we can stuff it' level, but common things like chopping carrots
and such are well in line with that age. It's ok though if you are just
starting that. Not all kids are the same on all things and if this is the
age when you start, it's still in plenty of time.

In our home, cooking is a fun little event and normally involves all 3 of us
doing some portion. Charlotte could load the breadmaker by age 8 though
we'd have to put the pan in for her (not tall enough). By age 6 she was
helping wash vegetables and by age 7 able to handle a safety peeler (looks a
bit like a cheese slicer). By age 10 she was well into cutting vegetables
but not yet to 'fancy cuts' (home fries were her level). She's 15 now and i
can call her and tell her I'm running late and ask what's for dinner ;-)