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

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

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

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).

Thanks!

On 2009-02-01, Horry > wrote:

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

> Obviously, no naked flames, hot liquids, sharp knives....

Why don't you just wrap him in animal balloons and pack him in a cotton
lined coffin?

By time I was twelve, I was building campfires with a flint and steel, had
earned my marksmanship and cooking merit badges, carried my own sheath
knife, and could cook a dinner for three. Give the kid a freakin' break,
fergawdsakes!

nb

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:47:16 +0000, notbob wrote:

> On 2009-02-01, Horry > wrote:
>
>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>
>> Obviously, no naked flames, hot liquids, sharp knives....
>
> Why don't you just wrap him in animal balloons and pack him in a cotton
> lined coffin?
>
> By time I was twelve, I was building campfires with a flint and steel,
> had earned my marksmanship and cooking merit badges, carried my own
> sheath knife, and could cook a dinner for three. Give the kid a
> freakin' break, fergawdsakes!

Who were the three?

Horry said...

>
> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).
>
> Thanks!


Horry,

Cheesesteaks?

Parent or butcher would have to machine thin slice the chilled rib eye meat
(grey kangaroo, lamb, beef?)

Parent would also have to medium dice onions. The kids could do the rest.

Andy
Cheesesteak BUM!!!

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:28:03 +0000, Andy wrote:

> Horry said...
>
>
>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>> prepare?
>>
>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>>
>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant
>> to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>
>> 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).
>>
>> Thanks!
>
>
> Horry,
>
> Cheesesteaks?
>
> Parent or butcher would have to machine thin slice the chilled rib eye
> meat (grey kangaroo, lamb, beef?)
>
> Parent would also have to medium dice onions. The kids could do the
> rest.

Sounds good... and appealing food for a kid.

Has anyone tried kangaroo meat cheesesteaks? A quick google search
didn't uncover anything... (AFAIK, cheesesteaks aren't particularly
common down here).

Thanks...

"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 ;-)

Horry said...

> On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:28:03 +0000, Andy wrote:
>
>> Horry said...
>>
>>
>>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>>> prepare?
>>>
>>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>>>
>>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant
>>> to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>>
>>> 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).
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>
>>
>> Horry,
>>
>> Cheesesteaks?
>>
>> Parent or butcher would have to machine thin slice the chilled rib eye
>> meat (grey kangaroo, lamb, beef?)
>>
>> Parent would also have to medium dice onions. The kids could do the
>> rest.
>
> Sounds good... and appealing food for a kid.
>
> Has anyone tried kangaroo meat cheesesteaks? A quick google search
> didn't uncover anything... (AFAIK, cheesesteaks aren't particularly
> common down here).
>
> Thanks...


Horry,

I've enjoyed grey kangaroo steaks! Nothing like Philly cheesesteaks.

Prepared to perfection by the boss's Mom in Adelaide!

I prefer hers! Catherine Mary Joseph [RIP]

Best,

Andy

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:22:15 +0000, Horry wrote:

> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant
> to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).

The kid is 12 years old and can't handle hot liquids or naked flames?

In article >,
Horry > wrote:

> Has anyone tried kangaroo meat cheesesteaks? A quick google search
> didn't uncover anything... (AFAIK, cheesesteaks aren't particularly
> common down here).

You might start a national trend by being the first to cook it. You
might also throw the whole thing in the trash. I've never had the
opportunity to try kangaroo. The closest I could guess is "tastes like
possum" which I haven't eaten either.

leo

"Andy" wrote
> Horry said...

> Cheesesteaks?
>
> Parent or butcher would have to machine thin slice the chilled rib eye
> meat
> (grey kangaroo, lamb, beef?)

Agreed. Taught Charlotte the 'half frozen slicing' but later, was nearing
14. (in our case, for making jerky in the dehydrator).

> Parent would also have to medium dice onions. The kids could do the rest.

Not really, parent may have to do the initial cut to say, quarters though
since it seems he (Horry's son I presume) is just starting knife skills.
Charlotte started earlier with knives so was able to handle this alone by
that age but a really big vidalia, I might halve for her back then.

Keeping in mind that you learn by doing, his initial cuts wont be so perfect
but they work fine for cooking!

Horry, here's a sample of a meal Charlotte liked then (still does) and well
in her level by then and I think for your 12YO. It's a semi- home made but
that's ok at this level.

1 can (28oz) chicken stock (we actually used our own home made)
1 small block firm tofu (100-150g or so will be used)
1 fistful of fresh green beans
3-4 large cabbage leaves
1 green onion

Set the tofu on a plate with another plate on top to press as much water out
as reasonable. While it presses, get the rest out. Set the stock to
warming on lowest setting. Wash the green beans and snap the ends off then
add to the stock (may cut smaller if desired or just snap smaller). Tear up
the cabbage to smaller bits (may cut or use hands). Cut green onion top to
about 1/2 to 1 inch bits and add to stock (can be hand torn too). Remove
palate from tofu the slice as reasonably even as a kid can to about 1/2 inch
thick (show him how to use a finger joint for this) then slice that down to
strips and add as much as seems right to the stock (put rest back in the
fridge). Let simmer and serve.

If tofu isnt a good one for him, try small sliced sausage bits in it's place
or some cooked bacon (warning to non-OZ and OZ folks, OZ bacon is NOT like
USA Bacon although it is used like it. Quite a different flavor).

"Horry" > wrote in message
...
>
> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).
>
> Thanks!

I call bullshit.
Baking a decent cake requires skills that should have been acquired after
learning ones way around a kitchen, where hot liquids, sharp knives, and
open flames are a given. My kids could boil water for tea, use a
pocketknife, and were safe with a campfire at age eight or so.

"Horry" wrote:

> Has anyone tried kangaroo meat cheesesteaks? A quick google search
> didn't uncover anything... (AFAIK, cheesesteaks aren't particularly
> common down here).

Yes, at least that's what I would have called it. A meal in Darwin. I
forget what *they* called'em though. They were fast cooked thin meat bits
layered on a toasted long bun with white cheeses in there and grilled
onions.

Same place that had the warning sign for us USA types that the 'Hamburgers'
were just that. Ham steaks on a burger bun <grin>. Right side of the
street by the big baobob tree with the Possum-looking family living in it.

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:10:39 +0000, Administrator wrote:

> On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:22:15 +0000, Horry wrote:
>
>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>> prepare?
>>
>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>>
>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant
>> to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>
>> 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).
>
> The kid is 12 years old and can't handle hot liquids or naked flames?

He's probably quite capable of handling hot liquids and naked flames.

On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:28:33 -0500, dejablues wrote:

> "Horry" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>> prepare?
>>
>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>>
>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant
>> to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>
>> 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).
>>
>> Thanks!
>
> I call bullshit.

My God this is a strange group...


> Baking a decent cake requires skills that should have been acquired
> after learning ones way around a kitchen, where hot liquids, sharp
> knives, and open flames are a given.

They're not a "given" when the kitchen is being used for baking cakes.

"Horry" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:28:33 -0500, dejablues wrote:
>
>> "Horry" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>>> prepare?
>>>
>>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>>>
>>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant
>>> to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>>
>>> 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).
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>
>> I call bullshit.
>
> My God this is a strange group...
>
>
>> Baking a decent cake requires skills that should have been acquired
>> after learning ones way around a kitchen, where hot liquids, sharp
>> knives, and open flames are a given.
>
> They're not a "given" when the kitchen is being used for baking cakes.

What sort of a kitchen is it, then? An Easy-Bake Oven, perhaps? A remedial
kitchen? One that has no sink, no hot water, no cooktop, no utensils, no
heat source?

"dejablues" wrote

> Baking a decent cake requires skills that should have been acquired after
> learning ones way around a kitchen, where hot liquids, sharp knives, and
> open flames are a given. My kids could boil water for tea, use a
> pocketknife, and were safe with a campfire at age eight or so.

Not everyone has the same backgrounds and some kids are a little klutzier
still at 12 than others. It's about the age where they even up. As to the
cake, he may be still at the level of 'add what the box says, stir, then
bake' and there's nothing wrong with starting a kid of with that.

Lets face it. Plenty of parents dont bother to teach kids cooking at all,
til at least 15 and may not then. I wouldnt abuse someone who's at least
trying.

When we lived in Sasebo in the Navy housing, we used to get what we called
'Flock Attacks'. Thats when the flocks of kids would travel around in our
highrise and visit various places. We were a frequent stop and the reason
was we had something different than just a nintendo and computer games.
Most houses had snacks (we parents had a little group too and we made sure
it was generally healthy stuff). In our house, the kids got to *make* the
snacks.

They LOVED it. It was also *very* apparent which kids had parents who
either couldnt cook, didnt bother to cook, or did but didnt teach the kids.
I had 13-14 YO's who I would supervise with a butter knife, and 8 YO's who
showed *me* how to debone a whole chicken.

A common thing was to get a group of 6-8 of them (Charlotte in tow), let
them wander the fridge and freezer, put out everything 'interesting' and
design a meal using as many of the things as we could make match. So many
of these used a crockpot, that sales went up at the exchange for a bit
(grin). Saturday they'd start the pot, and Sunday they'd come back and eat
it all up.

Popular things to let them make:

Pancit (no 2 mixes were the same but all were good)
Rice Porridge (think fancy congee or juk)
Chicken soup (crockpot)- starting with a whole chicken and water
Stuffed whole squid (the boys loved doing that one as it looked icky)
Blooming Soy-sauce onions
Breadmaker breads, (often dough only then turned to hard rolls etc)
Pretzels and breadsticks
southern boiled peanuts
spagetti with sauce (starting with canned chopped tomatos and a spice rack)
udon (starting with flour, water etc)
Dashi (starting with dried fish and dried seaweed)

Thats just ones that come to mind over the 4 years we lived in housing. Age
of the flock members was mostly from 8-13.

On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:47:40 -0500, cshenk wrote:

> "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.

Save for gherkins/pickles, he's not fussy.

We might try your recipe (after replacing the tofu with sliced
sausage ).


>> 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).

Thanks for that. My main concern, at least for another year or so, is to
eradicate the possibility of accidents. If that necessitates wrapping
him in animal balloons and packing him in a cotton-lined coffin, so be
it...

I like your idea of involving everyone doing a portion.


> She's 15 now and i can call her and tell her I'm running late
> and ask what's for dinner ;-)

That's what I'm ultimately aiming for

"Horry" wrote:

>> I call bullshit.
>
> My God this is a strange group...

Grin, sometimes! I gather there's a little cross cultural thing going on
just now, but not 'OZ vs USA' more like 'country vs city'. Camping out in
the woods seems common to the 'OP' but not to my kid. On the other hand,
she's used to tending the fireplace and just like me, she thinks it's fun to
occasionally cook over it.

>> Baking a decent cake requires skills that should have been acquired
>> after learning ones way around a kitchen, where hot liquids, sharp
>> knives, and open flames are a given.
>
> They're not a "given" when the kitchen is being used for baking cakes.

Grin, like when teaching a bunch of kids to make udon. Needs a knife but a
plastic butter knife will do! 6YO's to 12 YO's really find it fun to make
up that one.

Since your 12YO is comfortable with flour but may not have done much with a
rolling pin yet (or anything you have handy like a smooth sided jar or can
will work), this one is fun.

Set the mixing bowl in the sink so he doesnt pluff too much flour about and
you can show him how to use an egg separator (getting the white in there
will not hurt the recipe if it happens).

MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05

Title: Xxcarol's Homemade Udon
Categories: Xxcarol, Japan, Pasta
Yield: 8 Servings

4 c All purpose flour, or wheat
1 ts Salt
1 ea Egg yolk

So simple! It has one more ingredient, cold water. These are the
home noodles of Japan and much of the orient.

Sift the flour and salt together into a large bowl then add the yolk
and enough water to make a stiff paste. Kneed this completely then
let sit for about 30 mins or so. Sprinkle a board and rolling pin
with more flour then roll it out thin as possible. Roll up the
flattened noodle and cut to long thin strips (about 8 to an inch). To
cook, just boil in salted water or in Japanese fish broth (called
Dashi).

To kick this up a tad, you can add some powdered wasabi to the flour,
about a teaspoon. This won't make them 'hot' or bitter, but add just
a tang.

From the Japan kitchen of: xxcarol, Sasebo Japan, 25May2003

MMMMM

On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:01:47 -0500, dejablues wrote:

> "Horry" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:28:33 -0500, dejablues wrote:
>>
>>> "Horry" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>>
>>>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>>>> prepare?
>>>>
>>>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and
>>>> I'd like to expand his repertoire.
>>>>
>>>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be
>>>> reluctant to cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>>>
>>>> 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).
>>>>
>>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>> I call bullshit.
>>
>> My God this is a strange group...
>>
>>
>>> Baking a decent cake requires skills that should have been acquired
>>> after learning ones way around a kitchen, where hot liquids, sharp
>>> knives, and open flames are a given.
>>
>> They're not a "given" when the kitchen is being used for baking cakes.
>
> What sort of a kitchen is it, then? An Easy-Bake Oven, perhaps? A
> remedial kitchen? One that has no sink, no hot water, no cooktop, no
> utensils, no heat source?

Yes.

In article >,
Horry > wrote:

> On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:01:47 -0500, dejablues wrote:
>
> > "Horry" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:28:33 -0500, dejablues wrote:
> >>
> >>> "Horry" > wrote in message
> >>> ...
> >>>>
> >>>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> >>>> prepare?

> >>> I call bullshit.
> >>
> >> My God this is a strange group...

That's true. Sometimes I get tired of "strange", and skim or skip some
posts. Other times I find them entertaining.

My wife does a lot of cooking with kids. She finds it very rewarding,
although it requires some patience.

If your son is mostly stuck on sweets, cupcakes can be fun. Many kids
really get into decorating. Have an assortment of candies and such for
decorating. Cookies can be decorated also. An apple crisp sounds good
to me. Pies require a lot more manual dexterity, so I don't think
that's a good starter. If he isn't ready for a knife, have him peel the
apples and then watch while you slice them.

Pizza is another good one for kids, especially the decorating. Make
several small ones so they can experiment some.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

Horry wrote:

> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
A 12 year old should certainly be capable of using a knife, a stove,
boiling water, etc. I baked my first whole turkey at age 9. I recall
being vastly amused that you actually had to shovel the stuffing *up the
bird's butt*.

In retrospect, I think my parents were pretty brave to put a 4th grader
with a broad sense of humor in charge of that particular project.

I also made fudge, hard candy, omelets, casseroles, quiches, salads,
sauces. My friends were more than happy to eat up even those items that
turned out marginal due to incorrect technique.

My son has been preparing things like his favorite fettucine alfredo
since he was 9 or 10, my daughter, salsa, burgers, etc. Start with the
kid's favorite foods, stuff they are motivated to learn to fix. Both of
them (ages 14 and 18) know how to fix a kick-ass steak either out on the
gas grill or inside in a blazing hot cast iron frying pan.

Both of them also know how to put out a grease fire.

Give your kid some credit. You need to be there to supervise the first
time or two but beyond that, a 12 year old who truly can't be trusted
with a blade or a flame has issues that go well beyond a lack of cooking
skills.

In article >,
Horry > wrote:

> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).
>
> Thanks!

Is this your son? I think you should give him basic instruction in
kitchen safety first; e.g., "pay attention around open flames," and
"this is the proper way to hold and use a sharp knife," and "be careful
when pouring hot liquid and if it is easier to pour only a little at a
time, use a ladle." As part of his instruction, include some first aid
basics. Keep the baking soda handy if he needs to extinguish a grease
fire.

Does *he* want to expand his repertoire? Unless he has some mental or
physical challenges, twelve is certainly old enough to be handling hot
liquids and fire. Most boys have tried to set fire to something by the
time they're about 10 or 11. :-)

What is a 12-year-old's palate? Pizza? Burgers? Hot dogs? Chicken
nuggets? My seven-year-old granddaughter and I will be making baked
chicken nuggets or fingers later this week; would your son go for
something like that? She'll be helping me with Valentine-cooky dough,
too. She's got a really good hand with her rolling pin. :-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

In article >,
Horry > wrote:

> On Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:28:33 -0500, dejablues wrote:
>
> > "Horry" > wrote in message
> > ...
(snip)

> >> 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).
> >>
> >> Thanks!
> >
> > I call bullshit.
>
> My God this is a strange group...

"Strange" doesn't begin to touch it. :-) People assume all kinds of
things. You've been posting for a bit here; long enough, I think, for
you to know that rec.food.cooking is not for the faint of heart. '-)
Owning asbestos underwear can be an asset.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

In article >,
Horry > wrote:

> Thanks for that. My main concern, at least for another year or so, is to
> eradicate the possibility of accidents. If that necessitates wrapping
> him in animal balloons and packing him in a cotton-lined coffin, so be
> it...

Is he your only child? "Eradication" is impossible €” that's why they're
accidents. :-) And, believe me, they do happen. You can minimize the
likelihood of self-inflicted wounds, but you'll never eradicate them.
That's kind of why I said in my earlier post that teaching him about
some basic first aid is a good idea, too.

Timers are very handy to have, but only if you actually use them. :-)

Don't wrap him too tightly in the balloons and lined coffin; butterflies
fly because their wings are strong from the struggle of escaping the
cocoon. Encouraging them to get up without picking them up is a hard
thing to do but it helps them build confidence that they can move in the
world around them.

> > She's 15 now and i can call her and tell her I'm running late
> > and ask what's for dinner ;-)
>
> That's what I'm ultimately aiming for

Now, THAT'S an admirable goal!! Go, Carol! Go, Horry!
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

In article >, "cshenk" >
wrote:
> Remove
> palate from tofu the slice as reasonably even as a kid can to about 1/2 inch
> thick (show him how to use a finger joint for this)

Please expand on that, Carol. Are you using that joint for measuring or
for keeping the knife off the finger flesh?
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

On Sun, 1 Feb 2009 01:22:15 +0000 (UTC), Horry wrote:

> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).
>
> Thanks!

a twelve-year-old should be able to handle all those things.

your pal,
blake

"Horry" wrote

> He's probably quite capable of handling hot liquids and naked flames.

So nice to chat with you last night Horry! Well, night for me at least ;-)

For the others, he meant pouring boiling liquids and for flames meant things
like flambe's or since he was specifically addressing cake making, those
little blow torches you see chefs with on TV. Stuff like that. Not normal
things like heating a soup or using a burner on the stove (or in his case,
mentioned hot plates being what they have and use mostly).

Sensible. Charlotte wasnt allowed to dump over a pot of boiling pasta from
the stove to the sink colander at that age either.

cshenk wrote:

> "Horry" wrote
>
>
>>He's probably quite capable of handling hot liquids and naked flames.
>
>
> So nice to chat with you last night Horry! Well, night for me at least ;-)
>
> For the others, he meant pouring boiling liquids and for flames meant things
> like flambe's or since he was specifically addressing cake making, those
> little blow torches you see chefs with on TV. Stuff like that. Not normal
> things like heating a soup or using a burner on the stove (or in his case,
> mentioned hot plates being what they have and use mostly).
>
> Sensible. Charlotte wasnt allowed to dump over a pot of boiling pasta from
> the stove to the sink colander at that age either.
>
>

My son is a long-term pastaholic and has been boiling salted water and
draining cooked pasta in a colander since he was 7. He's 14 now. He
most probably has gotten himself a steam burn or two since then but the
idea of possibly losing the right to cook his own pasta at will has kept
him from ever mentioning any such incident.

He's still got all his fingers, never needed a skin graft, has no
visible scars. And he makes an absolutely rocking alfredo sauce.

At some point, I suspect that this, combined with his ninja "garlic
bread, caesar salad and loading the dishwasher" skills, will probably
score big points with the ladies.

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:48:34 GMT, blake murphy
> wrote:

>On Sun, 1 Feb 2009 01:22:15 +0000 (UTC), Horry wrote:
>
>> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
>> prepare?
>>
>> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
>> like to expand his repertoire.

Some kids are more comfortable with baking. Think of main dishes he
can make in the oven, like lasagne or roasted chicken. My daughter
preferred using the oven as a kid. She's an awesome cook in general,
but still prefers using the oven.
>>
>> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
>> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>>
I can only say that I remember starting off with hamburgers and
spaghetti. If you have a bbq, this is the time to teach him he-man
bbq cooking (aka: grilling to some). Age 12 is certainly old enough
to man the tongs and learn the stages of doneness. Start with hot
dogs, if you must - but AFAIC they're never too young to learn about
grilled italian sausages. My son was a stovetop and bbq guy - that's
his preference today.

>> 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).

Good grief. I can't believe the way people baby their kids!
>>
>> Thanks!
>
>a twelve-year-old should be able to handle all those things.

No kidding!
>
Mine were doing their own laundry by age 7 and I got surprise
breakfasts in bed with eggs over easy and hash browns (no supervision)
before they were 10. Sheesh. Give kids some credit and some
responsibilities! It'll pay off in the long run.


--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that
interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.

Mae West

On Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:24:17 -0600, Kathleen
> wrote:

>At some point, I suspect that this, combined with his ninja "garlic
>bread, caesar salad and loading the dishwasher" skills, will probably
>score big points with the ladies.

Let me tell you, it does!


--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that
interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.

Mae West

"Horry" wrote
cshenk wrote:

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

I'll add this is a great age to take him with you to the grocery store for a
quick trip to get some goodies and show some of the things he's not tried
before. Let him pick a few new things. Like 1 new fruit, 1 new veggie, and
a basic item he'd like to try. Its just the age where they start to expand
out again their eating if not pressed too hard.

Make it a quick trip as most dont have a great attention span for this, but
let him wander at will.

At this age, Charlotte had been with us shopping more times than I can
count. I'd be at sea and she was too young to be left at home (we got to
Japan when she was 7) and later she'd help carry it all back (no car, used
pull carts on wheels). Charlotte is a little odd in that she loves a nice
long trip to the grocery store.

> Save for gherkins/pickles, he's not fussy.

Good!

> We might try your recipe (after replacing the tofu with sliced
> sausage ).

Hehehe figured so, but the recie comes from Japan living so it was
considered pretty normal stuff.

>> cutting vegetables but not yet to 'fancy cuts' (home fries were her
>> level).

> Thanks for that. My main concern, at least for another year or so, is to
> eradicate the possibility of accidents. If that necessitates wrapping
> him in animal balloons and packing him in a cotton-lined coffin, so be
> it...

Yes, and in chat it was obvious why. Keep as you are doing, it's for the
best for now.

> I like your idea of involving everyone doing a portion.

It's how we like it, and it makes it all fun. To her, cooking is a way of
life.

Because Don needs reduced sodium, when we go to the store she checks labels
with me and has found some lovely products well in his line. She'd watch
what he was getting when I was at sea and make him put back things he wasnt
allowed (or not let him get too much stuff that was over his limits). In my
case, need a near diabetic diet (except I can tolerate starches like rice,
potatoes and all that just fine) so it's low sugar. Add that I have very
high cholestrol if not strictly diet controlled, and you end up needing
pretty much to scratch cook.

We work the 3 main needs into each meal and have fun. Oh, have to avoid
spinach or broccoli when Don's home. He doesnt like them ;-)

>> She's 15 now and i can call her and tell her I'm running late
>> and ask what's for dinner ;-)
>
> That's what I'm ultimately aiming for

Yeah, it's pretty neat. I don't push it but she enjoys it the few times it
happens. At 15, she's well capable in the kitchen with simple things. Then
again, due to a unique lifestyle, she's been at it since she was 7 in
various age appropriate ways.

Not saying that that I'm fancy like Emeril, but you can imagine his kids
cook too and play in the kitchen with Dad. It's kinda like that.

"Melba's Jammin'" wrote
> Horry wrote:

>> Thanks for that. My main concern, at least for another year or so, is to
>> eradicate the possibility of accidents. If that necessitates wrapping

> Is he your only child? "Eradication" is impossible - that's why they're
> accidents. :-) And, believe me, they do happen. You can minimize the
> likelihood of self-inflicted wounds, but you'll never eradicate them.

Grin, he has reasons but I'll let him explain. He may not want his chat
repeated. Lets just say, it's totally sensible in his case for another 2
years or so.

>> > She's 15 now and i can call her and tell her I'm running late
>> > and ask what's for dinner ;-)
>>
>> That's what I'm ultimately aiming for

> Now, THAT'S an admirable goal!! Go, Carol! Go, Horry!

Grins! And it's not just a can of something either! Because I slept late,
she made lunch. (I work odd shifts so sometimes get off at 5am).

Horry, your son isnt up to parts of this one yet without supervision but he
may like to help with it. I'll add notes in adaptions he can do himself
when I get to those.

Charlotte made:

-Rice in the rice maker (no biggie, 1 part rice, 2 parts water)

-corn on the cob (use tongs to pull out of boiling water, Daddy had to help
husk as I'd frozen them whole)

-Fresh green beans with mirin and dashi seasoning (think, cooked in stock)

-Caremelized onions in butter and olive oil with tilapia and lemon pepper
seasoning (Horry, this one he needs help with or you may get blackened fish
by accident. Alternative recipe in his level if you have a microwave is use
a plastic baggie and coat the fish with lemon pepper and let sit in the
fridge a few hours. Then, remove to a microwave safe container and nuke
about 2 mins, test, then nuke a bit more as needed to your desired
doneness).

"Dan Abel" wrote

> Pizza is another good one for kids, especially the decorating. Make
> several small ones so they can experiment some.

Oh yes! Get a bunch of small pita breads. Slice them so you have 2 rounds,
and let the kids sauce them then put choice of toppings on then bake til
bubbly.

Another one they like is soft pretzels. Make a bath of dough (I use the
breadmaker) then help them roll it out by demonstrating the first one. Just
pull off a little, place on waxed paper (with a little flour to keep from
sticking or use cornmeal for the neat effect) and hand roll to a long
string. Thin or thick as desired. Twist to wild shapes (need not be
traditional!) then show the kids how to use a pastry brush to put an egg
glaze on. Now, set out a bunch of different suitable spices and let them
sniff them all and pick what they want.

Help them spice if young enough they'd just dump the jar on it (grin).

Bake and let them watch through the glass door (if you have one) as they
cook.

They can pick out their own as they will have made different shapes. Don
tends to make little puppy-dog shapes ;-)

"Melba's Jammin'" wrote
> "cshenk" wrote:

>> Remove
>> plate from tofu the slice as reasonably even as a kid can to about 1/2
>> inch
>> thick (show him how to use a finger joint for this)
>
> Please expand on that, Carol. Are you using that joint for measuring or
> for keeping the knife off the finger flesh?

Both really but more to measure. Take the tofu block and put it flat.
Place hand across then back off so one finger joint worth isnt covered.
Place knife just before fingers and gently press down to cut. An adult can
do this measure by eye but the really young ones (say 6-8 depending on
culture and cooking teaching) find a guide like this is handy (grin).

Take the slices and lay sideways then either cube sorta (youngers will find
this easier) or slice one more long ways strip (past age 8 most can do this
by eye and need no hand to steady it).

If they goof a little, it doesnt matter, will cook up the same.

"Kathleen" wrote
> cshenk wrote:

>> Sensible. Charlotte wasnt allowed to dump over a pot of boiling pasta
>> from the stove to the sink colander at that age either.

> My son is a long-term pastaholic and has been boiling salted water and
> draining cooked pasta in a colander since he was 7. He's 14 now. He most
> probably has gotten himself a steam burn or two since then but the idea of
> possibly losing the right to cook his own pasta at will has kept him from
> ever mentioning any such incident.

Grin, good on ya both there! Part of Charlotte's reason was she was too
short still to see well enough over the sink back then. She's probably at
full height now and a whopping 5ft2 (grin, so happy to be an inch taller
than me! Lords it over me all the time!)

> He's still got all his fingers, never needed a skin graft, has no visible
> scars. And he makes an absolutely rocking alfredo sauce.

;-)

> At some point, I suspect that this, combined with his ninja "garlic bread,
> caesar salad and loading the dishwasher" skills, will probably score big
> points with the ladies.

Oh yeah!

cshenk wrote:

> "Kathleen" wrote
>
>>cshenk wrote:
>
>
>>>Sensible. Charlotte wasnt allowed to dump over a pot of boiling pasta
>>>from the stove to the sink colander at that age either.
>
>
>>My son is a long-term pastaholic and has been boiling salted water and
>>draining cooked pasta in a colander since he was 7. He's 14 now. He most
>>probably has gotten himself a steam burn or two since then but the idea of
>>possibly losing the right to cook his own pasta at will has kept him from
>>ever mentioning any such incident.
>
>
> Grin, good on ya both there! Part of Charlotte's reason was she was too
> short still to see well enough over the sink back then. She's probably at
> full height now and a whopping 5ft2 (grin, so happy to be an inch taller
> than me! Lords it over me all the time!)
>
Yep. My son is 6'1" now and awfully damned pleased to be taller than
his 5'11" mother.

His big sister was annoyed to top out at 5'7".

>
>>He's still got all his fingers, never needed a skin graft, has no visible
>>scars. And he makes an absolutely rocking alfredo sauce.
>
>
> ;-)
>
>
>>At some point, I suspect that this, combined with his ninja "garlic bread,
>>caesar salad and loading the dishwasher" skills, will probably score big
>>points with the ladies.
>
> Oh yeah!

In article >,
Kathleen > wrote:

> Yep. My son is 6'1" now and awfully damned pleased to be taller than
> his 5'11" mother.

I remember reading the riot act to our son once when he was about 16 or
something. He had a sh**-eating grin on his face and I growled to know
just what was so damned funny. "Oh, nothing, Mom. I just wondered if
you realize that you're looking up at me." How could I not laugh?
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller
http://gallery.me.com/barbschaller/100041
-- a woman my age shouldn't
have this much fun!

On Jan 31, 5:22*pm, Horry > wrote:
> Is anyone able to suggest recipes suitable for a 12-year-old to cook/
> prepare?
>
> At the moment, he's basically limited himself to baking cakes -- and I'd
> like to expand his repertoire.
>
> Dishes suited to a 12yo's palate would be best -- as he'd be reluctant to
> cook things he doesn't like to eat
>
> 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).
>
> Thanks!

Meatloaf & baked potatoes?

How about making a pizza. Take him to the store, buy a bag of pre-made
dough and whatever sauce, meat, and veggies he likes. Teach him how to
stretch and form the pizza crust and build his own pizza. If he likes
that, teach him how to make the dough himself next time, then teach him
how to make the sauce from scratch, etc. Show him how the dough can
also make rolls, or a smal bread. Show him how the same sauce can be
used for pasta another day.

How about puddings, first from a mix, next time maybe bread or rice
pudding.

Building a salad is fun to do, maybe making his own dressing. I made a
really good one last week, real easy recipe:

Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette

1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons spicy brown mustard
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
Salt & pepper

Mix and refrigerate

Then show him how his home made dressings can be used to marinate meat
also. I used the above recipe as a chicken marinade, with a little
added Balsamic vinegar added, it was great cooked on the George Forman
grill.

Teach him about mac and cheese, or pancakes

Denise

On Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:13:14 -0500 in rec.food.cooking, "cshenk"
> wrote,
> Charlotte wasnt allowed to dump over a pot of boiling pasta from
>the stove to the sink colander at that age either.

I saw on a cooking show a pasta pot with an inner perforated pot that
you just lift out. It looked a lot easier than lifting the weight of
all that water, and a lot less tricky than pouring over the sink. At
least on TV.