Initiate your teens to cooking thanks to these 4 tips

This year, invite your teenagers to discover the joys of cooking. Adolescence is the ideal time to explore new things and develop new passions. By introducing your older kids to cooking, not only will you get to share your knowledge with them, you’ll also get to transmit healthy habits that will follow them into adulthood!

Here are a few tips for motivating your teens to step into the kitchen . . . and have fun while they’re at it!

1. Pique their interest

Get your teens involved from the get-go. Together, come up with a menu for the coming days, taking into account everyone’s individual tastes and preferences.

For some inspiration, browse through our numerous on-line recipes: explore them by meal type (breakfast, snacks, desserts, and other), or by ingredients you know your kids enjoy (heirloom tomatoes, Quebec pork chops, cilantro, etc.).

2. Teach them to run errands

Before starting the cooking process, you first need to run your errands. Invite your teens to join you at the store or help you with your online shopping.

In addition to teaching them a little about budgeting, talk to them about the importance of buying local. To help you, use our handy Aliments du Québec filter when shopping online at IGA.net.

Let your kids choose items that aren’t usually on your grocery list. After all, discovering new products is fun at any age!

3. Respect their rhythm

Teenagers learn at their own pace and in their own way.

For some, cooking is synonymous with emotion. If that’s the case with your teen, invite them to take part in a family tradition by cooking some of their most cherished recipes, like Grandma’s strawberry pie or Uncle Pat’s scallops.

Some teens prefer to observe before trying their hand at cooking. If that sounds like your teen, suggest preparing a recipe while they watch, making sure to clearly explain every step as you go along. You can make things even funner by asking them to play the role of culinary judge!

For teens who want to be in the heart of the action, let them become your sous-chef. Decide together what tasks they’ll be responsible for, then guide them in the combining of ingredients, manipulation of meats and fish, use of the stove, and the best ways to prepare fruits and vegetables.

If they’re a little leery of knifes, reassure them. Remind them to be careful and show them how to adopt safe practices. Stress the importance of never walking around with a knife in their hand, avoiding distractions, and putting the knife down when they’re busy talking. Show them how to properly hold a knife by its handle, keep their fingers away from the blade, and take their time.

4. Let them choose the recipes

Keep your teens interested by allowing them to choose recipes they love.

Breakfast

Show them how to safely use the blender, so that they can start making delicious breakfast smoothies!

Find a smoothie recipe they love and make it together. While you’re supervising their actions, make sure to remind them how important it is to follow the steps in any recipe.

You can also show them how to transform their smoothie into a smoothie bowl, then have them top it with fruits and granola. And of course, let them snap a few pics to share on their social media!

Lunch

Grilled-cheese sandwiches, like this one featuring apples and bacon, are ideal for teaching your teens how to safely use the stove. For simply sublime sandwiches, melt some Quebec cheese in-between two slices of fresh bread.

For an on-the-go lunch, suggest that your teens reheat a bowl of soup and cut a few slices of baguette. Have them serve their meal with a few pieces of Quebec cheese, such as Le Péribonka de La Normandinoise or Le Cendré des prés de la Fromagerie Domaine Féodal.

Supper

For an easy-to-make dinner, have your teens prepare a simple tartare recipe. Stay by their sides and remind them of the importance of proper kitchen hygiene and how to manipulate certain foods.

You can keep things even simpler by opting for a tube of Sushi à la maison cubes of salmon duo. Seeing as the salmon already comes pre-cut, all that’s left to do is unthaw, season, and serve. For seasoning, try a Sushi à la maison tartare assortment kit. Available in several varieties, this assortment kit comes with everything your teens need to season their tartare recipe.

Dessert

Grab their attention via their sweet tooth by asking them to prepare delicious ice cream bowls!

Opt for a local brand of ice cream, such as Laiterie Chagnon. Ask your kids to slice some fruit and get creative with other topping ideas.

Then get together as a family and enjoy your decadent ice cream bowls—the perfect occasion to remind everyone that the number one rule when it comes to cooking is to enjoy sharing your creations with the ones you love!

Finally, keep in mind that a few mishaps along the way are inevitable. Trust your teens and let them wow you with all their culinary achievements!

Bon appétit!