COOKING TIPS

Cooking is fun but kitchen safety is essential. It is important to observe basic rules of kitchen safety and pay attention to what you’re doing in the kitchen because injury or accidents can occur.

■ Always ask an adult’s permission before you work in the kitchen, especially if a recipe requires the use of the stove, oven, knife or electrical appliance.

■ Make sure you have the right ingredients, utensils and appliances.

■ Consider the time it takes to prepare, mix the ingredients, cook or bake the recipe and clean up. Are you sure you have enough time to make the recipe?

■ Before starting, put out the utensils and ingredients you’ll be using and keep them handy so you won’t need to run all over the kitchen.

■ Don’t wear clothing that’s big and loose as it could catch fire or get caught in mixer beaters or other equipment. Wearing an apron helps protect your clothes.

■ Wash your hands before and after cooking with soap and water.

■ When using a knife, point the blade away from yourself and keep your fingers away from the blade when you’re cutting. Remember to give the job your full attention.

■ To prevent being burnt, use pot holders or oven mitts when handling hot pots, pans or baking trays. Turn pot and pan handles towards the back of the stove so you won’t knock them over by accident.

■ Wipe up spills immediately. Keep the floor dry so that no one slips and falls.

■ Turn off all cooking appliances before leaving the kitchen.