The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
FIND KITCHEN GADGETS FOR LITTLE CHEFS
Inspire your kids to get into cooking.
As a kid, cooking was fun. There was no better feeling than being able to assist my mother, grandmother or great-grandmother in the kitchen. It’s the reason I love to bake today—and why any and everything that needs to be cooked in the oven falls under my responsibility.
Why is this important to you? Because. If your kids love helping you in the kitchen, they may be junior chefs in the making. And, passionate little chefs plus your busy schedule equals time for you to sit, catch a breath and allow your kids to cook.
To help junior chefs get started, check out the following five gifts.
Apron and spatula set: Junior chefs can keep their clothes clean and show off their super cooking skills in a Superman-themed apron and spatula set at Williams Sonoma. The apron, embroidered with the Superman logo, has two double patch pockets in the front and an adjustable neck tab. Three BPA-free silicone head spatulas complete the set. $47.95. Williams Sonoma, williamssonoma.com.
Festive sugar: Sprinkle some magic into holiday baking and anything that needs a little giggle with a threepiece set of organic sugars appropriately called Mr. Gigglepants and Friends Gift Set by Beautiful Briny Sea. Each sugar tin includes a wooden scooper for easy use. $33. Beautiful Briny Sea, shop. beautifulbrinysea.com.
Culinary classes: If you rather your children trialand-error their culinary skills elsewhere, enroll them at Salud! Cooking School at Whole Foods Market in Alpharetta. In January 2018, the school will offer the following classes: “Tots Cook: New Year’s Nibbles” for children ages 3-5 plus a parent from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 12 ($25); “Dad and Me: Game Day Buffet,” children ages 10-12 and one parent from 5-7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 ($79); “Kids Cook: You’re My Hero” for ages 6-9 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 27 ($35); and “Kids Cook: Cupcake Warriors,” children ages 10-12 from 2-4:30 p.m. Jan. 28 ($39). Cooking classes are also available at the Johns Creek location. 2800 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 678-534-3138, wholefoodsmarket.com.
Knife set: Little chefs can safely learn knife skills with a set just for them. Amazon offers the Curious Chef threepiece set, which features serrated cutting edges, blunt tips and soft-touch grips. It’s best suited for children 5 and up. $8.93. Amazon, amazon.com.
Personal oven: Remember all the sous chef-ing I did as a kid? I was able to practice my pastry skills with an Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven. This contemporary version is available at Target. It’s a real oven with an on and off switch (it must be plugged into an outlet) and comes with a baking pan and tool. Mixes for treats like cookies and frosting are sold separately. $45.49. Target, target.com.