Kids are more receptive to trying new foods if they have a hand in preparing the meal. If you find them trailing after you in the kitchen, feel free to get them arm-deep in the trenches! On that note, here are some ideas for you:

Tasks younger children can help with:

• Peeling with vegetable peeler
• Measuring
• Kneading/punching/pressing/rolling/cutting out dough
• Whisking
• Cracking eggs
• Scooping
• Stirring
• Tossing
• Washing
• Pouring cold liquids
• Plating
• Sprinkling
• Spreading
• Blending
• Greasing
• Shaping
• Setting the table
• Stuffing
• Cutting with a small 8-inch serrated knife
• Cutting herbs with scissors

Tasks older children can help with:

• Threading on wooden skewers
• Straining
• Cutting soft fruit and vegetables
• Boiling
• Grating
• Opening cans