Is your kiddo curious about cooking? Then give her a gift that will help her learn in the kitchen. From cookbooks to classes to cooking clubs, these holiday gifts are sure to encourage your child’s affinity for culinary creativity.
Mukitchen Kids Chef in Training 3-Piece Apron Set
Cooks of all ages deserve a decent apron. This Chef in Training Set from Mukitchen Kids includes an apron with large pockets and long ties at the neck and waist, an adjustable chef's hat and an oven mitt with terry lining. All are made of 100-percent cotton and are machine washable.
$18.99, Bed Bath & Beyond. Multiple locations. bedbathandbeyond.com.
“The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs” from America’s Test Kitchen
Cookbooks for kids abound, but "The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs" stands above the pack. This 2018 release from America's Test Kitchen marks the first time that the publisher behind Cook's Illustrated magazine brings its scientific know-how, rigorous testing and hands-on learning to kids. Far from suggesting patronizing cutesy kid foods, "The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs" shows them how to make their favorite dishes from scratch. Recipes are kid-tested and approved, and include ideas for breakfast, dinner, dessert and more. In addition, step-by-step photos of tips and techniques help build kitchen confidence. Think of this one as a "Joy of Cooking" for kids.
$19.99, shop.americastestkitchen.com.
KAI My First Knife
If Junior is ready to wield a knife, start him out safely with a knife designed for youngsters. Made by Japanese cutlery manufacturer KAI, this knife features a stainless-steel blade with a serrated edge and rounded tip, a rounded thermoplastic rubber handle that encourages a correct grip, and hollow-ground indentations in the blade that help prevent food from sticking. The ambidextrous handle enables your junior chef to chop with success whether he’s a righty or a lefty.
$25, Williams-Sonoma. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-810-7486 and Lenox Square, 3393 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-812-1703, williams-sonoma.com.
Cooking Classes
Expand your child’s culinary repertoire by enrolling her in a cooking class. Numerous shops and culinary schools offer classes designed for kids, whether they’re ready to roll up their sleeves for two hours, two days or as a weekly extracurricular activity. Upcoming classes at Salud! Cooking School located at the Whole Foods Market in Alpharetta include a Kid’s Winter Cooking Camp (Dec. 26-28) and a bake-off for teens modeled after the Great British Baking Show (Dec. 29). Young Chef’s Academy dedicates all of its programming to educating the next generation of cooks. Its locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs and Marietta, make chauffeuring your little chef to camps, weekly classes and workshops that much easier. Sur La Table has a handful of upcoming kid-focused, hands-on classes, including a 5-day Kid’s Holiday Cooking Series (Dec. 31-Jan. 4) and a pizza-making class (Jan. 21) at both of its Atlanta-area store. Visit websites for class schedules, pricing and registration.
Whole Foods Market. 2800 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-442-3354 x2, https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/salud-cooking-school-4.
Young Chef’s Academy. Multiple locations. youngchefsacademy.com.
Sur La Table. Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 404-973-3375; and 1082 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 678-280-0086, surlatable.com.
Cooking clubs for kids
Mom has her weekly meal-kit delivery to help keep her cooking game strong. Why not let the little ones in on the action? A few cooking subscription companies like Raddish and Kidstir offer monthly delivery of kits that expand your child’s culinary know-how while letting her help you put a meal on the table. Kits include recipe guides, grocery lists, activity cards and kitchen tools. Ingredients are not included.
Kidstir, kidstir.com and Raddish, raddishkids.com.
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