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Thanksgiving Cooking with Kids

Kids love to help in the kitchen! And Thanksgiving is no exception -- little ones are automatically drawn to the hustle and bustle going on during this holiday. How to keep them happy and occupied? Let them help! There are many ways you can involve your kids in the creation of a Thanksgiving feast.

One easy thing that kids can do involves deviled eggs. Put your deviled egg filling into a pastry bag, or make your own using a Ziploc bag with a small cut in one corner. Let your little ones squeeze the filling into each empty egg half, then have them garnish the eggs with a light sprinkle of paprika.

Another easy thing that your kids can do is help with the mixing of various dishes. Let them mash the potatoes with an old-fashioned potato masher, and supervise while they gently stir in butter, salt and pepper. Allow them to add the broth, eggs and seasonings to your stuffing and blend together.

Preparing green beans is a fun activity that children of all ages can enjoy! Sit them down with a large quantity of fresh beans and have them snap the ends off. Another easy thing they can do is shuck corn and remove the silk. This is rather time-consuming and can keep them busy for quite a while!

While young children should be kept away from sharp utensils, older kids can be allowed to use a vegetable peeler and peel the produce. Younger ones can be in charge of washing each piece of peeled produce.

Another activity that can keep kids busy is the preparation of no-bake appetizers. Have your little ones assemble crackers with cheese and other adornments like squares of ham and olive slices. Older kids can prepare no-bake desserts like gelatin and cream cheese pie easily without the use for a hot oven.

After the feast is over, have your little cooks help you with the cleanup. It's important to involve kids in not only the cooking of the meal, but the cleaning up as well. Cleaning up after themselves gives children a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

By letting your kids help out with every aspect of your Thanksgiving feast from the appetizers to the cleanup, you can not only keep them busy but give them something they can really be proud of!