For the kids who are really
very eager to help their moms in the kitchen, here are a few guidelines to keep
in mind so your moms will let you in the kitchen with her.
Before
You Start
Always
ask an adult permission to use the kitchen and any tools you may need,
especially when the recipe calls for chopping or cutting with a sharp knife
and using the stove or oven. It’s always best to have an adult
assistant if you should need it.
Read
the entire recipe from beginning to end to make sure you have everything you
need in the kitchen before you begin.
Have
all your ingredients measured and your equipment out and ready to use
– this is called Mise En Place, which is French for “everything put in
place”.
Make
sure you use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients.
Make
sure that you have enough time to prepare the recipe you’ve chosen.
Never
rush in the kitchen, you should always take your time and focus on what you
are doing.
Keep
It Clean
Always
wash your hands before you start!
If
you aren’t feeling well or are sick, you shouldn’t cook. Your
germs can easily spread to food and those who eat it.
Never
cut raw food and cooked food on the same cutting board.
If
you only have one cutting board, wash it with warm soapy water in between
cutting.
Wash
any fruit or vegetables before using them.
Wear
an apron or a chef jacket to keep your clothes from getting dirty.
If
you have long hair, pull it back in a ponytail or wear a hat so hair won’t
get into the food.
Play
It Safe
When
there are more than one of you in the kitchen, always communicate with the
other person - especially when handling sharp knives or hot pans etc.
In
professional kitchens, you’ll often hear the term “behind you”, which
is a good way to let someone know you’re behind them.
Always
use an oven mitt or hot pads when handling hot pots and pans or cookie
sheets – never use a kitchen towel or a wet kitchen towel (remember that
water conducts heat-ouch!)
Beware
of steam, it can burn just like a touching a hot surface.
Always
walk with a knife blade in front of you and turned towards the floor.
Never
hand someone the blade end of the knife, always pass them the handle very
carefully.
Believe
it or not, the sharper the knife, the least likely you are to cut yourself.
A knife that is dull will tempt you to press down harder where the
blade is likely to slip from your hands and cut you. A sharp
knife allows more control.
When
You’re Finished
Clean
as you go! Be sure to always leave clean kitchen behind you.
Be
sure to turn off all the appliances when you're done using them.
