With the new series of GBBO gracing our screens next week, it’s the perfect time to engage youngsters in their own creative baking projects. If you’re struggling to think of new things to do at the end of the summer hols (there’s only so many times you can drag the kids to the library) then this is a perfect Sunday activity that everyone will enjoy.
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“Children of all ages can benefit from spending time in the kitchen,” says children’s cookery author Annabel Karmel, who has written 45 books on the subject. “Whether it’s weighing or stirring ingredients, cracking eggs or rolling dough, little ones can give you a helping hand earlier than you might think.”
While this activity offers obvious perks (tasty treats for tea), Annabel assures us that kids will reap additional benefits. “As they weigh and measure ingredients, children are developing maths skills without even realising,” she says. “They’re also learning life skills like how to follow recipes and use utensils properly.”
So, baking is a perfect way to keep little ones entertained - not least while they’re not at school. In fact, eBay has seen a significant rise in baking-related searches since the start of the summer holidays with parents stocking up on baking essentials.
Let’s get baking
But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get little ones off to a good start. Angellica Bell presents The One Show on BBC, but as the former face of CBBC and the winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2017, she knows a few things about children and cooking.
“There are so many stores that sell basic baking kits at fair and accessible prices,” she says. “You’ll just need a couple of baking tins, a weighing scale, some wooden spoons, a mixing bowl, an electric hand whisk and some oven gloves.”
Annabel recommends finishing off your kit with a rolling pin, some cookie cutters and a plastic children’s knife, as well as an apron and a plastic tablecloth, as things might get messy. “Trust me,” she says, “ingredients like chocolate get everywhere!”
Baking sets for kids
Baking Wizards Deluxe 20 Piece Kids Cooking and Baking Set
Fairydust Personalised Kids Childrens Gift Baking Set
Mason Cash Baking Made Easy Cookies Baking Set Cookie Cutters Children Baking
Lakeland Kids' Real Cookware Ultimate 48-Piece Baking Gift Set
Lakeland Children's Baking Gift Set – 5 Mini Baking Tools
Healthy baking ideas for kids
Getting children engaged in the kitchen from a young age will give them a better understanding of food groups and how to make balanced choices. You can pack in extra portions of fruit or veg in freshly baked oat bars, and savoury muffins, flatbreads and pancakes are all easy healthy bakes that kids can help out with.
“Using vegetables in cakes is really on-trend right now,” says Angellica. “My children and I have made cakes with carrots, courgettes and beetroots.”
Annabel also suggests growing veg in the garden or herbs on the windowsill to get children excited about making healthy food. “Kids will love adding their freshly picked chives or basil to a homemade savoury muffin, traybake or frittata,” she says.
Fun aprons for kids
Sass and Belle Personalised Flamingo Kids Apron
Cath Kidston Provence Rose Kids Long Sleeve Apron
Lola & Alice Bear Camp Kid's Apron
Sophie Allport Space Kids Apron
Marks & Spencer Bee Print Apron
Make baking fun
If you’re struggling to keep little ones focused in the kitchen, Annabel suggests keeping a shelf stocked with some colourful cookbooks, so your child can pick out a few recipes they think sound appealing.
“Kids are more likely to try something new if they see a picture that looks good to them,” she says. “They will gain a sense of empowerment from helping you plan a meal, snack or dessert and begin to understand the cooking process.”
If nothing else, decorating cakes will always be a hit. “Children love being creative and using their imaginations,” says Angellica. “If they know their cakes are a gift for neighbours or friends, it makes the process even more special.”
Get creative in the kitchen
Craft & Crumb Unicorn Biscuit Baking Kit
KAISHANE 32 Pieces Animal Biscuit Cutters
Nanan Sea Life Cookie Cutters Set
Howaf Dinosaur Cupcake Wrappers Toppers (24 Pack)
Spending time in the kitchen together can be a really memorable experience. Angellica’s grandmother taught her to cook and she would often think of her during the challenge rounds on Celebrity MasterChef.
“We need to prepare our children for all sorts of experiences they’ll face when they get older, but one thing’s for sure; they will always need to eat,” she says. “Let’s teach them some good basic skills and make it fun.”
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Charley is former Homes Ecommerce Editor. During her time at Hearst UK, Charley wrote over 300 buying guides and reviews, getting her hands on as many new launches as possible to help you find the best products for your home.
