Outline

1. Introduction
2. Benefits of cooking for 12 year olds
3. Safety tips for cooking
4. Easy breakfast recipes
   • Pancakes
   • Scrambled eggs
   • Fruit smoothies
5. Simple lunch ideas
   • Grilled cheese sandwich
   • Pasta with tomato sauce
   • Chicken wraps
6. Quick and healthy snacks
   • Veggie sticks with dip
   • Yogurt parfaits
   • Apple slices with peanut butter
7. Fun and delicious desserts
   • Chocolate chip cookies
   • Banana split
   • No-bake cheesecake
8. Encouraging creativity in the kitchen
9. Conclusion

Easy Recipes for 12 Year Olds to Cook

Cooking is not only a life skill but also a fun and rewarding activity, especially for 12-year-olds. It allows them to explore their creativity, learn about different ingredients, and develop a sense of independence. In this article, we will share some easy and delicious recipes that 12-year-olds can cook with minimal adult supervision. So, let’s get started on this culinary adventure!

Benefits of Cooking for 12 Year Olds

1. Developing important life skills: Learning to cook at an early age instills valuable skills that will benefit kids throughout their lives. It teaches them about nutrition, time management, and problem-solving.
2. Building confidence: Successfully preparing a meal gives kids a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.
3. Encouraging healthy eating habits: By cooking their own meals, 12-year-olds can make healthier choices and develop a taste for nutritious foods.
4. Fostering creativity: Cooking allows kids to express their creativity by experimenting with flavors and presentation.

Safety Tips for Cooking

Before we delve into the recipes, it is essential to prioritize safety in the kitchen. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Always supervise children while they are cooking.
2. Teach them how to handle kitchen tools and appliances safely.
3. Emphasize the importance of washing hands before and after handling food.
4. Teach them about basic kitchen hygiene, such as keeping countertops clean and avoiding cross-contamination.
5. Teach them how to safely use knives and other sharp utensils. Start with age-appropriate tools and gradually introduce more advanced ones.
6. Teach them about fire safety and how to handle hot surfaces and pans.
7. Encourage them to ask for help when needed and to never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.

Now, let’s move on to some easy and delicious recipes that 12-year-olds can try their hands at!

Easy Breakfast Recipes

Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
7. Serve with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter or cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them until well beaten. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the butter or cooking oil.
3. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for a few seconds.
4. Using a spatula, gently stir the eggs until they are softly scrambled.
5. Continue cooking until the eggs are set but still moist.
6. Remove from heat and serve with toast or a side of vegetables.

Fruit Smoothies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen fruit (such as berries, mango, or pineapple)
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding honey or maple syrup.
4. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Simple Lunch Ideas

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 slices of cheese (such as cheddar or American)

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
3. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet.
4. Top each slice with a slice of cheese and cover with the remaining bread, buttered side up.
5. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and serve with a side of tomato soup or a salad.

Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano or basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir in the dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve with grated cheese on top, if desired.

Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Warm the tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly on each tortilla.
4. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
5. Roll up the tortillas tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
6. Cut the wraps in half and serve with a side of salsa or chips.

Quick and Healthy Snacks

Veggie Sticks with Dip

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers), cut into sticks
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange the veggie sticks on a plate.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Serve the veggie sticks with the dip on the side.

Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer the Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries.
2. Drizzle honey over the top.
3. Repeat the layers if desired.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• Granola or raisins for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange the apple slices on a plate.
2. Spread peanut butter on each slice.
3. Sprinkle granola or raisins on top for added crunch, if desired.
4. Enjoy as a healthy and satisfying snack!

Fun and Delicious Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Banana Split

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 scoops of ice cream (any flavor)
• Chocolate sauce
• Strawberry