If you subscribe to my newsletter, you know I do not like cooking. My goal is to find the quickest, easiest recipes that my family will enjoy eating. So, of course, Peck wants to know all about cooking. He watches tons of Tasty videos and asks to cook like real chefs do, which means utilizing skills like whisking and making a roux.
One of our homeschool goals is to encourage creativity, which means allowing our kids to pursue their own interests. When Tech wanted to learn computer programming, he sought out videos and books to help him along. I signed him up for one class. Tech’s process didn’t require much from me.
Cooking, though, is another matter. Until Peck sharpens his skills, he needs supervision with knives and blenders and our gas stove. How do I direct him while managing to keep my cooking time to the minimum? I found the answer in the Usborne booth at a homeschool convention.
Chef Academy
Peck enjoys the academy series. He’s completed the Architect and Engineer volumes. I knew this one would be a no-brainer. It teaches cooking concepts with colorful illustrations, fun activities, and tracks progress with stickers.
Start to Cook
This kid’s cookbook exactly meets both our needs. It contains recipes that require skills like whisking, but are also simple–no gourmet, impossible to find ingredients. The recipes we’ve made so far were suited to Peck’s ability and experience.
Random photos of Peck making the above recipe
Peck wanted to add “real” whipped cream, so we googled a recipe. (I won’t add a link because it wasn’t sweet enough.) Through this experience, he learned cooking can take serious arm strength. He gave up on whisking and used the whisk attachment on the hand-mixer. Maybe I am teaching him my way of cooking. If there’s a short cut, take it!
Don’t know your homeschool goals?
I teach a class on homeschool mission statements, which helps homeschoolers focus on their personal homeschooling goals. Watch here for free.
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