At just 2 years old, I was already helping my mother in the kitchen by stirring her famous green ketchup. Around 7 years old, what pride I felt in preparing eggs to everyone's taste. The pinnacle was making a birthday cake in a Barbie dress for my little sister, when I was only a teenager. I continued to cook, and then my passion for BBQ was born! For me, it was clear that I wanted to spend happy moments around a table with my children and even better, pass on to them this ardent passion that I have for playing in fire...
It was around 18 months that my eldest received his first toy BBQ. A gas BBQ that imitated the crackling of meat being seared. Summer and winter outdoors without a cover, this BBQ was used so much that it gave up the ghost... A second boy joined the family adventure, as well as a second toy BBQ, this time charcoal, to accompany my passion for this fuel! A replica of the Weber Mastertouch ... and an outdoor kitchen for the children, made of reclaimed pallet wood, a water tank, a few old pots and accessories...
It is well known that children learn by imitation. So I give their imagination free rein by giving them my old spice jars. They have fun creating mixtures based on rocks, earth and sand. They even use grass as a finishing herb on their dishes! They concoct all sorts of dishes, merge styles, but above all, they have fun!
Pretending is good, but doing it for real is even better! Introducing children to the art of BBQ? Why not! Following a few recommendations, it is no more dangerous than cooking indoors.
On the safety side, it will be necessary to always keep an eye on the children and make them understand that BBQing is done in the presence of an adult. This is the perfect time to teach them the basics of BBQing, but also accident prevention. You will also have to be careful not to leave dangerous accessories within the reach of children (hot grills, injection syringes, knives, etc.). Little ones can help you measure, mix, sprinkle, brush and clean, while older children can be given more difficult tasks such as taking the temperature, cutting, spraying during cooking or even searing the meat!
Now, in order to make this moment a success, I suggest you involve the children at all stages. Browse through BBQ books and choose a recipe together. Opt for something relatively easy and quick. Pizzas, stuffed burgers and desserts are usually appreciated by children. You can also let your better half sleep to prepare him lunch (I hope my children take notes!) In addition to the pleasant surprise of seeing his meal prepared, the kitchen will remain intact! Plan a little more time than usual and keep a damp cloth nearby! A spill can happen quickly with children! For those who do slow cooking, I suggest you take advantage of the long hours between steps to play in the yard with your children. Swimming, ball, frisbee, hopscotch, skipping rope, sandbox, soap bubbles… Maybe they will even make you the best worm cake of your life!
Finally, don't forget to thank your children for their help and value their work once at the table! They will be so proud that they will want to do it again! You don't have children? Never mind. Borrow your nephews and nieces or even your friends' children. Tell me in the comments what you cooked with your children.
May the force of BBQ be with you and your children!
