Tips for Cooking with Kids

Trying to introduce your children to cooking can be a difficult challenge. Many people do not want to deal with the mess or mistakes when they are in a hurry. However, The Kitchn has gathered some great reader tips on how to make cooking with kids easier.

Cooking with kids can be a truly fun and rewarding experience, but it also raises a lot of questions. We've shared a number of helpful tips with you fromcookbooks for kids to baking with kids, and our favorite tips on how kids can be truly helpful in the kitchen. Turns out that you also had a ton of great tips to share with us and each other.


Here are the 7 best bits of advice from our readers on cooking with kids.
1. Use a special kitchen stool or bench.


I love involving the kids in the kitchen and these are some really great tips. We have special stool (kitchen-helper style) that has been my biggest and best investment for our kitchen. It's their spot in the kitchen and they love it. - jesser


I've been cooking with my 3 year old for about a year - probably once or twice a week. We keep a footstool in the kitchen which is just the right height for her. I always place the stool far enough away from the oven so that she can't reach over and touch something hot. - Nerves

2. Large bowls are your friend.


I would add: use the very biggest mixing bowl you have. If it's not very big, get one. My daughter's first and favorite task was/is whisking eggs. Even for 2 eggs I give her a massive bowl. Only big mishap so far: she touched my upper arm with the whirling beaters. No harm. I was quite frosted, though. -cmcinnyc

3. Be cautious when necessary.


I agree: teach them early, but also start immediately with the discussion of "hot" and "dangerous", which is what I'm trying to do with my 16-month old. My hope is that he'll have developed a healthy respect for the stove by the time he gets around to using it. - lkb











4. Give small tasks to get them involved.


My 3.5 year old helps out, but not with the hot or sharp stuff yet. I've had him stirring things and swishing veggies since he was about 2. My 18 mo old loves to take (non-breakable, non-spillable) things to the table. The 3.5 yo can usually be trusted taking breakable, spillable stuff to the table. -pschreiber42


I've been including my son in meal making since he was 6 months (when he was only the audience!!) Now at 2, he LOVES emptying the dishwasher, breaking asparagus, whisking eggs, and adding ingredients to my mixing bowls. I love how he is just as passionate about cooking as I am ;-) - Lisa @bitesforbabies

5. Vegetable prep is a good source of easy tasks.


I have 3-year-old twin boys who love to "help" me cook. We eat a lot of spinach salads, and one of their favorite helping mommy things to do is to pinch the stem off the spinach leaves. - Jillana


My kids do things like harvest veggies & herbs from the garden, shell peas, husk corn, and snap beans. - NowWeAre6











6. Make it into a game, or even better a cooking show.


My daughter will do anything I ask of her in the kitchen, as long as we either talk about our day or pretend we're on a cooking show. I'm not joking. The other day I called her from work to tell her when I'd be home and she said, "Mome, there are a lot of dishes to do. Will we have time to do them together when you get home?"



Anyway. She loves keeping an eye on whatever's cooking so she can guess what time it'll be done ("I think this water will boil by 6:13. What do you want to bet?"), and putting whatever vegetables I chop into whatever they're going into. While being interviewed by Alton Brown on Iron Chef, of course. - DD Lizzy


We do the "Mom Cooking Show" thing, too. She just loves to hear me discuss what I'm doing. It sort of reminds me of the old Sara Moulton call-in show on the Food Network. - Scraps

7. Let them help with the dishes.


Over the holidays, I discovered that my 3 1/2 year old niece really likes washing dishes. We were cleaning up after a meal, and my niece really wanted in on the action (monkey see monkey do). We propped a step stool in front of the sink, took out the knives and let her go to town. It got a little messy (wet) and a few things needed a quick re-wash, but she had a great time and was actually a good helper! - Chels504


My 3.5 year old likes to dry and put stuff away (all her plates and cups and bowls go into a drawer she can reach) and also she loves to empty the silver ware from the dishwasher. It's a great sorting task and she's been doing it for almost a year. She will also help clear dishes off the table. - K80
8. Above all...have fun and forget about the mess.


My biggest tip for parents starting out with teaching their kids to cook, is just let them do it, forget about the mess, have fun an enjoy it.....my little daughter will drop any other activity just to spend time cooking in the kitchen with me & I love it :) - Eavan

Deutschtown Music Festival

The Deutschtown Music Festival will be held in the Northside starting this Saturday.  Over 70 bands will be playing starting at 2pm.  The day is filled with music, food, and family friendly activities.  You can learn more at Living Pittsburgh.







Event: Deutschtown Music Festival

Location: Various locations throughout Deutschtown (see map)

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2014

Time: 2pm until midnight and later

Cost: Free to attend

Description: 70+ bands will rock Pittsburgh’s Northside on Saturday, July 12. Music abounds at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues throughout the neighborhood, starting at 10am and ending late into the evening. There will be a wide variety of music styles, including jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, hip hop and electronic. The daytime portion is designed to be a family-friendly event, with numerous food trucks, a flea market, and other activities to supplement the music. Throughout the day and night, a free shuttle with several stops in the Northside and Northshore will be available to the 3-5,000 people that are expected to attend. Family-friendly by day, adult-focused by night! Food trucks will be on-site! Admission to this event is absolutely FREE! Keep up to date with all the details on their Facebook Page and athttp://deutschtownmusicfestival.org/

Fireworks Safety Tips

Are you going to be lighting your own fireworks this year? Here are some safety tips that you should read over before you light the first sparkler. You can learn more at fireworks safety.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department
• 
  
• And note these special safety tips, if using sparklers:
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.

Happy Fourth of July and Trivia Question Answer!

We hope everyone has a great Fourth of July! Here is the answer to our trivia question.

Answer: The Pennsylvania Evening Post

After John Dunlap of Philadelphia printed copies of the declaration for the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, printers throughout the Colonies produced their own versions. The one from the Pennsylvania Evening Post came out on July 6, 1776.

Did you get it right?

10 Super Foods For You

Super foods are the latest craze in dieting and exercise, but what exactly are super foods? A super food is a food that is rich in ingredients and can give you many benefits for your health and well being. These foods are everywhere, but there are a few that everyone should try to include in their diet. Web Md and the blog below has a list of the ten super foods you should start eating today.





Top 10 Multitasking Super Foods



1. Low fat or fat-free plain yogurt is higher in calcium than some other dairy products and contains a great package of other nutrients, including protein and potassium. It can also be enhanced with other good-for-you substances. "Yogurt is a vehicle food that can be enriched with probiotics for a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, and beneficial, heart-healthy plant stanols," says Zied. "And lactose sensitive people may tolerate yogurt better than milk." Look for plain yogurt fortified with vitamin D, and add your own fruit to control sweetness and calories. Versatile yogurt can also be used in entree and bakeryrecipes, in dips for veggies, etc. Don't like yogurt? Skim milk is another super dairy food that has only 83 calories per cup and is easy to slip into coffee to help you get one of the recommended three servings of dairy each day. "Dairy foods contain practically every nutrient you need for total nutrition -- and in just the right balance," says bone health expert, Robert Heaney, MD. "No other food group in the diet is as complete or as economical."


2. Eggs make the list because they are nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality protein. "Studies show if you eat eggs at breakfast, you may eat fewer calories during the day and lose weight without significantly affecting cholesterol levels," says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. Enjoy them at any meal or hard-cooked as a portable snack.


3. Nuts have gotten a bad rap because of their high fat content. But their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn them a place on the top 10 list. The key to enjoying nuts, experts say, is portion control. "All nuts are healthful in small doses, and studies show they can help lower cholesterollevels and promote weight loss," says Today Show nutritionist Joy Bauer, MS, RD. "I like pistachio nuts because they also contain plant sterols and it takes longer to crack the shell and eat them, making it easier to control the portion. Whether you prefer pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up. Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and entrees. They taste great alone, too. Zied recommends putting together your own "100-calorie packs" of nuts for easy and portable snacks.






4. Kiwis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of antioxidants, says Ward. "One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for vitamin C," says Ward. "It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it." The sweet taste and colorful appearance of kiwis makes it easy to slice in half, scoop out with a spoon and enjoy alone, or slice it into desserts, salads, or side dishes. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content.


5. Quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the best whole grains you can eat, according to Zied. "It is an ancient grain, easy to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams per cup) and a naturally good source of iron," she says. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your weight and lower your risk for heart disease anddiabetes, she says. Quinoa is as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your daily grain servings whole grains. In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats, buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.


6. Beans, beans, good for your heart -- really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They're also a good, low-fat source of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium, and potassium. Bauer favors edamame (whole soybeans) because they also contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Beans can easily substitute for meat or poultry as the centerpiece of a meal, says Bauer, but they also work as a side dish, or tossed into soups, stews, or egg dishes. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 cups weekly.


7. Salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That's why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Salmon is low in calories (200 for 3 ounces) has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat. You can simply grill or bake it, top it with salsas or other low-fat sauces, or serve it on top of salad greens. If you don't like salmon, Lichtenstein recommends eating other kinds of fish, like canned tuna. And what about the mercury content? (Mercury is known to accumulate in fish.) "The benefits of eating salmon or other fatty fish twice weekly far outweigh any risks, but if you are concerned, check with your doctor," says Zied.


8. Broccoli is one of America's favorite vegetables because it tastes good and is available all year long. It's a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight. "Some people think beta-carotene (vitamin A) is only found in orange and yellow vegetables, but broccoli is an excellent source," says Ward. You can eat broccoli raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or grilled. Eat it as a side dish, or toss into grains, egg dishes, soups, and salads.


9. Sweet potatoes are a delicious member of the dark orange vegetable family, which lead the pack in vitamin A content. Substitute a baked sweet potato (also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. And before you add butter or sugar, taste the sweetness that develops when a sweet potato is cooked -- and think of all the calories you can save over that loaded baked potato. "If we eat more foods like sweet potatoes that are rich sources of potassium, and fewer high-sodium foods, we can blunt the effect of sodium on blood pressure and reduce bone loss," says Zied. Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.


10. Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They're loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, low in calories, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. And their flavors satisfy sweets cravings for a fraction of the calories in baked goods. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available fresh, frozen, or dried. All can add flavor and nutrition to numerous dishes, from salads and cereals to baked goods and yogurt.

Free and Affordable Events in The City

Who has been wanting our favorite free and affordable events listing for around the city? This week has some great events that you can attend after work or at lunch! Keep reading and check out Living Pittsburgh for more information.


Monday, June 16
Mellow Mondays in Market Square - FREE
Yoga at Schenley Plaza – FREE
Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people
Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays
Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less
Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Tuesday, June 17
Summer Movie Clubhouse for Kids - $1
1/2 Off Tuesdays at The Mattress Factory - FREE – $7.50
2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE
Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one
Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE
JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE
Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays
Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult
Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays
Wednesday, June 18
Summer Movie Clubhouse for Kids - $1
Community Night at the Union Project - Donation based
Yoga on Centre Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can
$1 Night at North Versailles Bowling Center – $1 games, food, drink & shoe rental specials
Pittsburgh Banjo Club Open Rehearsal – FREE
Bluegrass Night at the Park House – FREE Bluegrass music
Dave & Buster’s 1/2 off game day – 1/2 priced games all day
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays – discounted movies on Wednesdays
Wednesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Wednesday – $3 or less
1/2 off Wine on Wednesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Cheap Wednesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays
Thursday, June 19
Farmers Market & Concert at Market Square – FREE
Entrepreneurial Thursdays at Little E’s – $5
Senior discount admission at Clayton – $5 instead of $12
Thursday Matinee at the Harris Theater – $5.00
1/2 off Wine on Thursdays – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Salsa Thursdays at Bossa Nova – FREE, no cover
Pittsburgh Improv Jam Comedy Show - $3 plus $2.50 craft beer special
Thursday Funday Downtown – $20 to $25 per person for an ENTIRE evening out
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – discounted movies on Thursdays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – $3 or less
Thursday Wing Nights – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays
Cheap Thursday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays
Friday, June 20
Station Square Summer Jams - FREE
Snowball Day at the Carnegie Science Center – Name your own admission price

Good Fridays at The Andy Warhol Museum – 1/2 Price Admission
Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Salsa Fridays at Cabaret at Theater Square – $5
Kinder Klimb at REI – FREE with $20 LIFETIME membership
Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Friday – $3 or less
Friday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Fridays
Saturday, June 21
Lawrenceville Garden Tour - FREE
I Made It! Market Waterfront Summer Music and Marketplace Series - FREE Admission
Stars at Riverview Jazz Series (Paul Thompson) – FREE
Yoga at Schenley Plaza – FREE
Saturday Nights at Swing City – $10-12
Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show – FREE
Sunday, June 22
Bach, Beethoven and Brunch at Mellon Park - FREE
Free Sunday Afternoons at the Carnegie Library – FREE
Fifty Cent Sundaze at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $6 plus .50 cent games, shoe rental and hot dogs
Starving Artist Sunday Supper at Brillobox - $6
Sunday Brunch Deals – affordable local brunches
Sunday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Sunday – $3 or less
Sunday Bloody Mary Specials in Pittsburgh – ‘Mary specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays
Monday, June 23
Mellow Mondays in Market Square - FREE
Yoga at Schenley Plaza – FREE
Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people
Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover
Storytimes Around the City – FREE
Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays
Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays
Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less
Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Redecorating on a Budget

Are you tired of the same look in your apartment? You do not need to redo every room in your house to get a fresh feel. A few adjustments with what you have can be the redecorating wish you are looking for. Apartment Therapy has more information about all of your redecorating questions.

Usually, when your space feels dull and boring, the first impulse is to buy something new. Stop! Before you plunk down for another throw pillow, try these tricks I often use when I'm styling someone's home and don't have the luxury of time to go out and buy the perfect little something.

Move the furniture: Moving the furniture can often solve problems in a room. Swap the position of the bed to a different wall (or try floating it to take advantage of a nice view), move the living room arrangement off the walls and into the center of the room. On a recent job, moving the rug just a bit so that the front legs of the couch rested on it made the room feel much more anchored and cozy.

Break up pairs: We've all been taught that the nightstands in a bedroom should match, that matching lamps should go on either side of the couch, that two matching chairs face a sofa. Yeah, yeah. Dull and boring. What if you broke up those pairs? Use one of those living room chairs in the bedroom, try one of those lamps in the kitchen, drag one of those nightstands to use as an entryway piece. Just because you bought two things together doesn't mean they have to, or even should, stay together.

Steal from another room: That throw pillow in the bedroom might be just what the living room needs to perk it up, that rug you've had in the dining room might work better by the front door, your living room console might work as a desk in your office. You can always put things back where you found them. While it might be challenging to move a couch from one room to another, accessories are easy things to swap in and out.

Regroup the accessories: Just because that vase has always had a place on the coffee table, doesn't mean it has to always be there. Move things around. Try grouping it with t two other vases you like (groups of three are particularly pleasing to the eye). Sometimes, something as simple as putting a nice pile of books on a coffee table with a plant on top of them, bringing in a bright throw, or remaking a bed, can perk up an entire room. Stumped for accessories? Think outside the box: a beautiful pair of shoes, like those bright pink heels you never wear but love, can be just as pleasing on a coffee table as on your feet; those mixing bowls from grandma might get more use on your credenza than they ever did in your kitchen; mismatched glasses can be used as vases and scattered around the house; a collection of neckties are interesting swung around a shelf bracket; a jar of earrings lets you enjoy them off your ears as well as on.

Edit: Most rooms have too much stuff in them. Try stripping them down to their basics (in the living room that would mean things like the sofa and the media center) and then layer things back in piece by piece. You may find that you prefer the room without a rug or that the lamp works better on the other side of the sofa. Taking pictures can help you get an objective viewpoint.

Swap rooms: Would your dining room work better as your living room? Maybe your office would make a better bedroom than your bedroom does. Living in a small space that only consists of one large room that has to multitask is no excuse. These spaces can still get stuck in a rut.