Chef’s Special – Safety in the Kitchen

See Below for Ideas on What You Can Do At Your Age!

Have fun cooking in the kitchen, but stay safe! Wash your hands and follow safety rules:

• Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.

• Never touch light switches, appliances or stove knobs with wet hands.

• Always tie back long hair, roll up sleeves or change loose clothing.

• Read the recipe completely with an adult so you understand what is needed.

• Gather all items required before you begin.

• Hold knives by their handles only, even when carrying them. Use them only with an adult nearby.

• Use dry pot holders to move or touch hot items, even from the microwave.

• Point pan handles away from the edge of the stove.

• Do not leave the kitchen when things are cooking.

• Use a timer. It is easy to get distracted and end up with burnt food.

• No towels, paper towels, pot holders or electric cords EVER on the stove top.

• Check that all burners and the oven are off when you leave the kitchen.

• If you can’t reach the countertop, use a sturdy step or stool to stand on.

• Always close cupboard doors and drawers so you don’t bump into them.

• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen. They can be slippery.

• Always hold the handle of a pot while stirring so it doesn’t spin around or slide.

• If you burn yourself, tell an adult immediately.

• Don't put knives or other sharp objects in a sink full of water. Someone could reach in and get hurt.

• Cooking fires are dangerous! Call an adult to help and use baking soda to put out the fire, not water!

• If you use a plate, knife or cutting board, do not use it again for other foods, even cooked ones. Germs and bacteria from raw food can make people sick.

Kids 6 Years & Under Can:

• Use blunt scissors to cut soft foods.
• Use a can opener.
• Wash fruits and vegetables.
• Tear lettuce.
• Stir, whisk and beat liquid or dry ingredients together.
• Grease pans or cookie sheets.
• Use a rolling pin to roll dough, crush cookies and make cracker crumbs.
• Peel oranges, bananas, hard cooked eggs.
• Spread with a butter knife or sandwich spreader.
• Squeeze lemons or oranges.
• Mash vegetables or fruits with a fork or potato masher.
• Measure dry ingredients with supervision.
• Shape hamburgers or meatballs.

Kids 7 to 9 Years Old Can:

• Use blunt knife to cut.
• Use microwave and blender.
• Mix, roll and shape cookies.
• Shell peas.
• Grate cheese and vegetables.
• Measure liquid and dry ingredients.
• Peel onions, garlic, carrots, cucumbers.
• Crack eggs.
• Knead dough.
• Set the table.

Kids 10 to 12 Years Old Can:

• Use microwave and blender.
• Handle recipes with few ingredients.
• Use stove top and oven with supervision.
• Use knives with supervision.
• Cut, chop, shred vegetables and fruits.
• Plan a meal.

After the age of 12, kids can do pretty much everything in the kitchen, but need an adult to teach them any new skills first!