When an unstoppable force...

... meets an immovable object

In this instance the immoveable object I'm talking about is a younger person (and it varies in age) who doesn't consider it cool to cook!

I think it matters therefore what you choose for the first session – you need to get their attention and pizza is not a bad place to begin. Just in case there are doubters out there saying - “junk food”. I concede that there are elements that may be considered junk but it's being assembled with fresh ingredients as you'll see.

If your children have friends who are interested and you can manage 4 it creates a great atmosphere and they get so interested in what they are doing they forget to fall out or squabble! If you have sufficient space and a friend to perch with you and help supervise then the more the merrier but 4 would be a good place to start. It also gives you two groups of two – plenty of food for everyone to share.

A word to the wise - I'd like to suggest that if you're going to try “hooked on cooking” during the holidays you might deliberately cook more protein than you need over a weekend. It doesn't really matter what sort – chicken, lamb, beef - all will be revealed.

A little prep goes a long way – ingredients you'll need won't be difficult, unusual or expensive.

Any kitchen kit required really depends on the ages of the kids – you can buy wooden spoons, rolling pins et al for small hands quite easily these days and inexpensively too.

Knives however are a different kettle of fish and you may be surprised to know that there are knives specifically designed for childrens' use when learning to cook. Check out “Kiddi Kutter Childs Safety Knife” www.lakeland.co.uk. This product is suitable for age 3+.

Lets get on.