Cooking with your kids is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy together. It's about laughing, making mistakes, being covered with flour, and creating memories that will last forever. Here are some tips for keeping things fun in the kitchen:

Tip #1: Feed their interest

Remember when you were a kid and adamantly disliked something because your parents forced it down your throat? I remember it like it was yesterday. I hated green peas and tomatoes and I felt like my mom cooked green peas every chance she could because she knew I hated them so much. I remember sitting at the dinner table for hours because I had to eat my peas before leaving. With no dog in the family at the time I resorted to stuffing them in my pockets and running to the bathroom to flush them down the toilet. I’m hoping with my little ones I won’t have to torture them like that (I know mom you were doing it for my own good…love you!). I really think the best way to make cooking an interest for your kiddos, is to entice them, rather than coercing them into the kitchen. My girls are starting to show interest in what mommy is doing in the kitchen. So I get the bowls and the whisks out and let them stir along. When your kids show interest in something you are doing in the kitchen, involve them – let them stir the batter or break the eggs. But also, if your kids aren’t that interested, don’t push them. Simply make whatever you are doing fun. Sometimes I even make up songs or turn on some music and dance while in the kitchen with my munchkins. Their laughter and smiles makes me know they are having fun. And when they have fun, so do I!

Tip #2: Expect a mess or two

When it comes to kids in the kitchen, there are very few “clean” and “neat” outcomes – but that is part of the fond memories you will cherish for years to come. I have to say that even in my own kitchen without kids I make a huge mess. That’s why they invented cleaning products, right? My almost 3 year old twin daughters are just now showing signs of interest in the kitchen and we have gradually started cooking together. One of our favorite joint recipes to do together is cookies (recipe below). I let them try everything they want too. However, breaking the eggs will have to wait till they are a little bit older. I do find myself just rolling with it when it comes to spills and messes. After all it should be about having fun with them in the kitchen not about worry about things flying everywhere.

Tip #3: Let them help in picking the recipe

Another way to make it fun for the kids is to get them involved in the planning and the recipe selection. Give them a couple things to choose from depending upon what you may be cooking that day. For example, if you are cooking dinner together choose a couple entrée’s and sides for them to choose from. As they get older you can explain to them how and why to choose (colors, nutrient components, etc), but at the younger ages it will be about what they like which will be good for you too.

Tip #4: Give recipes or meals a theme

This is a fun one in my house. Every kid loves to make and decorate cookies and cupcakes. Even at 3 my girls love cupcakes! With the holiday season quickly approaching, use holiday themed candies and icing, like candy corn for Halloween and green and red sprinkles for Christmas. Another idea – especially for boys – is decorating ideas for things they like to do, like sports. Teach them how to make cupcakes or cookies that look like a baseball or another sports ball. With football in full swing this would be a great time to incorporate a football cookie.

Tip #5: Have a whole bunch of fun!

Cooking with your kids should be fun. It’s a time for you to spend quality time together. My mom and I still enjoy being in the kitchen together. We laugh, talk, taste and just have fun. I really think it’s a great time to talk and learned about your child. And the times spent in the kitchen can create lifetime memories you cherish for years to come.

Enjoy your time in the kitchen with your kiddos and they will enjoy being in the kitchen with you, too. And have a whole bunch of fun!

I thought I would also share with you one of our favorite cookie recipes to make in the kitchen. For having twins, they have totally different tastes so this recipe let’s them customize according to what they like.

Cheesecake Cookies

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ounces cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• Toppings of choice: Chocolate Cookie Crumbs, Mini Chocolate Chips, Sprinkles, Cinnamon Sugar (the possibilities are endless)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Mix in vanilla extract. Stir in the flour until well combined.

Refrigerate (or freeze) dough for 10 to 15 minutes so that it is easier to handle.

In small bowls, place several topping options. Here we used chocolate cookie crumbs, cinnamon sugar, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

Scoop the dough and form into 1" balls. Let the kids roll in topping of choice so cookie is covered. Place covered cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly puffed.

Cool on the pan for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

Note:For another option you can place a chocolate chunk in the interior of the cookies before rolling. You'll have an extra surprise when biting into your cookie.

Now go have some fun in your kitchen with your little ones! Happy cooking!