According to Illinois Extension, Cooking With Children, cooking with children is a great way to encourage trying new foods and a way to develop important life skills at a young age and become independent later in life. The FCS agent and 4-H agent decided to host a day baking class for ages eight to twelve years old for two different days. Classes filled up really quickly because it was held over Christmas break.

The classes consisted of food and kitchen safety, following directions (measuring, reading food labels, baking time), preparation, and baking. A total of twenty kids attended the two days of baking class and only a few kids had baking experience. The class was broken into groups and baked sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies. They also made a jar of hot chocolate for someone special and had the opportunity to decorate their cookies.

Youth were given the tools to read a recipe, prep for the recipe (gather ingredients), and cook the recipe. The kids enjoyed sampling their cookies and being able to take plenty home with them to share with family. They received a goodie bag with recipes, a calendar, and other items that will assist them in baking. They were so excited to tell their parents about all the fun they had and what they learned.

Youth were asked, did they know how to measure (dry and liquid ingredients) before taking this class. 92% said no. Youth were asked if they had ever used an oven at home prior to the class. 80% said no. Youth were asked how many would bake one of the recipes at home. 100% said yes, I will.