Engaging your teen in the kitchen is a great way to spend time with them, teach them responsibility, and provide them with some life skills before they move out. Try out some of these activities!
#1: Easy Crock Pots Meals
Crock pots are an excellent appliance for kitchen newbies (like your teen!). They are super easy to use (just press a button) and the cleanup is minimal. Teaching your teen how to use a crockpot—and a few go to meals—is a great way to prepare them for cooking on their own once they move out. Of course, it’s also nice to come home to the glorious smell of dinner being ready to go!
Check out these three easy recipes to get your teen started: https://www.upstreamparent.org/?p=1353
#2: Insta-Worthy Charcuterie Boards
Maybe your teen isn’t the make-a-full meal type?
I feel like charcuterie boards were created to see who could get the most Instagram likes. They are beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to consume. Make sure to give your teen time to get the perfect shot before digging in!
Charcuterie boards are really all about creativity—combining together whatever combinations of ingredients you can scrounge together. They often include: meats, pickled items, cheeses, fruits, nuts, jams, olives and veggies. They are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
Head over to Anderson’s Famers Market in Homer or the Local Food Market in Cortland to have your teen pick out some local goods to include in their board.
For more tips on the best charcuterie board creation check out this article: https://www.upstreamparent.org/?p=1198
#3: Mocktail Mixing
With 4th of July and summer barbecues right around the corner, engage your teen in some alcohol free fun by mixing up some refreshing mocktails for the whole family to enjoy! While you’re busy at the grill or making your famous potato salad—your teen can be hard at work making a mess and mixing up drinks for all your guests.
You can purchase a variety of juices, seltzers, sodas and fruits and have your teen create their own recipes. Or you can check out these recipes: https://www.upstreamparent.org/?p=1036
Mocktails are also a great way to set a good example about responsible alcohol use to your teen. If you use alcohol; offering alcohol free beverages (like mocktails!), using alcohol in moderation, and making arrangements for adult guests who have been drinking to get home safely are ways you can decrease the likelihood that your teen will drink.
