Someone's in the Kitchen With... Health Article

Are you famous for your homemade mac-n-cheese, chocolate cake or barbecued ribs? Can you whip up a tasty meal from odds and ends in your pantry?

Now is the time to share your tried-and-true recipes and kitchen sense with those who will appreciate them the most: your grandchildren.

With families today living a busier, faster-paced life, "we have lost some of that special time spent cooking with children," says Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United. Too often, "many kids mainly eat prepackaged, processed food or fast food and may not be familiar with basic ingredients," agrees nutritionist Ruth Frechman, R.D., a Los Angeles spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

Though you may have spent your own childhood in and around the kitchen, your grandchildren may have little experience with planning meals and following recipes. If this is the case, why not volunteer to be their guide? You'll help them discover the simple pleasures of preparing and sharing homemade foods.

Make food, make memories

"Cooking with your grandchildren is a wonderful way to bond," says Ms. Butts. "You're focused on an activity, teaching life skills and helping your grandchild feel recognized and valued. There's a shared sense of accomplishment in that."

"In every culture, food is love," adds Ms. Frechman. "Being able to pass down family recipes and traditions -- something that otherwise might be lost forever -- is unique." Cooking with grandchildren is a great way to build a loving relationship with them.

Of course, in the eyes of the child, cooking is also fun. Whether you're kneading bread dough, juicing lemons or grating a block of cheese, cooking engages a child's senses with a variety of aromas, tastes and textures. Watching ordinary ingredients transform into a delicious masterpiece is fascinating and memorable. In fact, "cooking is the perfect activity for kids because there's a natural beginning and end to it, and when you're finished you get to celebrate by eating," says Ms. Butts.

Now you're cooking

Ready to rattle some pots and pans with the grandkids? First, a few tips to help you make the most of this experience.

• Allow plenty of time. When kids are in the kitchen, food preparation can take twice as long as usual. So choose an unhurried block of time when kids can learn at their own pace by doing, not just watching. If the first few lessons are positive, they'll be back for more.

• Smile at mistakes. Did eggshells fall into the batter? Did a bagful of rice break open on the floor? Your patience and good humor take the pressure off youngsters learning a new skill. You might even talk about the times your recipes didn't turn out the way you wanted. The lessons you demonstrate: Mistakes aren't disasters and nobody is perfect.

• Look for teachable moments. Working side by side is the ideal time to chat, and you might even introduce an important lesson into the conversation. If you're working with fruits and vegetables, for instance, talk about how nutritious they are. Chopping and slicing calls for pointers on kitchen safety and how to prevent injury. Even cleaning the kitchen teaches responsibility and the importance of completing a task.

• Preserve your roots. It may have been years since you've made tortillas, raviolis or spring rolls by hand, but don't miss the opportunity to demonstrate and teach recipes that hold a special place in your culture or family. "It's especially important to share any stories or proverbs about these foods," says Ms. Butts. "Explain how a recipe was passed on to you, how and when a certain dish is served for holidays or special occasions, and what the larger meaning is."

• Lighten it up. "Family recipes may be flavorful, but not as healthy as they could be," notes Ms. Frechman. "We know a lot more about healthy eating these days." If a favorite homemade dish is high in salt, sugar or fat, why not experiment and create a healthier version or make smaller portions?

• Create a recipe book. Even if you store your best recipes in your head, write them down. Buy an inexpensive blank book or small binder and fill it with instructions for making your favorite dishes. Include any photos or stories related to these foods. "A recipe collection from grandparents is something that can't be bought or duplicated. It's very special," says Ms. Butts. "Years later, when you're no longer here, the value will be even greater."

• Swap recipes by mail. What if your grandchildren live far away? Send them recipes by postcard or e-mail and suggest they try them out that weekend. You can even send a food sample in a small package. Ask for a report back on how the dish turned out. Remember, a food you introduce to your grand-children today may become a lifelong favorite. As Ms. Frechman recalls: "My grandmother came to this country from England. She was the first person to serve me tea. To this day, I am a tea drinker."