Cooking is more than just preparing meals, it’s a fun and educational activity that empowers kids to take charge of their health and nutrition. With Thermomix, children can easily and safely create delicious dishes with minimal supervision. The possibilities are endless, from popsicles and waffles to ice cream, pancakes, vegetable chips, lemonade, muffins, cookies and more!
The Joy of Cooking with Thermomix
If they can read, they can Thermomix! Thermomix is designed to be user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for young chefs. Its guided cooking feature provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that kids can follow recipes with ease and confidence. This independence in the kitchen not only boosts their self-esteem but also instils a sense of responsibility.
Here are some kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for young cooks to try out:
1. Popsicles
Nothing beats a refreshing popsicle on a hot summer day. Kids can blend their favourite fruits with yoghurt or milk in the Thermomix, pour the mixture into moulds, and freeze it. It’s a healthy treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Start with this colourful recipe, which will surely make the kids excited and it’s easy to make!
Watch how Thermomix Kids Mila (who easily makes her favourite tropical popsicles in this YouTube video) and Olivia (who makes strawberry ice cream bars on Instagram) make ice cream.
2. Waffles
Waffles are a breakfast favourite that kids can whip up in no time. With Thermomix, they can mix the batter to the perfect consistency and then watch as the waffle iron does the rest. Top with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of nuts for a nutritious start to the day. Here is another Thermomix Kid Kruger teaching us how he prefers to make his waffles.
If you’re concerned about refined flour in your kids’ diet, there are many alternatives on Cookidoo. For example, this banana oat waffle is so yummy that kids will devour it in minutes! You can always substitute the white flour with your preferred grains, and of course, we don’t need to tell you that you can make your own flour in the Thermomix, right? If you haven’t tried, watch our Thermomix consultant Cosmina to see how she made buckwheat flour in 1 minute.
3. Ice Cream
Making ice cream from scratch is a delightful activity. Kids can experiment with different flavours by blending fruits, milk, and a touch of sweetness in the Thermomix. After a quick freeze, they’ll have homemade ice cream that’s both delicious and healthier than store-bought versions. You can choose to make the quick 10-minute fruit ice cream, or if your kids are patient enough, they can make a chocolate ice cream that you can freeze overnight, and it’s probably the healthiest ice cream they’ll eat as you’ll choose your ingredients, and we’re sure for the kids, you’re only serving the best.
4. Green Smoothie Pancake
These pancakes are a great way for kids to start their day with a nutritious meal. We love this recipe because kids get to already eat vegetables in the morning, and it makes the kids understand that adding vegetables to their pancakes does not necessarily alter the taste. The bananas, spinach, yoghurt, and a hint of cinnamon in the Thermomix create a simple cook batter packed with fibre and protein. It’s always a good idea to start the kids’ meals with protein and fibre to care for their guts.
5. Oven Baked Vegetable Chips
Encourage kids to snack healthy with homemade vegetable chips instead of store-bought chips, full of additives and loaded with salt and MSG. They can slice vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroot or zucchini in the Thermomix Cutter if you have one, or use a mandolin (but be very careful). Season and then bake them and let cool to crispy perfection. It’s a crunchy, satisfying snack that they can feel good about. See how Kruger and Mila effortlessly made this recipe.
6. Lemonade
Making lemonade is a classic activity that teaches kids about the balance of flavours. With the Thermomix, they barely make any effort; it’s only a case of putting the washed and halved lemons in, plus water and a bit of sweetener, then turning the turbo knob and finally, straining it. They can make pink or sparkling lemonade and add mint—anything to their heart’s desire. Also, during summer, the kids love to put up lemonade stands and sell them to the neighbours. This recipe is a double-whammy; they made something delicious and earned money at the same time, additionally, they get to be introduced to the concept of entrepreneurship.
7. Muffins
Muffins are a versatile treat or school snack that kids can enjoy making. Did you know that you can make muffins without using an oven? Yes, you can! Muffins can be steamed in the Varoma and taste just as delicious as the ones baked in the oven. Whether it’s blueberry, banana, or chocolate chip, not only mixing the batter in the Thermomix is a breeze, but it can also be a teaching moment—well, all of this is a teaching moment for parents. It’s great because they are like sponges; learning about portioning, nutrition, ingredients, texture and cooking. They also get so excited filling the muffin tins and watching them rise. If you’ve never tried steaming muffins, try this recipe. Make sure to use food-grade silicone moulds, not paper ones, to hold up the shape.
8. Cookies
Of course, no cooking and baking adventure is complete without cookies. Cookies are the ultimate comfort food and a must-have in every kid’s baking repertoire. With Thermomix, kids can mix the dough for their favourite chocolate chip cookies, shape them into giant treats, and bake them to perfection. Watch as another Thermomix Kid, Johan, makes a giant chocolate chip cookie.
Learning Through Cooking
Cooking with Thermomix isn’t just about making food, it’s a comprehensive learning experience that helps the kids understand food better. Here’s what kids gain from this hands-on activity:
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By preparing their meals, kids become more aware of the ingredients they use. They learn to read labels, measure quantities, and understand the nutritional value of different foods. This awareness helps them make healthier choices and appreciate the importance of a balanced diet.
u003cstrongu003eResponsibility and Independenceu003c/strongu003e
Kids love autonomy, when kids cook their own food, they take on responsibility for their health and well-being. They learn to follow instructions, manage time, and clean up after themselves. These skills are invaluable as they grow and become more independent.
u003cstrongu003eCreativity and Experimentationu003c/strongu003e
Cooking encourages creativity. Kids can experiment with flavours, textures, ingredients, colours, and learn what works and what doesn’t. This experimentation fosters problem-solving skills and a love for culinary arts.
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Cooking involves measuring ingredients, understanding proportions, and observing chemical reactions, like baking soda, causing muffins to rise. These activities enhance their math and science knowledge in a practical, engaging way.
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Kids love to make something special for their parents, particularly on special occasions. For Father’s Day, siblings Noemi and Lucas treated their dad to his favourite indulgence by making the softest cinnamon rolls and creme al caffe. These moments allow kids to shine and show something they can be proud of.
Conclusion
Cooking with Thermomix is a wonderful way to empower kids in the kitchen. It provides them with the tools and confidence to prepare their own meals, promotes healthy eating habits, and offers countless learning opportunities. Let your kids take the lead in the kitchen and discover the joy of cooking. With Thermomix, the endless culinary possibilities is a family adventure in itself!