Little Helpers in the Kitchen: Kid-Friendly Cooking for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and creating memories, and that includes memories made in the kitchen. Inviting kids to help with the holiday meal accomplishes at least one of two goals: one, teaching kids to cook, and two, helping kids explore new foods. Plus, with a little planning, their “help” can actually make your prep easier.

Here are a few easy, mess-friendly ways to bring kids into the kitchen this Thanksgiving — along with some locally made favorites you can find right here at your Market of Choice.

Start With Simple Starters

Little hands are perfect for assembling easy appetizers. Think crostini with brie and jam, fruit and cheese skewers, or mini veggie cups with dip. Let them help slice soft fruits (with a kid-safe knife), spread cheese, or stack ingredients.

Try this:

• Rogue Creamery cheeses from Central Point, OR — their Smokey Blue or Oregonzola make any starter special.
• Groundwork Organics apples from Eugene for sweet, crisp slices kids can layer on crostini.

Make-Together Sides

Side dishes are the perfect place to let kids shine. Stirring, mixing, and sprinkling toppings are easy ways for them to feel part of the action without needing sharp tools or hot surfaces.

Kid-approved side ideas:

• Stuffin’ muffins: Mini muffin tins make stuffing easier to serve, and spooning mixture into each cup is a job that’s pretty much made for kids.
• Roasted veggies: Let them toss carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with olive oil and herbs. Try Gathering Together Farm root vegetables for peak flavor.
• Try our recipe for Mac & cheese – Oregon Style: A surefire crowd-pleaser! Stir in Face Rock Creamery cheddar from Bandon for extra melty goodness.

Sweet Treat Projects

Dessert may be the best part of Thanksgiving cooking with kids. It’s hands-on, creative, and sure to excite — plus, there’s no such thing as “too much help” when it comes to decorating pie.

Easy dessert projects:

• Mini hand pies: Use local jam like Mt. Hope Farms Marionberry Fruit Spread to fill kid-made pastry rounds (see our recipe below).
• Decorate-your-own pumpkin cookies: Pick up fresh-baked cookies from your Market Bakery and set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles.
• Whip cream station: Let kids whip cream by hand (in a sealed jar!) to top pies. Simply seal and shake.

Short Bread Crust Recipe

• 11/2 c flour
• 3 T sugar
• ¾ c butter, softened
• 1 t real vanilla

Combine flour and sugar. Cut batter into dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs and starts to cling. Butter should be very soft. Mix until just incorporated. Do not over-mix. Crust can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before rolling out.

Tips for Stress-Free Cooking With Kids

• Assign age-appropriate tasks: Stirring, measuring, tearing herbs, and decorating are perfect for little ones.
• Make it fun: Play music, wear matching aprons, or turn cooking into a mini “cooking show.”
• Embrace the mess: Flour on the counter and a few wonky cookies are part of the memory-making magic.

Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t have to be all hustle and bustle — it can also be laughter, teamwork, and sweet moments spent around the counter. With a little patience (and some great local products from your Market of Choice), you’ll end the day with more than just a delicious dinner. You’ll have stories, smiles, and proud little chefs ready to dig in.