Itty bitty bites: Essentials for kids who love to cook

Parents often struggle with the challenge of making dinner while trying to keep their kids busy. Most kids are fascinated with what goes on in the kitchen. So why not put the kids to work?

I started having my kids help me cook when they were toddlers and could safely stand on a chair at the kitchen counter. They had easy tasks: tearing basil leaves, stirring a bowl of batter, and using a dull knife to slice zucchini. Years have passed and they still enjoy being in the kitchen and have even come up with their own recipes. I've also found that if they have a hand in cooking the food, they are more likely to eat it.

Not all kiddie cooks need their own television shows. Nor will they all turn into restaurant reviewers and mini foodies. But they can pretend and have fun in the process.

Check out the slide show for a few essentials to help foster a love of cooking and eating good food.