Kids in the Kitchen

Looking for a great family activity that’s inexpensive, educational, and fun, and creates memories that last a lifetime? Look no further than your kitchen.

Baking with your children—or grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or godchildren—provides an opportunity to share your skills and enthusiasm with young people. Yes, it requires patience and good humor, but the rewards are sweet in more ways than one!

We invited some baking and education experts to share their tips for successful family baking. They generously accepted—and offered some of their kid-friendly recipes, to boot!

Baker's Profile

Megan and Kyle McGuire

Like many families, the McGuires of Johnston, Iowa, enjoy baking together. Unlike most families, the McGuires have taken their hobby on the road—all the way to the Iowa State Fair, where the three McGuire children have won prizes for their creations. Last summer, the two youngest McGuires—Megan, then 6, and Kyle, 12—each took home first-place ribbons and cash awards for their submissions to C&H Sugar’s Chocolate Chip Cookie contest.

We wanted to know what it takes to be a state fair baking-contest winner before you’ve entered your teen years, so we talked to Megan, Kyle, and mom Phoelisa (a baker and state-fair contestant herself!).

In the News

Home Baking Association’s Recipe for Success

Here’s one positive effect of the recession: Americans have been returning to the kitchen, saving money while rediscovering the pleasures of home-cooked meals. It’s safe to say no one finds the trend more gratifying than the educators, nutrition experts, and corporate members of the Home Baking Association (HBA).