Have fun cooking!

Caitlin simply loves to play cooking or 'masak masak' as we call it in our local language. She can spend hours at her 'kitchen' in her apron, using her pots and pans, utensils, and fake food to serve us with 'delectable' dishes and concoctions. She sometimes comes to us with a tiny notebook and pencil and asks for our orders before serving us what we've requested for.

I have not seen any kid, girl or boy, not have fun playing cooking. They would be even more excited if you take it to another level and allow them a real cooking experience. Caitlin sometimes helps me crack and beat eggs for omelettes or rinse stuff, bring me crockery for serving the food and setting the table. As I don't bake, we've had fun joining my good friend Elaine and her daughter Sarah at their home, baking some gingerbread and pizza.

If you encounter a Nonap afternoon, how about getting your kid to help you get dinner ready? Or you could make a simple afternoon snack together. There are plenty of children's cookbooks you can find at bookstores or an easier way would be to get the recipes online. I searched "cooking with children" and found many helpful sites. Try to choose those healthier ones which use low fat, low sugar, fresh, unprocessed ingredients, and colourful veggies.

Here's one recipe you could try out.

Cheesy Chicken Fingers

12 chicken tenders, or 16 pieces of chicken breast filets cut into fingers
1 stick melted butter
1 1/2 cups of crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Melt butter in a shallow bowl, put coarsely crushed cornflakes into another shallow bowl and mix in cheese.

Dip chicken pieces into butter first, then into cornflakes/cheese mixture.

Arrange chicken on a baking stone, or in a rectangular baking pan, bake at 375 degrees for about 20 to 30 minutes, until chicken is done.

Turn chicken half-way through to ensure even browning.

Serves 4 to 6.