Ok, so you know you could be the next Julia Child, if only Mom and Dad would let you try your hand at cooking once in a while. The fastest way to convince them that you’re responsible enough is to learn the following basic rules. 1.Start clean
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before you start cooking. You can’t just rinse your hands under the tap, either. You need to scrub for at least 20 seconds to get all the grime.
2.Set up
If you have long hair, tie it up. Roll up your sleeves, and put on an apron. If anyone snickers at you, just remember how much you like the favorite shirt you’re protecting.
And before you measure the first tablespoon, read through the recipe from beginning to end. Put all of your ingredients where you can reach them easily as you work through the recipe.
3.Beware of germs
Raw eggs, fish, and meat can contain harmful germs. It’s important to wash cutting boards, knives, and other cooking utensils thoroughly in hot soapy water after each use. Ditto for your hands. And never eat raw dough that contains eggs. You could get really sick.
4.Ask for help
Until you’ve been cooking for a while, it’s helpful to have an adult or older brother or sister around to help. They’re tall enough to get those hard-to-reach ingredients. Plus they can help out with knives and electrical appliances. For safety’s sake, always make sure an adult is around when you’re lighting matches, dealing with a hot oven or cooking with a gas range.
5.Handle with care
Never, ever touch an electrical appliance when your hands are wet. The results could be shocking! And always carry knives and other sharp objects with the sharp points facing down and away from you. And, of course, walk, don’t run, when carrying those sharp objects.
6.Stovetop arrangements
Make sure pot handles are turned towards the middle of the stove and not pointing out to the edge. Someone walking by could catch the handle and accidentally knock the pot off, scalding themselves or someone else.
7.Stay clean
If you do spill anything, clean it up immediately. One splash of olive oil could send you sprawling. It’s helpful to clean up your dishes and countertops as you go along, too. For instance, once you’ve mixed up a batch of cookie dough and have your first tray in the oven, you could start washing up your mixing bowls.
8.Enjoy!
Cooking is fun. And it feels good to see other people enjoying the food you’ve made. So, hit the kitchen and get ready for a lifetime of good eating.