Crispy Hash Browns + Tips for Cooking with Littles

When meal decisions are made within an hour of actual dinnertime for two (almost three!) hungry babies, the options are limited. Brinner is a go-to for us as it is high in protein and the kids will always enjoy it, plus we can throw it together rather mindlessly.

Without a doubt it always helps to involve the kids somehow in the cooking. This often takes some creativity, but it pays off. This evening I was craving crispy, homemade Waffle House style hash browns and really had two options: sit Ava in front of the tv OR have Ava join me in my experimental cooking. While we love ourselves some Blippi and Dino Dana, it felt like a good night to get in some mother-daughter QT.

There are a few ways I adapted this recipe so that it was more toddler-friendly. First, we used a food processor with a long tube and grating blade to grate the potatoes and onion. This allowed Ava to press the buttons and watch the magic happen (and it was WAY faster than me and a hand grater and some elbow grease). Second, we did away with precise measurements. Yes, I let my two year old season my hash browns and it turns out she is a master of flavor. Yes, I recognize the likelihood of this being luck. The hash browns were delicious regardless.

My toddler has been my sous-chef many times, and there are a few general things to consider when cooking with a two year old:

1. A mommy’s helper device like this is indispensable. She uses it every single time we cook and now moves it from her hand-washing station (in front of the sink) to her work area of the countertop on her own in preparation for a cooking adventure.
2. Patience and some planning are both key. Messes will happen, the cooking will be slower, and that is okay. When we bake and lots of precise measuring is required, I do plan ahead and measure everything out. Ava does the pouring and mixing as we review dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
3. It is necessary to have a clear separation of tasks. Some are mommy tasks (knife-y things and stove/oven things) and some are Ava tasks (like mixing batter, patting down potatoes, or pressing buttons). The reality is her tasks are always way more fun than mine so it doesn’t take a ton of acting to sell this division of labor.
4. Kids can do more than we think and everything is a learning opportunity. Ava suggests ingredients for things. She is working on labeling different flavors. We practice counting when I hand her produce after washing it, or vocabulary by labelling different vegetables in English and Italian. She never ceases to amaze me when I give her the chance.
5. If you feel stressed out or rushed or frustrated, they will too. When you are already hungry and trying to throw together a meal that’s not McDonald’s, it’s not the time to practice culinary arts with your toddler. When you are trying a new recipe that calls for extremely specific, time-consuming, attention to detail or preparing for your next weekend in the Great British Bake-Off Tent it is NOT the time to ask your 2 year old to be your sous-chef. There is no need for every meal to involve your child’s help. Some meals are great for a family effort, and some are better prepared with the help of some good tv or spousal assistance. Pick your battles and everyone will be happier and well fed.