Cutting Boards Perfect for the Young Chef (Want to Try Them?)
August 8, 2012 by Erin
Cute these cutting boards be any cuter?
Inspired recently by Dara having her toddler help her in the kitchen, I decided to let my daughter help me out a bit more. It takes more time and patience, but wow, does a toddler feel super important and included when he or she gets to help with cooking.
I recently received some Dexas cutting boards that had both my toddler and me excited. These adorable fruit-shaped cutting boards are fun for kids and perfect for the adults who have to wield the knife. My daughter loved identifying the fruits, and there was much for me to love about them as well.
At first I was worried that the roughly 13- x 10-inch size would be too small for chopping, but they’re actually great for cutting up fruits and veggies. The best part about the size is that they’re perfect for sticking in the dishwasher, no rearranging required. The boards are BPA-free and the non-slip edge prevents them from skidding around the countertop.
I also tried a set of the Dexas Heavy-Duty Grippmats. These, I loved. Sized at 8 x 11, they’re smaller, but they are color-coded for food safety to help you remember which one you used to cut your meats and which ones you used for veggies. Brilliant. The smaller size also helps you funnel or toss cut items more easily into pans or bowls, making them super cook-friendly.
It takes a lot to get me excited about chopping, as cooking is not my favorite thing to do. But these boards add a ton of convenience; having a few is lovely so that you always have a couple clean and ready to go. And you cannot argue with the bright colors and adorable shapes.
Want to try these for yourself? Tell me in the comments how you get your kids involved in the kitchen and consider yourself entered! U.S. residents only, please. A winner will be chosen in about a week! —Erin
My 21 month old loves to stir anything I’m making. He’s also good at adding certain dry ingredients into baking recipes. He has a stool that he pulls up to the counter any time I’m in the kitchen so he can ‘help’!
When I am short on time or haven’t prepared to have my 2 year old help me make a meal, I like to pull out any raw veggies I have on hand. Green and red peppers and baby carrots are favorites in our house. I put all the veggies into one bowl and have my toddler sort them into smaller bowls. It’s a win/win; he is always very proud of himself and my family has a healthy snack before dinner time.
My kids are 3 and 4 and have really gotten into the process of how things are made. They like to see how the food changes as it cooks. I let them help by getting things out of the fridge, adding ingredients, stirring. My son loves making his own PB&J sandwiches… they aren’t as pretty as when I make them myself, but he loves that he did it for himself.
Jillian – You’re the lucky winner! Expect an email shortly!
-FBM Erin