Newcastle's Child |Growing your own MasterChef

Written by Susan Whelan

Thursday, 20 October 2011 15:17

Junior Masterchef is once again on our screens. For some reason, I find this version of Masterchef far more confronting than the adult series. While I am not bothered at all by adults preparing gourmet meals and intricate desserts, I find an 11-year-old who can debone a quail and temper their own chocolate vaguely intimidating, probably because they leave me with far less excuse for my own mediocre cooking skills.

I enjoy cooking and my kids love to help in the kitchen. At 7, 10 and 12, I think that they are reasonably competent for their age. The older two can crack eggs, use sharp knives without needing to be supervised and follow a basic recipe reasonably well. They enjoy helping to cook dinner and love it when I let them prepare the whole meal themselves. My younger son still prefers to simply help me to bake cakes, slices and biscuits.

Recently my 10-year-old daughter decided to make dessert for the family and was very impressed with the berry jelly cups she served us all with ice-cream after dinner. She had made the jelly herself (juice, sugar and gelatine) and added blueberries and strawberries. When we had finished, she asked us all to give her a score out of 10, a la Masterchef.

The joy she received from preparing this simple dish got me thinking about the double-edged sword that is Masterchef. On one hand, it is encouraging children and families to cook with fresh ingredients and try new tastes and recipes, which is a great thing. On the other, is it perhaps giving us unrealistic expectations about what we (and our children) should be able to achieve in the kitchen and turning the whole experience of cooking into a competition?

I love cooking with my kids. Last Christmas they each got a cookbook as a gift and we have enjoyed trying out some new recipes and tastes. My daughter is planning a meal with a school friend at the moment. They will go shopping for ingredients and prepare an entree, main and dessert for both families to share at the end of the day. It is lovely to see their excitement at taking over the kitchen, but I confess I’m pleased that their menu includes dishes like homemade French onion dip and similar simple recipes rather than gourmet fare. I’m not quite ready to invest in lobster or truffles no matter how confident some of the Junior Masterchef contestants seem with such luxury ingredients.

Do you think Masterchef and Junior Masterchef have inspired your kids to be more active in the kitchen? What kinds of foods do they like to prepare?

Bookmark

Email this

Comments (59) add comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

replica omega watches china said:

	... I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.I am positively surprised by this replica omega watches china
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (13/18) - 09:18 pm
Votes: +0

eberhard replica said:

	eberhard replica Thank you for sharing this cool post,it is useful,i love it very much. eberhard replica
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (16/43) - 03:43 pm
Votes: +0

bentley mulliner tourbillon replica said:

	So great! I am benefit a lot bentley mulliner tourbillon replica
	report abuse vote down vote up

Fri (17/20) - 07:20 pm
Votes: +0

replica bally said:

	replica handbag I very much like your work.I hope you can also see your share. There's a lot of really severely designed and even constructed copy handbags and even wallets currently available. Move your eyes, click here, here you will find your hermes double sens bag and replica hermes bolide.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sun (19/16) - 02:16 am
Votes: +0

berry murphy said:

	nice blog Menswear on the runways is now increasingly more fascinating during the last a long period. Go and find fashion clothing on wearingsales.com Wearingsales brings up to the dresses, tops, mens shirts and men’s jeans, men’s coat to those who love Fashion Clothing and shop for the hottest trends. New lines added daily!.. fashion clothing trendy clothing
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (20/54) - 10:54 pm
Votes: +0

tiffany necklace said:

...
Please remember Tiffany Jewellerythat vintage watches tiffany & cohave survived for many decades by being treated Romance God created the brand since 1988, the company, registered in 102 countries around the world omega seamaster ladies watches,jewelry brand,merchandise exports to 70 countries, is a specialized manufacturer of watches and jewelry. Romance of God in 1998 to become a global brand,hire famous Swiss designer Wolfgang Jonsson program development of brand identity company logos,uniform color. Romance God omega seamaster quartz watches Korea Co., Ltd. has become the leading companies in the industry, the reput

Sun (26/56) - 07:56 pm
Votes: +0

audemars piguet royal oak offshore limited replica said:

	nice!! I think it might provide you with some of the convenience. audemars piguet royal oak offshore limited replica
	report abuse vote down vote up

Tue (28/14) - 09:14 pm
Votes: +0

best replica watches said:

	nice I think it might provide you with some of the convenience. best replica watches
	report abuse vote down vote up

Tue (28/15) - 09:15 pm
Votes: +0

progiftstore said:

	progiftstore We offer a lot of nice watche, if u are interested in it , go to this good website progiftstore
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (29/04) - 04:04 pm
Votes: +0

replica watches said:

	copywatch shopping for you We offer you great opportunities to buy Swiss Rolex Daytona watches wholesale (products), which come in great design, exquisite craftsmanship and low prices. Swiss Rolex Sea Dweller watches Enjoy yourself with free shopping.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Fri (02/07) - 09:07 pm
Votes: +0

Replica Watches said:

	Wholes replica watches with discount prices for you Wholesale replica patek philippe with good quality are sold at our online store. Seize the opportunity to buy cheap replica paul picot watches and save money, please visit our wesite.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sat (03/57) - 08:57 pm
Votes: +0

golf club set said:

	welcome to our glof club for sale Are you looking for Callaway Diablo EDGE Fairway Wood right now? Then come to SooBest for fantastic Callaway FT-iZ Fairway Wood at wholesale prices.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Tue (06/30) - 04:30 am
Votes: +0

Replica watches said:

	The replica watch shop At replica watch shop, you can find excellent Replica Breitling Watches on sale with great discount. With top performance, good quality and delicate design, the Replica Watches will steal your heart immediately.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (07/49) - 11:49 pm
Votes: +0

louis vuitton replica scarves said:

	louis vuitton replica scarves Wow, incredible post concord replica watches! I’m also a frequent visitor to your blog, you can also go and see my blog replica panerai luminor.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (08/01) - 05:01 pm
Votes: +0

cheap nike air max said:

cheap nike air max
My daughter is planning a meal with a school friend at the moment. They will go shopping for ingredients and prepare an entree, main and dessert for both families to share at the end of the day. It is lovely to see their excitement at taking over the kitchen, but I confess I’m pleased that their menu includes dishes like homemade French onion dip and similar simple recipes rather than gourmet fare. I’m not quite ready to invest in lobster or truffles no matter how confident some of the Junior Masterchef contestants seem with such luxury ingredients. Cheap nike air max
nike air max outlet

Sat (10/50) - 11:50 pm
Votes: +0

OBD2 said:

	OBD2 Obd2 Scan Tools can be used to read and erase diagnostic trouble codes as well as other additional features depending on the tool, these Airbag Scanner tools work on all vehicles 1996 and newer. Autel maxidas DS708* Renault CAN Clip*
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (12/56) - 07:56 pm
Votes: +0

cheap jordans said:

	cheap jordans 11 There are quite a few specific programs for the different age groups that are conducted in these martial arts Calgary schools. Air jordan 11
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (19/38) - 03:38 pm
Votes: +0

kailwen said:

	Beautiful articles This article is very good, let me benefit, can enter my homepage exchange:http://www.55ya.com/ http://www.v9v9.com/
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sat (24/29) - 09:29 pm
Votes: +0

jordan for cheap said:

jordan for cheap
Believe it or not, there's a strategy to this type of bet. cheap jordan 1 This bet is similar to a parlay and here, you have to win all your games but it's different since here you are allowed to move your point spread to your favor.A lot of people like this kind of bet and can really earn profits to this, if you wish to do the same then research on NBA betting strategies about teaser betting. cheap jordan 3

Mon (26/55) - 05:55 pm
Votes: +0

wholesale replica watches said:

	wholesale replica watches replica Cartier watches replica Omega watches
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (26/09) - 06:09 pm
Votes: +0

cheapjordans5 said:

cheapjordans5
Air Jordan 11 This is the lone meeting of the season, with the Clippers not scheduled to visit Miami due to the restructured post-lockout schedule. The Heat has lost their last three road games against the Clippers, going 1-1 against the Clippers in each of the past four seasons. Air Jordan 13 Miami is 2-1 thus far on the second night of back-to-backs this season. L.A. is 0-6 ATS in past six vs. Eastern Conference. The home team has covered in the past seven meetings in this series.

Mon (26/09) - 09:09 pm
Votes: +0

jordansretro11 said:

	jordansretro11 Air Jordan 11 Retro Matt Barnes has missed most of last season due to a knee injury but he has definitely won over Brown and has also won the starting spot at small forward, replacing Devin Ebanks. Fighting the Memphis, Barnes was 5 of 9 for 15 points and 10 rebounds. Air Jordan 13 Retro He has also managed two blocks.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Tue (27/36) - 02:36 pm
Votes: +0

monogram idylle speedy 30 with strap said:

	replica handbags Artist handbags is a fantastic accompanier once you journey around using them. monogram idylle speedy 30 with strap and also replica monogram denim use style and also richness youngster needs to be any couple of clothes.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (28/23) - 07:23 pm
Votes: +0

rolex milgauss replica said:

	replica watches Most of these replica pieces will go through abounding a while if people complete abiding you action these individuals the able affliction in addition to treatment. Don't worry about the build on the discount replica iwc portugieser watches. The asking price of the iwc Portuguese replica watches can be low, they have high premium quality mechanism.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (28/29) - 08:29 pm
Votes: +0

nike mercurial yellow said:

	nike mercurial yellow A sudden pallor overspread the detective's adidas f50 face. Separate himself from the man whom he had so persistently followed step by step! Leave him to wander about in this desert! Fix gazed attentively at Mr, Fogg, and, despite his suspicions Nike soccer and of the struggle which was going on within him Lydia
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (29/46) - 04:46 pm
Votes: +0

cheap jordan said:

	cheap jordan Know that basketball players play year round the hoops and that's right, jordan cool grey they also work as hard during the off-season as they do during the season. cheap jordan women Michael Jordan didn't become a basketball icon just by sitting on the bench, he sweated and worked hard for it.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sat (31/31) - 05:31 pm
Votes: +0

cheap jordans said:

cheap jordans
Do extra research and study each team performances. Jordan Cool Grey Include in your research things such as what has been the last few years track record of the team, how well they are motivated in winning the game, Jordan Max Fusions how tough is each player within the team and there strength and weakness, how do their couch management their team and all that. These things are very essential while freezing on NBA betting odds.

Sat (31/46) - 05:46 pm
Votes: +0

meyidi said:

	Good articles Read your article, feeling a lot of oh! Welcome to my home page to see: http://www.v9v9.com/cheap_wome...ites.html http://www.v9v9.com/cheap_wome...ites.html
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sat (31/32) - 09:32 pm
Votes: +0

ghd straightening said:

	GHD Hair GHD Hair Straighteners Cheap GHD Straighteners
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (02/00) - 08:00 pm
Votes: +0

Rolex Pro Hunter replica said:

	... Thanks for sharing with us, the information may be useful for someone.Rolex Pro Hunter replica
	report abuse vote down vote up

Fri (06/46) - 09:46 pm
Votes: +0

Designer roller duffel bags said:

	http://www.buybuybag.com This Korean style fashion stripe travel shoulder handbag has really high capacity, so you can take it with you for a short trip or when you go to your school, you can use it as luggage case. The strip style show simple and neat design, and also can show your understated life style.Designer roller duffel bags Buy it right now
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (11/14) - 05:14 pm
Votes: +0

cheap beats by dre said:

	http://www.beats-bydre-headphones.com Mont Blanc Pens hermes handbags
	report abuse vote down vote up

Fri (13/37) - 03:37 pm
Votes: +0

Project Runway All Stars dvd set said:

	Project Runway All Stars dvd set Lifetime is working on Project Runway All Stars DVD , a series of twelve one-hour episodes featuring past contestants competing in a series of challenges. Project Runway All Stars season 1 dvd is an American reality television series on Lifetime Television, previously on the Bravo network, which focuses on fashion design and is hosted by model Heidi Klum.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sat (14/45) - 03:45 pm
Votes: +0

Tory Burch Sale said:

	http://www.toryburchshoessale.us/ It is the right choice to buy a pair of Tory Burch Sandals which is the must be items in the summer from our Tory Burch Sale online shop.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Sat (14/03) - 09:03 pm
Votes: +0

jimmy choo shoes said:

	jimmy choo shoes "And he said unto Abram, jimmy choo shoes Know of a surety that thy seed shall Jimmy Choo Slingbacks be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;"
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/38) - 10:38 pm
Votes: +0

Tods Mens Lace Moccasins said:

	Tods Mens Lace Moccasins "And also that nation, Tod's whom they shall serve, Tod's Moccasin Shoes will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance."
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/38) - 10:38 pm
Votes: +0

Nike Air Max said:

	Nike Air Max And thou shalt go to Cheap Air Max thy fathers Nike Air Max 2011 in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/38) - 10:38 pm
Votes: +0

Christian Louboutin Shoes said:

	Christian Louboutin Shoes Keep Christian Louboutin Shoes on going Christian Louboutin Pumps never give up.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/43) - 10:43 pm
Votes: +0

Ghd Straighteners said:

	Ghd Straighteners .Don't aim for Ghd Straighteners success if you Ghd Scarlet want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/44) - 10:44 pm
Votes: +0

Christian Louboutin Shoes said:

	Christian Louboutin Shoes Learning makes a good man better and Christian Louboutin Shoes ill Christian Louboutin Outlet man worse.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/44) - 10:44 pm
Votes: +0

Cheap Beats by Dre said:

	Cheap Beats by Dre Many people use car Monster Beats Dre rental
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/55) - 10:55 pm
Votes: +0

Cheap Jordans said:

	Cheap Jordans Today we look at how you can keep Air Jordan Shoes your own little gremlins (children) safe around guns,
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/55) - 10:55 pm
Votes: +0

Jimmy Choo shoes said:

	Jimmy Choo shoes Heard about a safety program Jimmy Choo shoes inside the house?
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/55) - 10:55 pm
Votes: +0

Monster Beats Outlet said:

http://www.cheap1drdrebeats.com
There are also digital security cameras as well. Although they Monster Beats Outlet are more compact in proportions, they can still record video for a long time of time. They are so well received as of late due to the fact that the video as well as pictures that happen to be saved on them may be saved and edited on a computer. Digital surveillance cameras also clear away the necessities for recording tapes as well, which often can take up much space and aren't very safe and secure to keep in areas with high temperature ranges. Digital security cameras maintain information in their memory, which will help you retain track of the images and video feed.

Mon (16/53) - 11:53 pm
Votes: +0

Jimmy Choo Outlet said:

http://www.officialjimmychoosale.com/
Surveillance cameras have been in existence for Jimmy Choo Outlet several years, achieving their recognition and attraction to firms. As years went by and they evolved into less costly people began to make use of them in their residences. A security camera in your own home is usually an easy way to protect yourself from criminals and break-ins, keep an eye on the babysitter, or perhaps watch for things if you are gone. Surveillance cameras are very affordable and they can possibly give the comfort in knowing that your house is protected no matter where you decide to go.

Mon (16/54) - 11:54 pm
Votes: +0

Christian Louboutin Shoes said:

	Christian Louboutin Shoes Some men and women appear to feel it is no Christian Louboutin Shoes longer reasonable to have a stylish property with the children and also the pets. Naturally for ages, this has in no way been a challenge. Children and pets type of came with the show.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/54) - 11:54 pm
Votes: +0

Cheap Wedding Dresse said:

	Cheap Wedding Dresse But today, we're breeding a unique Cheap Wedding Dresse type of individual. We rethink issues that generations past have tried to thrust on us. We're in fact beginning to rethink the lavish residence decorations. Since for some of us, it just does not make sense anymore.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (16/55) - 11:55 pm
Votes: +0

nike lebron 9 said:

	http://www.cheapnikelebron9.net hermes handbags monster beats
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (19/13) - 10:13 pm
Votes: +0

cheap-gucci-belts-store said:

	http://www.cheapguccibeltsstore.com Litman used wholesale Gucci belts what he called "loose connections" with the U.N. to get a meeting, and the Gucci belts cheap partnership helped them gain access to countries they wouldn't have been Cheap Louis vuitton belts able to otherwise.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (23/21) - 07:21 pm
Votes: +0

cheap-gucci-belts-store said:

	http://www.cheapguccibeltsstore.com wholesale Gucci belts Gucci belts cheap Cheap Louis vuitton belts cheap hermes belts cheap D&G belts xyzboy8888
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (23/22) - 07:22 pm
Votes: +0

summer dresses 2012 said:

	http://bit.ly/I8bCrj Now 2012 summer has covered us, and women need to choose summer clothes for women from our closet. Beautiful women could pick up beautiful summer dresses 2012 or fashion skirts. In fact, a bright dress or a clean and cool skirt is quite a good option.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (25/17) - 06:17 pm
Votes: +0

zapatillas puma said:

	http://www.zapatillas-puma-es.com/ I like your comments,Don't wait for opportunity, and to create opportunities.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Wed (25/07) - 08:07 pm
Votes: +0

wudongni said:

nike lebron 9
In August the same year, Linfen City Intermediate People's Court hearing finds that the responsible person of the company HaoPengJun Hong Ting,
Nike lebron 9 constitute the crime of illegal mining in the red, guilty of illegal use of pyrotechnics and tax crimes, graft, were sentenced to prison 20 years, 13 years and 12 years. Mont Blanc Pens Sale In October 2010, the double Banshanping Phosphorus Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. to obtain is located in the Qiannan the the Fuquan high 坪镇 the phosphate mining license, the approved mining area of ??1.8152 square kilometers, is valid until October 2020.nike sale
January 2011 to October, the company without authorization beyond the approved limits of mining areas mining, Lebron 9 Shoes cross-border exploitation of phosphate 20,500 tons, 3.8054 million yuan of illegal profits. In January 2012, the the Qiannan Land and Resources Bureau right the the double Banshanping Phosphorus Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. in accordance with the law to impose administrative penalty and ordered to stop illegal mining,nike air max confiscate the illegal income of 3.8054 million yuan, a fine of 100,000 yuan. Its cross-border mining lead to illegal behavior, an area of ??51.47 acres and a fine of 514,700 yuan, two Forfeiture total 442.01 million.nike max air

Thu (26/27) - 03:27 pm
Votes: +0

nike shoes said:

	http://www.cheapnikelebron9.net Nike Zoom air Nike Zoom Hyperfuse
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (26/34) - 08:34 pm
Votes: +0

Monster Beats said:

	http://www.monster-beats-casque.com/ I like what you wrote, very grateful for you sharing.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (03/59) - 01:59 pm
Votes: +0

Monster Beats said:

	http://www.monster-beats-casque.com/ I like what you wrote, very grateful for you sharing.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Thu (03/49) - 03:49 pm
Votes: +0

one tree hill season 1-9 box set said:

	one tree hill season 1-9 box set That's what I am looking for.one tree hill season 1-9 box set This is awesome and I also want to share something cool with you. That is cheap dvds and I hope you would like it. You can use coupon code yh4229520WLLx97 to save $3. one tree hill seasons on dvd www.dvdbestonline.com
	report abuse vote down vote up

Tue (08/23) - 04:23 pm
Votes: +0

christian louboutin said:

	http://www.christianlouboutinshoesoutletsale.net carefully watching the old lady expression. christian louboutin outlet "This is you and Ji Gang discuss the conclusions?" The old lady suddenly cheap beats by dre sat up and looked at the two daughter-in-law.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Mon (14/11) - 09:11 pm
Votes: +0

Tory Burch Outlet said:

	The bottoms of things have, in general, been much maligned. The bottoms of things have, in general, been much maligned.
	report abuse vote down vote up

Tue (15/15) - 07:15 pm
Votes: +0

Write comment

Show/hide comment form