Recipes For 12 Year Olds To Make By Themselves
At 12 years old, kids are starting to become more independent and want to try new things. One great way to encourage their independence is by teaching them how to cook. Not only does cooking teach valuable life skills, but it can also be a fun and enjoyable activity. Here are some easy recipes for 12 year olds to make by themselves.
Breakfast Recipes
Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for an additional minute or until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
French Toast
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for frying
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt a small pat of butter in the skillet.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated.
- Place the bread onto the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Lunch Recipes
Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread butter-side down onto the skillet.
- Place the cheese slices on top of the bread, then top with the other slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the milk and salt, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
Dinner Recipes
Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup toppings of your choice (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Spread the tomato sauce onto the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings.
- Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
- Slice and serve hot.
Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. spaghetti
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, water, salt, basil, oregano, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over the spaghetti.
These recipes are easy and fun for 12 year olds to make by themselves. Encourage your child to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create their own unique dishes. Cooking is a valuable skill that they will use for the rest of their lives.