COOKING WITH KIDS

Keep your little chef's safe with these top 10 kitchen tips.

Whipping up treats and meals with your kids or grandkids is a delicious, hands-on way to teach responsibility and nutrtition.  Because children learn from watching adults, it is important to set a good example.  All too often we hear of accidents that could have easily bene prevented, should parents have used common sense, as many accidents occur due to parent's lack of think-through.  We hear or read about these and say to ourselves: "Oh that would never happen in my house."  Well, never say never, and even though these tips sound basic and nothing more than common sense, you would be surprised how many kitchen accidents are caused by not adhering to one of these. Follow these 10 kitchen safety techniques, and you'll be sure to avoid any accidental mishaps.

1. SUPERVISE KIDS and cooking food at all times.

2. WASH HANDS before handling food and after touching raw eggs and meat.  No sampling of cookie dough and other foods made with eggs until they are cooked!!  Raw eggs are a primary source of salmonella, a dangerous type of food poisoning. Although you may have eaten raw cookie dough your entire life, it doesn't mean it's a good idea to teach your children to do so. Instead, let them be your "official tasters" once the project is completed.

3. WATCH USE OF HOT TAP WATER and make garbage disposal off-limits.

4. TEACH KIDS THAT STOVES, OVENS AND MICROWAVES ARE ALL HOT and not to be touched.  Younger kids should stay at least three feet away when food is cooking.  TIP: Mark off a safety zone on the floor with masking tape.

5. GIVE KIDS AGE-APPROPRIATE TASKS and safe tools.  No sharp knives or glass containers for young children.

6. CLEAR AWAY FLAMMABLE ITEMS from stovetops, including hot pads, paper and dish towels.

7. HEAT PANS ON BACK BURNERS and turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove to keep them out of reach.

8. AVOID STEAM BURNS by removing pan lids slowly and aiming them away from you, and allowing items to cool before eating.

9. WIPE UP SPILLS ON THE STOVE TOP or in the oven to prevent food from catching fire.

10. PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY.  If a grease fire occurs, smother it with a pan lid or baking soda.  In extreme cases, leave the house and call 911

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