The Best Pizza Ever
April 20 2010 A few days ago, after J got home from work, he and Jedi helped make pizza from scratch. While I browned the meat, their job was to spread out the dough and distribute pepperoni and pile on cheese and all desired toppings. Jedi sat at the kitchen table and probably made more of a mess than anything. But it was his mess for his pizza.
The benefits to getting kids to help in the kitchen are obvious. It can be a great way to introduce new ingredients, since giving children ownership of their meal makes them more willing to try whatever it is they’ve created. It also gives them a tangible reason to be proud of themselves and stretch their imagination while also relaying into a lovely bonding moment. But really, what’s more fun than playing with your food?
Of course, we made pizza this time. The kid would have probably loved it regardless, as long as it didn’t have peppers or anchovies. But it was his, made with the help of his two little hands, and he couldn’t stop raving over it.
“This is better than the pizza we buy!”, he exclaimed with sauce smeared across his cheek.
It was so good he ate two large slices. Then, he had more for lunch the following day. And possibly the day after. When my parents came by the next afternoon, Jedi wasted no time in telling them about his pizza making adventure and how delicious it was.
Apparently, the boy makes a really good pizza. Though maybe next time I should let him help arrange a salad.
10 Responses
on April 20 2010
It is funny how that works … and when does it go away? Why does my Chinese food never taste as good as Pei Wei? Oh wait, probably because I insist on everything healthy when I make it.
on April 20 2010
Isn’t it amazing how TICKLED kids get over the smallest of things? Making his own pizza was THE BEST DAY EVER. Inspiring
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on April 20 2010
Or at least pile the next pie high with broccoli and mushrooms and all kinds of generally-avoided-by-toddlers veggies. Smart!
.-= Stacia´s latest blog post: Photo Tuesday =-.
on April 20th, 2010
@Stacia, Yes, a pizza with broccoli and carrots and spinach and asparagus. All smothered in cheese. Um, yummy?
on April 21 2010
Mmm. Homemade pizza. My kids used to love pizza but now refuse to eat it. Reading this makes me wonder if they would eat it if I let them help me make it. I shall ponder on that.
.-= Marilyn (A Lot of Loves)´s latest blog post: Swim Fishies Swim: Wednesday of Few Words =-.
on April 21st, 2010
@Marilyn (A Lot of Loves), What kind of kid doesn’t like pizza?! That’s like my nephew who doesn’t like chocolate. I just don’t understand.
on April 21 2010
We should really make pizzas soon. They’re loving kitchen helping as of late!
Also, re: one of your comments, I also hate chocolate. Sorry.
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on April 21st, 2010
@FireMom, I mean, I’ve heard of people not liking chocolate, I just don’t understand it.
on April 21 2010
Mmmmmm…homemade pizza…that’s going on next week’s menu now! And you inspired me, I’m going to let Shane help out. I’ve baked with him countless times, but haven’t even thought to have him pull the chair over and help out with dinner prep. Maybe because by that point in the day, I’m wiped, and he’s often on the verge of cranky. But you know, encouraging him to help out would be a lot less stressful than trying to keep him occupied and out of the way while I cook. Something to ponder…thank you for that!
.-= Crystal @ Semi-Crunchy Mama´s latest blog post: True Story Tuesday — No More Peas for Dinner =-.
on April 21st, 2010
@Crystal @ Semi-Crunchy Mama, Believe me, he doesn’t help every night. Most nights, I can’t even fathom having to clean up even more mess. It’s nice when he does, though.