What to connect with your Tween or Teen?

Then, COOK with them!! 

 I've recently come around to the idea that cooking can not only be fun, but educational.

Prior to this,  I hated cooking!!

Now, I know better!

After watching a few reality shows, such as Top Chief and Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, as well as The Next Food Network Star, I realized that cooking can be entertaining to watch.  I started watching a few of the food network shows, such as 30 Minute Meals with Rachael Ray and Emeril.  I found them both entertaining, but I didn't feel inclined to pick up a spatula any time in the near future.

Then, I stumbled across Alton Brown's Good Eats.  His blend of basic cooking facts and amusing cooking trivia/history really interested me.  I started watching all his shows and found myself wondering if I really could pickle my own beets...:) 

Next, I picked up a few cooking books, starting with Rachael Rays as I figured even I could devote 30 minutes to a meal. 

I watched Alton Brown cook with his nephew - children are more inclined to eat something that they helped fix themselves

I stumbled across Rachael Rays' Cooking with Kids.  When I broached the idea to my two older children, they were both excited by the idea.  Now, they're both Master Chief for one meal a week. 

My picky eater gets to pick something he is interested in cooking (and actually will eat).  My oldest is very adventurous - can you say sushi?

It's fun and does give you that one on one interaction with your children.  Eating is something we were going to do anyway!