Should i start cooking dinner for my family?

Morgan: Should i start cooking dinner for my family?
I am 14 years old. I live with both my parents, my brother, and my sister. Should i start cooking for my parents? my parents always cook, but i like cooking. And im good at it. Should i ask my parents to let me start cooking instead if them?

Thanks.

Answers and Views:

Answer by sassygirl
cooking can be a lot of work, especially when you have to do it every night, maybe suggest that you cook dinner once or twice a week to help out.

Answer by Sam
think of something you’d like to make for dinner then ask your parents if you can cook as a treat to them. it should work.

Answer by brandonandbobbie
yes i started cooking at 14 and the more you cook the better you get. I bet they will like it too. esp if they work and have to come home and cook. www.foodtv.com has lots of good recipes. i like the Neely’s and rachael ray dishes.

Answer by pennybear0302
Yes! That sounds like a great idea I am sure you family will support you and help you. I didn’t learn how to cook cook until I was 15 yrs old. I love to cook as well and if you find you really love it you should get some cook books. They can also help you on what to cook for your family. Good Luck!

Answer by Milton
I was the child of 2 working parents and i started cooking dinners at age 11. It was either I cooked or wait until very late for dinner. I always loved to cook and continued as an adult.

I didn’t just throw something on the grill, either. I could make a great meatloaf, super salads and made a world-class mac and cheese from scratch. By 13, I added things like from-scratch stuffing and potato pancakes.

Answer by lateralus
Sure! but ask for help if you need it. The more you cook the better you’ll get.
Good luck!!

Answer by jessie
Yes that is a great Idea if your parents go for it. Personally I would not let a 14 year old in the kitchen unsupervised 16 yes but not 14. Maybe I am a little over protective lol. Anyway my 16 does cook sometimes when i ask her to usually when i have had a bad day and my 13 year old usually helps me out in the kitchen when I am cooking.

Answer by CMB:)
yeah tell them to take a break and let u cook for a change

Answer by CheddarCheese
===
YES! I started cooking when I was about 12. Here’s a couple of easy meals to start out with:

===

Easy and Delicious Chicken and Rice Casserole

1 cup uncooked white rice
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 7/8 cups water
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spread rice in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Rinse chicken and pat dry; arrange chicken pieces on top of rice.
3. Mix soup and water together and pour over chicken and rice. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix on top. Cover and seal TIGHTLY with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Enjoy!
4. Serve with salad on the side.

============================================

Gravy Baked Pork Chops

4 (1 1/4 inch thick) pork chops
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper to taste. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute the pork chops in the butter for about 5 minutes per side.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the milk, water and soup. Place the pork chops in a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the soup mixture over the chops.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes with green veggies on the side.

===============================================

Ground Beef ‘n’ Biscuits

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas
1 (7.5 ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef, celery and onion until meat is no longer pink and celery is tender; drain. Stir in the flour, salt, oregano and pepper until blended. Add tomato sauce and peas; simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Separate biscuits; arrange over beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden and cheese is melted.

======================================================

Answer by Kym the man
Most definitly,its good practise. You can even sit down with your mom and create weekly recipes. or even 1 night have all family cook together.

Answer by Mountian_Baby
That would be great if you are going to do it on a regular basis. Here is how I would do it.

Tell them that you would like to take on the repsonsibilty of making dinner. If I were you I would start with only 2 or 3 days a week. Sit down with them and make a menu/shopping list ever week.

It would be great if you planned for a 2 for one dish such as roasts etc.. so that when it is their night to cook agian they could use the left overs for a different dish and make a quick dinner when they get home from work.

I thnk it’s a great idea. Talk to your parents and see what they say.

Answer by Jason
It couldn’t hurt to ask. They’d probably appreciate you cooking once in awhile (especially if you’re good at it).

Answer by SouthernDad
I agree with Sassy, offer to help by cooking a couple times a week to start. That way it’s not too much and it doesn’t turn into something too much like work. If they won’t go for it we can arrange for you to come to our house. What a good idea, good for you. Our kids are all grown and gone now but they never had any inclination to make an offer like that.

Answer by Angela
Offer to cook for them, even if it’s *ONLY* once a week. I’m sure everyone in the family will appreciate it.