I had a different recipe planned today, but then I got the bright idea of recording our dinner adventure last night.
A few weeks ago I assigned The 9-Year-Old one night a week to cook dinner.  He's far from able to do it by himself, but this is my attempt at making him a proficient meal preparer. Too many people don't know the basics of cooking or make it out to be more complicated than it really is.
I'm not claiming to be a 5-star chef or anything but I can pretty much cook anything from a traditional grocery store as long as I have a heat source and a pot. Actually, a pot isn't even required if I have a grill! Anyway, my goal is to show my kids simple, basic techniques that can get a healthy dinner on the table without the use of prepackaged meal starters or a take-out menu.
Join us as we make Sweet Chicken Legs With Potatoes and Peas ...
As you can see we didn't really measure anything. My goal with this video isn't to give you a recipe but more show my approach to involving an otherwise uninterested 9-Year-Old how to make a simple meal.
I may make this a series, but I'm not making any promises. Kids are fickle and I don't want to force him to record videos if he doesn't want to. He's old enough to make that decision on his own.
bonnie
Well done..your kids r adorable! Great idea to get them cooking young..i never did that and my 3 kids in their 20s dont cook..wish i had done that! Do u have measurements and points for this meal? Thx again..love your blog!
roni
Sorry Bonnie, I really don't have any more measurements than what I shared in the video. I'm going to work on that for future posts.
Gracie
Love it! My almost-8-year-old is infatuated with that Master Chef Kid Edition show on Fox, which is funny considering he is by far the pickiest eater in our house. I made him a deal this week that each week after we watch the show, he can pick something he saw one of the kids (not much older than him) make, and we'll make it together the following weekend. Sad to say, this week the whole episode was about pie, so we're making pie this weekend, but I anticipate healthier (and more adventurous) recipes to follow, and I guess we may as well start out with a treat so he decides he likes cooking with me. (The old bait-and-switch...) I agree with the others -- I hope Ryan decides to join you for an ongoing series of these. Well done!
Julie Becker
I loved this Video! Ignore the haters, they are just out to bring you down.
Lesley
Thank you for the video. I loved it! My son is the same age as Ryan and sometimes I forget how much he really can do. I wish I had spent more time in the kitchen with my Mom when I was young. Wish nasty commentors would remember if they don't like it then stop the video and watch something else.
Jeri Lyn
Hi Roni,
Just wanted to post as a married "kidless" 42 year-old woman, that does get annoyed by kids sometimes, that I LOVE your videos with the kids!!! Don't ever stop incorporating them & may I say, Ryan is sounding so much older!!!
I appreciate the "kid videos" because it reminds me, if a 9 year old can do it, maybe I should try a little more!!! 🙂 I'm not the best chef, but I try, somtimes.............
Anyways, keep doing what you're doing, love all your blogs & I would also love to see these videos with Ryan cooking as a regular series.
Thanks Again,
Jeri Lyn
Lori McHugh
Really enjoyed this! I've made this recipe (using various parts of chicken) with apricot preserves (either regular or sugar-free). Would be helpful for you to link to a printable recipe card.
Tiffany
Loved the video! It's always great to be reminded that cooking a tasty meal doesn't have to be complicated. My kids tend to prefer the simpler basics anyway...I'm going to try this one on them one night next week!
roni
Thanks guys! You know Youtube commenters.. they watch videos they hate and then leave really nasty comments so that was my humorous attempt at keeping it at bay. My poor kids have had some really nasty things said about them over there.
Tina
I just laughed out loud at the warning too! Way to go Roni and Ryan! I'm in my 30s and am still learning how to cook chicken and not be grossed out when getting it prepared (when it's raw). Wish someone had taught me to cook when I was 9!!! Your dinner looks delicious.
Krista
LOVE this, Roni! I hope you do make it a series. Loved the warning, that made me LOL and I think Ryan is just so funny and so darn competent in the kitchen. Well done, mama. The chicken looked awesome.
p.s. The eyes on the fridge....very cool! =)