Top 10 tips for cooking with kids

6/ Talk through the recipe - with older children, you can get them to read out the steps beforehand and get out what will be needed, talk through the processes and plan who's going to do what. With younger children, simply explain what you're making and show any pictures to help with understanding and a sense of purpose.

7/ Learning opportunities - as you're cooking, talk about ingredients and their origins, cooking processes and techniques. Cooking can be a great way to learn about science, geography and maths (through weighing) in a practical way. It's good for fine motor skills and coordination too. More about learning through food.

8/ Touching and tasting - this will make the experience more enjoyable for them, encourage more adventurous eating plus it's a good opportunity to teach children which foods are safe to eat raw. Ask them to use a clean spoon to taste, not fingers and stirring spoons (at least not until the end!)

9/ Age and ability - many children's recipes have age guidelines but look at your own child and recognise what they are capable of doing. There are always activities for every child, even if it's just messing around in the sink washing vegetables and plastic containers while grown-ups and older children chop and cook.

10/ Make it fun! Children will learn to love cooking if you relax and have fun with them in the kitchen. If you feel nervous, start with basic recipes, they're still a good learning experience. Only step in when it's absolutely necessary, otherwise let them enjoy and create.