Kids in the Kitchen Make Foil Surprise Meal
A Complete Meal in a Wrapper Made by Supervised Children
Dec 18, 2008
Children can learn about cooking by making a meal in a silver package, especially appropriate during the Christmas holidays, but delicious any time of year. Different ingredients and quantities can be loaded into different family member's surprise package to allow for individualizing both the portions and personal preferences. For example, a very young child may need less food, some may prefer cheese on top, etc.
Safety With Children in the Kitchen
When children cook, safety is the first and most important lesson to emphasize each time. A parent or other adult needs to be present not only instructing in safety, but also actively supervising to be sure such lessons are carried out. Provide gentle coaching while letting the child do most of the actual tasks.
With this recipe, an adult should be present to take the foil surprises out of the oven at the end of the cooking phase. Modeling safe use of potholders helps children learn how to stay safe around stoves.
Cookware Needed
- 1 quart glass jar (ex. mayonnaise jar) for molding the foil shape
- aluminum foil
- large cookie or pizza pan
Foil Surprise Meal Ingredients
- hamburger patties (or any kind of ground meat, boneless chicken, or soy product for use in the vegetarian version)
- mixed veggies - fresh or canned (or the veggie of your choice)
- spices, soy sauce, steak sauce, BBQ sauce, Alfredo sauce, or tomato sauce (pick only one)
- thinly sliced potatoes (be careful when slicing, using a slicer may be safer)
- cheese
Directions for Foil Meal
- Make one foil shape for each person to be served. Tear off a large piece of foil. Put the quart jar in the center and press the foil upward as in wrapping a present, leaving open at top. Remove the quart jar to use on the next one.
- Place one serving of meat in the bottom of each Foil Surprise.
- Add sauce or other flavoring to the meat.
- Then add veggies on top of the meat.
- Next add the potatoes.
- Add cheese if desired.
- Close the foil before cooking to keep in the juices.
- Place all of them on large cookie sheet in case of leaking, and for easier handling.
- Cook in preheated oven at 375 for an hour.
Foil Surprise Variations
Note: Adult supervision is necessary in each occasion:
- Scouting events
- Church youth cooking
- Camping with family
- Leftovers can be used in this meal, and they turn out moist and tasty.
Many people are gravely concerned about the fact that young people are not learning how to cook. Since some adults haven't had that learning experience, parents can find themselves at a loss when trying to teach their children to cook. This is a great starter experience for one or more kids in the kitchen who want to learn to cook. Fixing an easy meal like this is both fun and rewarding.
Make this for an affordable Christmas gift for your family, or do it any time of year! Use it as an opportunity to have some family closeness. An easy pie would go well with this. Enjoy making this Royal Foil Surprise.
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