Kids are natural cooks and

they have energy to spare, says Chef Mraz, but they like to be kept busy

in the kitchen, not just watching.

"No matter how well organized

you are, kitchens get messy when children cook, but that's part of the

fun," she says. "Encourage them to stop and clean up as they

go along, clean cooking surfaces, and put ingredients away once they've

been used."

When Chef Instructor Steven

Pilat at The Art Institute of Dallas teaches a cooking course to children

from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, many of whom dine frequently

at fast-food restaurants, he likes to start his classes by teaching nutrition,

and keeping the lessons fun.

"We play nutrition bingo

using black or pinto beans to mark the spaces, and quiz kids about the

food pyramid," he says. "They learn they need to eat grains

and vegetables several times a day and save the sugars for special treats."

Since many of the chef's students

make their own snacks when they return from school, Chef Pilat tries to

encourage the children to think about what healthy snacks are all about.

"I introduce foods like

fresh fruits and granola," he says. "We give the kids a bag

of groceries to take home and prepare the recipes that we do in class.

That way, they can share what they've learned with their families."

As Chef Mraz explains, "Everyone

likes to eat, it's a common interest we all have. When children are invited

into the kitchen as active participants and they see how much fun cooking

can be, they are learning wonderful lessons about eating well that will

serve them all their lives."

Recipes

Apple Volcanoes

(serves two)

- 2 apples

- 2 large marshmallows

- cup peanut butter

- cup chocolate chips

- cup chopped nuts

- 2 tbsp shredded coconut

Wash apples. Remove stem and

core out apple with spoon, enlarging the hole slightly. Press marshmallows

in center of cored apple to fill the bottom. Spoon peanut butter into

apple to fill to the top. Spread peanut butter over top of apple. Sprinkle

with chocolate chips and coconut.

Yogurt Parfaits (serves one)

- 1 8oz. container of vanilla

yogurt

- cup fruit (any kind, chopped)