Cooking With Teens - Bonding With Teenagers, Family Recipes, Dinner Ideas

In this episode, we talk about 10 kitchen chores that teenagers can easily handle, easing the workload for parents while teaching valuable life skills. From mastering knife skills and organizing the pantry to effectively using the dishwasher and meal planning, these tasks are designed to make teens responsible and confident in the kitchen. Hit play for insights on how these chores can foster a sense of responsibility and skill development in teenagers! Trust me - you won't be sorry!

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In today's episode, we're talking about making cooking a fun, stress-free activity amidst the busy back-to-school season. It's so important to involve teens in the whole process—from menu planning and grocery shopping to kitchen prep. Key tips include delegating tasks based on skill level, encouraging experimentation in the kitchen, and making cooking a routine, whether it’s dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal. The goal is to foster quality time, build kitchen confidence, and keep things enjoyable and low-stress.

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In this episode, I share my top 10 school lunch ideas to keep teenagers interested and satisfied. We talk about: Tuna wraps, homemade lunchables, leftovers in a wrap, breakfast sandwiches in English muffins, chicken pita pockets, orzo or pasta salads, lettuce wraps with caramelized pork and veggies, make-ahead burritos, deconstructed California sushi bowls, and chicken or egg salads. Each idea is designed to be simple, delicious, and nutritious, making school lunch preparation less of a chore. Hit play for the magic!

Links mentioned in this episode:

1. Lettuce Wraps with Caramelized Pork 

2. Sushi Bowls

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In today's episode, we're talking about one of my all-time favorite ingredients: tomatoes. I share four simple and delicious tomato-based recipes that teens will enjoy making and eating. We're talking about-

-A classic BLT (with the basil mayo sauce- of course)

-A roasted tomato soup

-Compound butter with roasted tomatoes

-And a grated tomato sauce.

Each recipe emphasizes the peak-season flavor of summer tomatoes and is designed to be easy enough for teens to prepare. Enjoy the last days of summer with these straightforward, flavor-packed recipes (and hey, come back to it any time - let's be honest; these work well all year round!)

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In today's episode, we talk about the benefits of smoothie bowls and share three easy, Instagram-worthy recipes designed to keep athlete teens energized. Learn how to make a Protein Power Smoothie Bowl, a Green Power Smoothie Bowl, and a Tropical Bliss Bowl, all without added sugar. Tune in for tips on creating delicious, nutritious, and customizable meals for your health-conscious teen. (And hey, even if they're not a health-conscious teen, they'll still love it!)

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In this episode of Cooking with Teens, we talk about the delightful experience of making homemade pasta with your teen, including fettuccine and ravioli. The joy and flavor of fresh pasta, and your teen in the kitchen = the process over perfection. A simple fresh tomato sauce recipe is also shared, along with the overall experience of connecting with family while cooking. Try making pasta from scratch as a fun, engaging summer activity with teens, highlighting the messy but rewarding nature of the endeavor. Your kitchen may be messy afterward but it will be worth it!

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Mentioned in this episode:

Pasta from scratch recipe!

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In this episode, we're talking about our family's epic basil sauce, a versatile and flavorful condiment perfect for elevating a variety of dishes. In this episode:

-I details the basic recipe, which includes homemade mayo, basil, garlic, and optional jalapeno for a bit of heat

-Suggests various variations and serving ideas, such as using the sauce on sandwiches, salads, roasted veggies, and tacos

This sauce is epic in it's simplicity and adaptability, and so yummy! Hit play to be inspired to get your teens involved in making their own versions (and the sauce adds great addition to packed lunches for the upcoming school year!)

Videos of the sauces being used:

Veggie tacos with cilantro drizzle

Shishito peppers with basil sauce

Thomas keller's zucchini with basil sauce

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In today's episode, we're talking about making the most of the remaining summer days by bonding with your teenagers through a nostalgic movie night. The idea is to watch films that you loved during your own teen years, sharing memories and sparking conversations, and of course -- maybe making a dessert, snack, or dinner! Or hey, even ordering a pizza.

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

In today's episode, we're talking about the benefits of incorporating after-dinner walks into your routine. Walking helps with digestion, boosts metabolism, and improves sleep while also offering a unique opportunity to bond with your teen.

Episode highlights:

-Starting small

-Making it a family activity

-Allowing the teen to choose the route

-Permitting phone use

-Not forcing conversation.

We also talk about conversation starters and encourages allowing comfortable silences (just trust me on this one!) Tune in to learn how this simple habit can be a game-changer for family dynamics.

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable

Welcome back, friend! In today's episode, we're talking all about infused water as a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated. In this episode you'll get various combinations of fruits, herbs, and vegetables for infused water that is ideal for involving teens in the kitchen. Suggested combinations:

-Ginger and lemon

-Cucumber mint

-Citrus blend

& of course, let your teen get creative!

Free Download: 21 Tips to Get Your Teen in the Kitchen

Connect with Anca:

Website: www.thebuttertable.com

Instagram: @the.buttertable