Do you remember how old you were when you first showed interest in food or cooking? Do you have fond memories of spending time in the kitchen with parents, grandparents and other family members? According to the KidsHealth website, cooking helps kids learn basic math concepts, build language skills, boost confidence, explore their senses, and encourage an adventurous palate. The folks at America’s Test Kitchen are also big fans of getting kids into the kitchen. Molly Birnbaum is editor of America’s Test Kitchen Kids. She talked with our Managing Producer Sally Swift about how to make cooking with little kids fun and delicious. Molly also gave us the kid-friendly recipes for Hand-Squished Tomato Sauce and Rice Noodle Bowls with Pork and Scallions.

Sally Swift
Sally Swift is the managing producer and co-creator of The Splendid Table. Before developing the show, she worked in film, video and television, including stints at Twin Cities Public Television, Paisley Park, and Comic Relief with Billy Crystal. She also survived a stint as segment producer on The Jenny Jones Show.
America's Test Kitchen
The Splendid Table frequently visits with the test cooks at America’s Test Kitchen to discuss a wide range of topics including recipes, ingredients, techniques and kitchen equipment.