Like many in the area, Florida State is what initially brought me to Tallahassee. Like many college students, it was my first time living away from home. And I was surprised to find I was the only one on my entire dormitory floor who knew how to cook anything beyond Easy Mac.

Cooking with your kids does more than help them learn their way around the kitchen. We've long known that following a recipe strengthens a child's ability to follow directions, builds their understanding of math and chemistry, and boosts their self-confidence and self-reliance.

And you don't need to wait until they're older to start.

• Take your picky eater to the grocery store with you. Have them identify and choose any three fruits in the produce department they want, bring them home, and make a fruit salad together.
• Instead of leaving cookie dough for your babysitter to bake with the kids, leave all the basic ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs, chocolate chips) and let the kids follow a recipe with her from scratch.
• Believe it or not, a well-sharpened knife is safer than a dull butter knife. While we want to guard those little fingers, your watchful eye and helping hand will do more to protect than a sharp knife will hurt. Dull knives require more force, and that increases the likelihood that the knife will slip and cause harm. If you teach safe habits, they'll remember them.
• Remember: mess is fun! As long as the kids know that clean-up is part of the process, don't sweat the small stuff and they'll always think of cooking as enjoyable.

I'm not a cookbook connoisseur, but Annabel Karmel is my all-time favorite author of books of recipes and nutrition for infants, toddlers, and children. Her website is packed with information and ideas, too.

Next time you're in the kitchen, invite the kids to join you. They'll enjoy the attention, and your next surprise "breakfast in bed" might taste a little better!