Published on December 8, 2025
Cooking as a Family with Local Foods: Easy Recipes to Make with Kids
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy quality moments as a family and share traditions with your children. And what better way than cooking to create lasting memories—while passing on meaningful values?
Cooking as a family is much more than an activity: it’s a moment of togetherness and a great way to introduce kids to the importance of buying local. And with the huge variety of foods produced here, there’s no shortage of options to show them how to help Quebec shine on our plates!
Festive Recipes to Cook as a Family
Nothing brings new family traditions to life like cooking—and the holiday season is no exception. To get your children involved in the kitchen, making Christmas cookies is a great place to start! All you need are a few simple tools—cookie cutters, colorful candies, icing, and food coloring—for the magic to happen!
Want to take the adventure a little further and explore Quebec flavours? Here are three easy recipes to make, featuring foods from here.
Maple “Pouding chômeur” in a Mug
A classic Quebec dessert, pouding chômeur delights kids and adults alike. This mug version is a fun, original way to introduce the dessert while showcasing Quebec maple syrup.
Reinvented Shepherd’s Pie (Pâté chinois)
Among traditional Quebec dishes, pâté chinois is without a doubt a must. Take advantage of this reinvented version to add local vegetables such as leeks or green beans. Not only will your dish be even more nutritious, you’ll also highlight the diversity of foods grown in Quebec.
5 Tips for Cooking as a Family
To make kitchen time with your children easier, here are a few tips to help make the experience both enjoyable and rewarding:
- Choose simple recipes
Kids love to help, but overly complex recipes can discourage them. Pick dishes where they can easily measure, mix, or assemble ingredients.
- Involve them in choosing ingredients
When it’s time to shop, don’t hesitate to include your children. Letting them choose between two vegetables or asking which local foods they prefer will make the experience more engaging.
- Celebrate every step
Every completed task becomes a source of pride—whether it’s measuring ingredients or mixing a batter. Your encouragement will help them enjoy the experience.
- Set up a kid-friendly workspace
Create a safe kitchen area where children can stand comfortably and handle ingredients safely—such as a step stool to reach the counter and utensils sized for small hands.
- Make cooking a game
While shopping, look for the Aliments du Québec logos and ask your children to help spot them. In the kitchen, count quantities, name ingredient colours, or invent stories around the recipes. It’ll be truly fun for them!
Happy Holidays to everyone!
