Dinner ideas a 14 year old can execute?

[Anonymous]

Our 14 year old niece is visiting, and I'd like to teach her some cooking skills before she returns home. Her mother recently passed away, but had been sick for a while, and she wants to be able to help her dad out more. One way she suggested is cooking dinner for her family (herself, dad, and 12 year old brother). She so far has no cooking experience, so looking for ideas that are easy to execute. Also, the family is struggling financially, so inexpensive meal ideas preferred.

I'm brainstorming today, but an inspiration is much appreciated!

[Anonymous]

Homemade pizza, salads using rotisserie chicken, cold pasta salads (using mozzarella, tomato, basil)

[Anonymous]

Herb-rubbed baked chicken breasts, baked potatoes, salad? or some other cut of meat that can be cooked in the oven for a while -- meatloaf, pot roast. I ink it is easier for kids that age to sauté rather than boil or steam vegetables, so maybe stir fry?

[Anonymous]

Slow cooker meals. Learn how to use knife safely
Spaghetti, grilled cheese, eggs, pancakes,

[Anonymous]

Chili and corn muffins.

[Anonymous]

Pasta dishes that include a protein. They are easy, cheap, and pretty healthy. Reheat well and can be packed as lunches too. Like this one: http://www.cookinglight.com/m/food/recipe-finder/pasta-salad-recipes/chicken-penne-salad-with-green-beans-recipes

Maybe one of those cookbooks that uses partially prepared ingredients? Like using a store bought rotisserie chicken to make enchiladas.

[Anonymous]

Oh, and teach her how to roast vegetables. So easy and tasty -- no one should suffer steamed vegetables!

[Anonymous]

Maybe try to find a cookbook that's aimed at purple with no cooking experience to teach them the basics (like what saute, broil, etc mean). Eggs, beans, and whole chicken are the cheapest proteins.

Breakfast for dinner:
Scrambled eggs with cheese and mild salsa mixed before cooking and pancakes or toast.

Burritos with canned refried beans

Roast whole chicken with roast potatoes and carrots

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone!!! Great ideas so far!

[Anonymous]

tacos

[Anonymous]

Help her start and organize a Pinterest account and get her following some boards that are economical, easy, and kid-oriented (or first-time-cook oriented).

Let her choose what she wants to experiment on with you.

Teach her about inexpensive mains and starches (chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, beans, tofu, etc...). Give her charts for in-season produce. Give her some basic cookie or cake recipes.

If you can afford it and if she's into it (which is important so that it does not feel like a chore or obligation), take her shopping for some basic items like muffin tins and wrappers, or a good pot and pan, and take her to Penzeys for some fun spices and other places for some oils, etc... If you can afford it and she stays interested, keep her stocked.

This is a nice idea!

[Anonymous]

A dirty rice recipe. You can make a ton and freeze for another meal or use it for lunches the next day -- or both!

[Anonymous]

Rice and beans, topped with cheese and salsa.
Tuna melts
Simple frittata (veggies or sausage optional)
Grilled cheese and soup (homemade or canned)
Green salad
Roasted veggies

I think it's great you're teaching her that. In 8th grade we were required to plan and prepare a meal for our family and it's one of those experiences that stuck with me to adulthood (and I became a pretty good cook). In addition to teaching recipes, it's a great opportunity to talk about nutrition and balanced meals. You could teach her to make a fun dessert like strawberry shortcake too to impress her friends too.

[Anonymous]

Baked chicken thighs seasoned with salt/pepper/garlic powder and/or bbq sauce. Boiled rice. Salad.

[Anonymous]

Stir fries for when you want to get dinner on the table in 30 mins. Chili, lasagna for when you have time to cook a big batch and freeze in single serving portions.