Kids in the Kitchen Cooking a meal for a roomful of party guests can be a tiring task. Some people have made things easier by leaving the cooking to the guests. A cooking-school birthday party saves work, and it can be lots of fun.
These parties can be held in a variety of settings, from a commercial kitchen to your own home. Often, the party begins with kids preparing their own meal. Younger kids can put together personal pizzas. They use pre-made crusts, squeeze bottles of sauce, and bowls of toppings. Older kids can tackle more difficult recipes, such as stir-fried chicken or spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread.
Then everyone can move on to making dessert. Younger kids can decorate small pre-made cakes. Older kids can bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes.
If you need extra help, bring along a professional chef. If you’re on a budget, though, you can handle things yourself if you follow a few steps. First, choose easy recipes. Then make sure you have all the ingredients and tools. Finally, clear a good work surface and begin.
Party favors might include a homemade cookbook with the recipes you’ve prepared, or chef’s aprons that your friends can decorate with fabric paint.

Now read each question. Circle the letter of the best answer.

1.Based on the article, why might you choose to have a party without a professional chef?
to save money
to make better recipes
to save time
to have more fun

2. These parties can take place in different settings. What is one thing you can conclude that these settings have in common?
a kitchen
a professional chef
pizza
beautiful decorations

3. Why does the article suggest spaghetti for older kids but not younger kids?
Younger kids don’t like spaghetti.
Spaghetti is more expensive.
Younger kids get bored easily.
Spaghetti is more difficult to make.

4. Why would you choose an easy recipe if you’re on a budget?
Difficult recipes are too expensive.
A professional chef might be needed for difficult recipes.
Easy recipes are more fun.
Difficult recipes are not fun to make.