- Keep your kids informed. Often, kids understand more than we realize. Kalloo suggests you take the time to explain the raw dough warning. “Also, explain the rules of the kitchen and baking with mommy or daddy, and include ‘no eating raw flour or dough’ and ‘hand washing after preparation,’ as part of those rules,” says Kalloo.
- Keep raw foods separate from other foods. While preparing raw food keep them separate to prevent any contamination that may be present from spreading. Be aware that flour may spread easily due to its powdery nature. Kalloo says, “Kids often like to spread the powder as well, so removing all other foods items from this area will prevent any contamination that may be present from spreading.”
- Follow package directions for cooking or chilling. Be sure to follow directions for cooking products containing flour at proper temperatures and for specified times. Follow label directions to chill products containing raw dough promptly after purchase until baked.
- Be cautious when making homemade crafts that require flour. Even though there are websites devoted to “flour crafts,” don’t give your kids raw dough or baking mixes that contain flour to play with. Kalloo says, “homemade crafts are a ton of fun to make with kids and make the perfect rainy day activity, but it should be saved for older children who do not mouth objects and have a better understanding of why raw flour cannot be eaten.”
With the holiday season in full swing, you might be looking for a new holiday cookie recipe. Kalloo says “my all-time favorite holiday cookie recipe is gingerbread cookies and my kids especially love cutting out and decorating the little boys and girls!” Click here for the gingerbread recipe. Tip: Kalloo suggests you cut the brown sugar from 3/4 cup packed to 1/2 cup packed. Bon Appetit!
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes. She is a Dannon One Yogurt Every Day Nutrition Advisor.