Cooking with Kids: 3 Classic French Recipes & Songs to Match

Cooking with kids is a fun way to introduce them to French culture while making delicious memories together. These three classic French recipes are simple, fun to prepare, and perfect for little hands. Plus, each one comes with a French song to set the mood in the kitchen!

Light, thin, and perfect for sweet or savory toppings, crêpes are a kid-friendly classic.

-French Song to Play: “Aux Champs-Élysées” – Joe Dassin. A cheerful tune to keep spirits high while flipping crêpes!

Ingredients (Makes about 10 crêpes):

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) milk

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp sugar (for sweet crêpes)

• A pinch of salt

• Butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.

2. Let It Rest: Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes (optional, but makes better crêpes).

3. Cook the Crêpes: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly butter it. Pour a small ladleful of batter, tilting the pan to spread it thinly.

4. Flip & Finish: After about 1-2 minutes, flip with a spatula (or try a gentle toss!). Cook for another minute.

5. Top & Enjoy: Let kids add their favorite toppings—Nutella, jam, sugar, or fruit.

Add some fun by flipping your crêpe in the air for a special kid entertainment!

A crispy, cheesy French sandwich that kids will love making (and eating!).

French Song to Play: “Les Champs Magnétiques” – Indila. A modern yet dreamy French pop song to enjoy while assembling sandwiches.

Ingredients (Makes 2 sandwiches):

• 4 slices of sandwich bread

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• ¾ cup (180ml) milk

• ½ cup (50g) grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese

• 4 slices of ham

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• 1 egg (for Croque Madame)

Instructions:

1. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan, add flour, and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until thick. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread béchamel on two bread slices. Add ham and a sprinkle of cheese. Top with another bread slice.

3. Grill the Sandwiches: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan, grill each sandwich for 2 minutes per side until golden.

4. Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle more cheese on top and broil in the oven for 2 minutes until bubbly.

5. Make it a Croque Madame: Fry an egg and place it on top!

These buttery, shell-shaped cakes are a childhood favorite in France.

-French Song to Play: “Douce France” – Charles Trenet. A nostalgic classic that pairs beautifully with baking.

Ingredients (Makes 12 madeleines):

• ½ cup (100g) sugar

• 2 eggs

• ¾ cup (95g) flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp honey

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (100g) melted butter

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter: Beat sugar and eggs until fluffy. Stir in honey, vanilla, and lemon zest.

2. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour and baking powder, mixing gently. Stir in melted butter.

3. Rest the Batter: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (helps with the signature bump!).

4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a madeleine mold and fill each shell halfway. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

5. Cool & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before popping them out of the mold.

Bon Appétit!

Cooking with kids isn’t just about food—it’s about creating memories and celebrating French culture through taste and sound. Which recipe will you try first? Let me know in the comments!