Have fun getting your kids involved in healthy cooking

When dinner's ready, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy some family bonding and a delicious meal. But why not add some extra family time to your evening by bringing kids into the kitchen to assist in preparing a delicious meal? It will extend quality time together by teaching them about cooking while instilling healthy eating habits at an early age.

The benefits of teaching your kids to cook could go well beyond what you would expect. This summer, Barilla is looking for the Next Piccolini Mini Chef. Moms with their kids are invited to create healthy recipes and submit them for voting online and a chance to win. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 in scholarship money and a year's supply of pasta to encourage even more cooking creativity.

Try these tips in your home to encourage kids to get cooking.

Think kid-tested. Kids love foods that are small and can easily fit into the palms of their hands. Try Barilla Piccolini(R) Rich in Fiber-White in mini-sized classic shapes like shells and rotini. It's a great choice for everyone in the family because it offers three times more fiber than regular pasta, yet looks and tastes like regular pasta. As you prepare the meal, give kids the opportunity to measure out the amount of pasta you'll need.

Little hands at work. Encourage kids to help "chop" herbs - but without the knives. They can use their fingers to tear up herbs - like basil or parsley - for sauces or salads. Their little fingers are just the right size for tearing them into perfectly-sized pieces.

Say cheese. Teach kids how to safely shred cheese over prepared dishes for a delicious finishing touch. Use a kid-friendly hand-held grater and show them how to hold the grater while grating the cheese over the plate. Make it even more fun by singing the classic children's song "On Top of Spaghetti."

Try out your kids' kitchen skills with this simple and tasty recipe:

Mini Rotini with Green Peas, Leeks and Carrots

Ingredients:
1 box Barilla Piccolini Rich in Fiber - White Mini Rotini
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 medium leeks
1 cup green peas
3 small carrots
4 leaves fresh basil, chopped or torn
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season water with salt to taste (optional).

2. Cut the leeks and carrots into thin slices.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet; add leeks, carrots and peas. Saute gently until thoroughly cooked.

4. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain and toss with the sauce in the skillet.

5. Stir in basil and cheese before serving.

Buon appetito!

For more information about the contest and for the official rules, including eligibility, judging criteria, odds of winning and more, go to piccolini.com.