Maybe it’s the wild popularity of the Food Network, the celebrity of super chefs like Bobby Flay or just a heightened awareness of healthy eating, but kids across the country have suddenly become foodies–and it isn’t just Easy Bake Ovens they are cooking with!

Instead of sculpting flowers during Play-Doh time, my five-year-old friend Madeline has recently insisted upon creating neon pink pizzas for a mini “Quick Fire Challenge,” a term she seems to have picked up from Bravo’s “Top Chef.” And this type of excitement over culinary creations doesn’t stop during playtime–cooking classes have become the hot new trend in children’s birthday parties, where guests are taught to make their own tasty treats and are given aprons and recipe books as a part of the gift bag.

Just this morning, YumSugar posted a charming story about a youngster who shares a name with celebrity chef Rachel Ray. Like her famous counterpart, this ten-year-old food fan has been indulging her love of cooking for years!

If you plan to host or attend a children’s cooking party, consider giving a cute kid’s cookbook as a gift, like this one from Rachel Ray herself. And don’t forget Tiny Print’s adorable line of chef-inspired invitations–they are the perfect way to encourage your little Iron Chef to turn up the heat in the kitchen!

Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just a special day for your kids, cooking is a great activity to share with them to encourage healthy eating and teach them an important skill. Here are a few ideas that will hopefully inspire your next cooking event!

1) Purchase aprons and chef hats for kids. If you get white aprons, one of the activities at your party could be to have guests personalize their own aprons with markers.

2) Find recipes. Have guests bring in their favorite recipes. They can then compile their very own cookbook with some colored paper, pens and scissors.

3) Take an outing. Check out what types of cooking classes are available in your community. A few stores such as Sur La Table offer a variety of classes, with some especially made for kids.

4) Cook at home. If you don’t want to take a class, just buy, borrow or look up fun recipes for kids online. The Food Network is kid-friendly and has great cooking demos for kids.

5) Stock up on food. The best thing about throwing a cooking party is that your guests are the chefs. Just buy ingredients, some snacks and everything needed for baking a sweet birthday cake.

6) Send sweet invitations. These adorable invites are so appropriate for this occasion. They’re ready to serve to your guests for a memorable event.

Cooking: Boy Birthday Party Invitations

Cooking: Girl Birthday Party Invitations