Something fun I like to do with my kids or someone elses (as a teacher) is link literature to cooking. Its fun to do the research of the food they mention in books. Like in Pippi mention a Swedish cookie and the Little House in the Prairie series has lots of food references... (studying about the early settlers leaves plenty of opportunity for playing with sourdough--sourdough bread or what I like even better sourdough pancakes because they're easier for the kids)
When you're looking you'ld be surprised how many references you can find..the kids like trying the new foods and learning about foods from different countries and different times (and I think they read a little more closely hoping to turn up a food reference which may result in a treat for them).
For toddlers the book Stone Soup is a natural for trying out at home-resulting in a wonderful "vegetable" stone soup they like because of their involvement in it.
I could go on and on....but I think you go the idea.
Hope this helps.......Sue