re: What age to teach children to cook?

My wife has leg my daughter "help" several times when making baked goods. All of the danger of heat and utensils is pretty much non-existent. I still don't know which one makes the bigger mess with the mixer though. And my girl can operate the toaster and microwave, but 7 may be a little young to be helping on the stove. If I have to drag a stool or chair over, then she probably shouldn't be near it.