Kids in the Kitchen – I love it, actually.  They are such willing little helpers.  It all started when my two daughters were very young.  The ‘wonder’ in a child’s mind is a beautiful thing.  It was my challenge to nurture that curiosity and provide opportunities for them to have sensory experiences both in food and play. One of the questions I would often ask them is, “have you ever wondered about…..?”  The answers that they gave me always inspired me to continue asking the same question over and over again.

Being the curious souls that they were with active minds and adventurous palates, it was always exciting going for a visit to the local greengrocers (Longo’s) to help Mom to shop for “vegables” and “foooots”.  It was their special job taking turns each week to help find something new that we had never, ever tried before to buy and bring home.

The staff at the greengrocers made my task easier, with excellent signage describing each item, how to pick the best one, and how to cook or eat it.  The girls enjoyed this responsibility thoroughly.  The other highlight of this visit was spending time (lots of time) at the display station where the staff would be busy at work carving fruits and vegetables into flowers, animals, people and other whimsical creatures.  The demonstrations captured the attention of my then three and five-year-old.   They stood beside me completely mesmerized by the carving talent displayed by the staff together with the other amazed onlookers young and old.

We had some interesting treats (daikon, dragon fruit, star fruit, kiwi, passion fruit, blue potatoes, striped tomatoes, baby vegetables, to name a few) – some were very popular, some not so much.  Yet, it was still an experience that we all enjoyed from start to finish.  As parents,  we always thanked the girls for trying every item with enthusiasm, or for even it giving it a hesitant little nibble.

My daughters are now grown.  They have developed sophisticated palates, excellent cooking and baking skills and possess the same spirit of adventure they acquired as youngsters when it comes to trying new foods, ideas and recipes.  I like to think it had something to do with our “buy it and try it” greengrocers adventures at Longo’s.

Have you welcomed Kids in your Kitchen?  What interesting foods have you purchased and investigated?  I can give you lots of tips on where to start your Kids in the Kitchen Food Adventures.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN:

Here are a few activities to get you started with Kids in the Kitchen:

Purple Potatoes:  Make some Purple Gnocchi

A fun cookie to make with Kiddies:  Vanilla Bean Poppers

And here is another fun cookie to make with kiddies:  Rainbow Vanilla Bean Poppers

 

“Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking.

It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity.”

Guy Fieri

Invite Kids into Your Kitchen and enjoy experiencing cooking and baking again through the eyes of a child.  Ask them the question, “Have you ever wondered about……?  I am excited to hear the answers that they give you.

Happy Cooking with Kids in the Kitchen

You can find me on social media (see links below) – just be sure to tag @urbnspice and #urbnspice so I am sure to see it. Enjoy! 

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urb’n’Spice Chef

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