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The journalist and foodie Michael Pollan has been quoted saying "You can eat anything you want, as long as you cook it yourself". We love the intent of this, but like to take it one step further and say "You can eat anything you want, as long as you make it from scratch." In case you need convincing, here’s our top 5 reasons why you(r kids) should take the time to make those tasty treats from scratch!
Read MoreI just learned that July 19th is National Ice Cream Day. We’ve tried making ice cream three ways this summer, and all three are delicious - and different. The most important step to making creamy ice cream at home is not even on the ingredient list. The secret ingredient is air! The more teeny tiny air bubbles in your mixture, the creamer your ice cream will be. That’s why it’s so important to churn, toss, or mix, depending on which of the methods you choose below. Give them all a try!
Read MoreLet us help you decipher what you’re eating in 3 easy steps: 1. Find It, 2. Understand It, 3. Evaluate It. Then, you can Eat It…maybe.
Did you know that most pancake syrup is made from corn? Cheetos are made from corn too, not cheese! And, those Strawberry flavored fruit strips might be made from apples.
Read MoreDo you or your kids ever wonder what makes your pancakes fluffy? Or cupcakes rise? In today’s after-school program, we’re going to do a couple of science experiments to see what baking soda and baking powder do. Then we’re going to make pancakes! Your kids can easily recreate the experiment and our recipe in your kitchen at home!
Read MoreWith edible results of course!
This past Sunday, I taught a cooking class where we made homemade ricotta to use in our lasagna. It was simple, it took less than an hour, and the kids thought that it was really cool! As I think back a few years, I've had similar "ah-ha science" moments when cooking with my kids. Here are five favorites that don't require a lot of time, ingredients, or money to recreate in your kitchen!
Say what?! Let them create something, and maybe they'll be more likely to eat it! The options are aplenty: from the veggie boys and girls I made with some pre-schoolers this morning, to giving my 6 year old the chance to knead bread dough after school the other day.
How does this work? Well, this morning I brought 15 different vegetables to a group of 15 pre-schoolers that I'm teaching once a week. Some of the parents told me that their kids DO NOT LIKE vegetables, and they were hopeful that my class would encourage them to try new things. I was feeling a bit of pressure (in a good way). Rather than bring a bunch of vegetables and ask the kids to try them right off the bat, I thought I might have better success by letting them first play with their food.
Read MoreMy name is Sue and I’m the founder and owner of Real Food 4 Kids. I’d love to jump-start or nurture your child’s interest in food. My #1 recommendation: involve your kids in the kitchen. Yes, it’s hectic. Yes, it’s more work…for several years. Yes, it can test your patience, even on a good day. But the benefits are real, and if you’re looking at the glass half-full, those benefits can become apparent pretty quickly. Here are five good reasons to get started:
Read MoreYesterday, an insurance company flyer came in the mail. It included a page of recipes that could be made in a mug for single servings. I tore out the page and left it on the kitchen table.
Last night after swim practice, a few of the kids were ravenous for dessert. One said, "I want to make chocolate cake-in-a-mug from the recipes mom left on the table."
While I spent the next 30 minutes putzing around the kitchen, 3 kids (#4 was sick) had loads of fun making 4 (one for dad) chocolate cake-in-a-mugs. The experience was complete with:
Real Food 4 Kids offers hands-on cooking classes for kids and teens. Classes teach a variety of basic cooking skills and are available in-person in Des Moines, Iowa or can be attended virtually from anywhere.
Voted "Best for Kid-Led Instructional Videos" three years in a row by The Spruce Eats.
Voted "Best Overall" Online Cooking Class for Kids by Simply Recipes.
“This morning EJ made an omelet crafted from left over ribeye, sautéd red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and serrano pepper (as EJ said “for some heat”) and mozzarella cheese. You’ve made such an impact on him!! Thanks for showing him your love, kindness and craft!”
— Megan W
“You have such a way with kids (patience & organization, too!); thanks for creating Real Food 4 Kids - it’s such a wonderful and unique program. It’s really helping Josie with her confidence, even beyond cooking!”
— Carolyn
“The information presented is invaluable; I learned many new things! Children have a right to know what is in the food that they are eating/being provided. I think a huge ‘eye-opener’ was listening to them try to pronounce the ingredients off the label.”
— Kristel Kautzky, School Principal
“My son really enjoyed it. He wants to be a chef and is already planning his restaurant menu :) I appreciate it so much all the work you put into making this so well organized, and amazing.”
— Carrie
“The fun way in which vegetables were presented and the experience of trying them with his peers did more for my picky eater than all of my experience as a pediatrician. After one visit from Real Food 4 Kids, my first grader is now requesting peppers or salad in his lunchbox daily.”
— Christy Sullivan, mother of 5, Pediatrician, & President of St. Augustin School Board
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