When I was leading spring break camps at Franklin Park Conservatory last week, both groups of children opted to make cinnamon rolls on grains day. While not a great example of healthy grains, cinnamon rolls involve many useful cooking processes and are very doable for children with adult assistance. This recipe is one I have honed over the years, including some whole wheat flour and lower sugar for a healthier morning treat. I include no [...]

During last week’s Friday Five, I revealed my delight that I found a way Lil would eat sweet potatoes and beets. My daughter is not the most adventurous eater and I was floored that she not only tried but ate almost a whole serving of root vegetables prepared in the recipe below. There are four reasons this preparation works so well: 1. cubed vegetables give textural interest 2. the small size allows vegetables cook quickly [...]

Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. -Hans Christian Anderson The little bit of sunshine I enjoyed yesterday has me dreaming of warmer days coming. I would love to spend some of the early spring with you at a cooking class or local food event. Classes taught by Rachel at Franklin Park Conservatory Greens (ages 3-5) Winter greens are so sweet and tasty that even veggie-averse kids will [...]

On January 28th, I wanted to make cookies. More than the sweet treat, I wanted to be comforted by baking something delicious and familiar. Standing in my way was one impediment: we had no butter and no plans to replace it until Pantry Month was over. Because I didn’t really want to experiment with the fats I did have on hand, I was left with just two recipes in my stash that required no butter: [...]

Stay fresh in the kitchen this winter – take a class with me at the Franklin Park Conservatory!  Register by calling 614.645.5923 or download a registration form here. Delicious Dough (ages 3-5 and their favorite adult) Kids will make a moldable raw dough and a yeast-risen dough. Class participants will also create a scent-sational home decoration ornament. Thursday, January 20, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. $15 Members; $20 Non-Members Spectacular Spices (ages 3-5) Winter weather [...]

How do you open an acorn squash? Or a huge Cinderella pumpkin? I usually pull our big cleaver from the magnetic knife strip. I hold it with both hands and smack at the tough skin. The squash rolls and I try to right it. The cleaver gets stuck and I smash down further anyways. Alex sees me, fears for his beautiful countertops and my fingers, and takes over the job. Recently, my friend Susan let [...]

The Franklin Park Conservatory is expanding their Food Education program with the new PreK Zone.  Yours truly will be the teacher! Three to six year olds in the PreK Zone will prepare and eat simple whole foods dishes in my Kids Cook hands-on format.  Classes will highlight the seasonal ingredients uniquely available in the Scott’s Miracle Grow Community Garden Campus.  I am very excited to work with the horticulture staff at the Conservatory to make [...]