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Inviting All Ages into the Kitchen
"The two biggest reasons that people give for not cooking is that they are intimidated by recipes and they don't have time," says Downers Grove mom, Kristi Fera. "Both are not valid reasons. There are plenty of simple recipes that can be done quickly." Kristi has a background in food service training and also teaches classes for adults and children through the Downers Grove Park District. She continually challenges adults to eat healthier by preparing their own meals. "If you don't like an ingredient like asparagus, leave it out or put something else in its place. You can change recipes and make new ones," she says.
One of Kristi's passions is allowing children into the kitchen. Many of her park district classes involve children preparing their own meals. Her six-year-old daughter Riley helps her make dinner every night. "There is a trend these days to sneak vegetables and healthy things into meals for children. I think the better way to deal with picky eating is to let children prepare the food. If Riley cuts the broccoli, she is more willing to try it because she has some sense of ownership in the meal."
Kristi and Riley have filmed two pilots for a cooking show entitled "Look Who's Cooking" that features meals kids can prepare with adults. Kristi has adapted tools and methods to make them safe. For example, Riley uses plastic or butter knives for chopping. Chicken is placed in a plastic bag for her to pound it with a ladle instead of a heavy tenderizer. "The tagline for the show is 'creating memories while cooking dinner,' says Kristi. There has been some recent interest from networks willing to purchase the show.
The mother and daughter are hopeful that their show gets on the air but no matter what happens, Kristi and her daughter will keep on cooking together. Kristi encourages other parents to invite their children into the kitchen. Kristi shares a favorite recipe for a salad that can be made together with children. She reminds everyone to simply leave out the things they don't like and add ingredients they would like. -Interviewed by Judy Buchenot

The "Everything" Salad:
1 head iceberg lettuce
1 -1/2 inch thick slice of
provolone cheese
1- 1/2 inch thick slice of
hard salami
1/2 pint grape tomatoes
1 yellow pepper
1/4 cup pepperocini peppers,
1/4 cup Greek calamata olives
1 small cucumber
1 bottle of your favorite Balsamic dressing
Croutons (optional)

Clean and chop lettuce. Cut salami and cheese into small cubes. Slice tomatoes in half. Clean and de-seed pepper and cut into chunks. Peel and chop cucumber into bite size pieces. Place chopped ingredients into large bowl and add pepperocinis and olives. Pour half the dressing over the salad and toss until well mixed. Add more dressing if needed. Add croutons if desired. Serve immediately.

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