Cooking with Children

Photo by Magna Vita Photography

I am very passionate about children learning about food, and how to cook and bake. I started cooking and baking with my oldest daughter when she was only 18 months old- old enough to stand on a chair at the kitchen counter and follow along. Now, she is quite a good little baker and she loves being in the kitchen with me.

I first started bringing her into the kitchen because we don't do TV with our kids, so it was my way of keeping her entertained while I prepared food. Before long, she was right in there with me, mixing, adding ingredients, counting, reading the recipes. We would talk about colors, where food comes from, how it is grown, food safety, and endless other topics that were really exceptional learning opportunities. Toddlers have an amazing capacity for curiousity and her questions were often challenging to answer. We developed our favorite recipes to make and I often involved her in making her own food. Which is probably why she loves spinach salad, couscous, and other things not typically on the toddler menu.

It is hard work cooking and baking with children. Safety comes first of course, and so you need to be constantly anticipating possible accidents, developing a vocabulary of teaching about safety rather than yelling "stop" or "don't touch that". We had a few slips and falls, and I would never allow her close to the hot stove or sharp knives. But I do think all this safety training has well prepared her to have common sense in kitchen (I hope that her future Home Ec teacher notices:)

It also takes patience to have a toddler in the kitchen. If your kids are older then you will likely have an easier time. Whatever age they are at, I encourage you to do this for many reasons: a respect for food, all that it takes to grow and produce it; a respect for the hard work that you put into cooking for your family; common sense in the kitchen; basic food knowledge and an understanding of how to prepare food; an appreciation for what we eat. I think a healthy relationship with food starts with food knowledge. The best time to teach them is while you are doing it (where do eggs come from?).

When my daughter ate the first pizza that she made entirely from scratch (start to finish, dough and all) she devoured it. She wanted to share it with her sister and she was so proud of her beautiful pizza (topped with spinach, onions, and cheese). It was a proud mom moment for me and an amazing reminder that having patience and spending the time in the kitchen with her are totally worth it. Because not only did she love her pizza, we shared a memorable family moment.

*the photo above is from her birthday party last year- she is enjoying the cupcakes we made together for the party*

Food Hampers

Every year, my employer contributes to the Christmas Hamper program in our community. Staff from our office donate money and purchase, package, and deliver the hampers to our local community services association to be delivered to a family. This year, I pitched in to help. We had raised enough money to offer to adopt the largest family on the list. We adopted a family of 10. We were given a list of non-perishable food to purchase and and also bought age-appropriate gifts for the family.

For several years I have volunteered or donated to local food banks and hamper programs. I care deeply about the fact that so many Canadians are hungry every day, and in particular, children. Since becoming a mother, I feel sad and frustrated thinking about all the children, in our country, that don't eat well every day.

I have often written and talked about my passion for quality food and the food choices we make for our children. There is mounting evidence on how food contributes to physical and psychological development, long term health, and the general well-being of children. It seems obvious to me that we are what we eat. But it isn't that simple. So many of us are eating the wrong food and thinking that we are feeding our children well, when in fact, we are not.

The problem with poor quality food (or faux food as Michael Pollan would call it) is that it impedes brain development, physical health, and emotional well-being. Faux food is a major obstacle to children being healthy and successful. Faux food is contributing to the cycle of poverty. If you don't believe me (and my rather unscientific opinion) than read the countless studies that show the links from high sugar/processed food diets to poor academic and athletic performance.

So what are we to do when trying to help those in need, and are asked to purchase and donate non-perishable food? I have to admit, as I walked around the grocery store filling the cart with food for a family of 10, I felt sick to my stomach looking at what we had to purchase. We HAD to purchase what was on the list, and thankfully there were some really good things (oatmeal, canned vegetables and canned protein) but so much of it was highly processed food such as cereal, crackers, snack foods. On the one hand, I thought about how nice it was for this family to receive all this food but on the other hand, they weren't getting anything fresh.

When the most vulnerable people in our country are being given the non-perishable donations that are essentially filler and calories, how do we teach these families the importance of fresh, good quality food for their children? How do we get this food to them? (I know many food banks have some fresh food programs) And how do we teach them to prepare and cook on a budget with limited time?

When I see mega-food corporations such as Kraft donating food to food banks all I can think is that they are contributing to the problem. The more processed, poor quality food we feed our children, the less likely they will be strong, healthy, and make a positive contribution. They will be stuck in the cycle of poverty, once again relying on the processed food that got them there.

Our giving nature in Canada has put tremendous emphasis on "filling up" our food banks. Pounds of food, boxes of food, its all quantity over quality. Quantity at the expense of quality. I think its time to start putting more emphasis on quality food. Empower people who rely on food banks with better food and cooking knowledge. Teach their kids (who often need to feed themselves while parents are working) to be able to cook. Instead of continuing the cycle of reliance on processed food lets try to change this. I know that it takes more than this. But I really do think that this kind of change will make a difference. A lasting one. And change that is all too necessary.

~Kimberley

Get to Know the Confectionista



Photo by Magna Vita Photography

When I started this blog, I wanted to give my fans and customers an inside peak into the life of a working mom with a small business and all that goes with being in the gourmet confection business. I also wanted to share my passion for food and my opinions on the food industry.

This week, I thought it would be fun to share a little more about myself in the form of a list:

1. I love lists
2. I love food
3. My favorite color is green
4. I really love bacon
5. I have one sister
6. My first pet was a calico cat named cally
7. I have too many ideas
8. I have a day job as a Manager of Human Resources for a credit union
9. I now belong to a credit union
10. My husband and I met at Starbucks. I hired him.
11. I am frequently frustrated with technology
12. I am also impatient with technology
13. But I love my iPhone
14. If I could only hear one song for the rest of my life it would be George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
15. I am trained in classical piano
16. I love power tools and carpentry
17. I am superstitious about numbers
18. I have a fear of snakes
19. I have a fear of depths
20. I have a degree in Fine Arts, with a major in Theatre (Acting, to be exact)
21. I love baking real scones made with lots of butter (see photo above)

~Kimberley

Country Roads

Photo by Magna Vita Photography

A lot can happen in a year. This photo was taken almost one year ago, shortly after the launch of Kimberley's Kitchen. I didn't know at that time that I would be sitting here, blogging from my new home in the small northern town of Smithers, BC one year later. But here I am.

I have spent most of my life living in a city. But the country life has always been a part of me. I have often said I like the extreme- urban, downtown life or country life. I never really wanted to live somewhere in between.

My husband and I had been talking about moving to a small town but we knew that we would need the right job to take us there. When the opportunity came up to move to Smithers, we didn't hesitate. We had never been here, knew little about it or even where it was, but it just felt like the right move.

One month after accepting the job, we were on the road to our new life. We spent a few days driving and camping our way up. I have done a fair bit of traveling through BC but had never made it up to the Bulkley Valley and beyond. It is amazing country and worth the drive (which, by the way, is quite easy and enjoyable once you leave Hope).

It is remarkably beautiful in the Bulkley Valley. I wasn't expecting this. I thought it would be nice. I didn't think it would be gorgeous. Breathtaking views of mountains, forest, ranchland, rivers. The people are authentic, genuine, friendly, compassionate, and welcoming. People here live very healthy lifestyles and the food in this region is fantastic. The Bulkley Valley Farmers Market is the best I have ever been to. Local farms, food producers, and merchants all take pride in offering sustainable and organic options.

Moving here was a choice for how we want to raise our family and spend our time. We have already found balance and enjoy living on Smithers-time. Yes, everything is slightly slower because there is no need to rush. Life is full but not exhausting. Everwhere I go I know someone, and I have only been here two weeks.

Advice from locals is welcome: watch out for bears, buy your winter coat early, and join a hockey league. Our urban life feels so far away and so far in the past. And that's okay with me. There is a really good sushi restaurant so I think I will do just fine.

Redefining SuperMom

Photo by Magna Vita Photography

As I approach the one year anniversary of the launch of Kimberley's Kitchen, I am taking some time to reflect on this year and looking to the year ahead. The subtitle of this post could easily be "Practicing What I Preach" because this year has certainly been filled with choices and circumstances that have challenged me in every way.

My career before candy-making was in HR. I often advised employees and managers on career planning. My philosophy is that there is one list. Not a "career" list and a "life" list. They are one and the same. You cross different things off in different areas of your life. But more importantly, the list is a set of priorities. 

My priorities since becoming a parent have been very clear to me. There have been many times when some things give way for others. This couldn't be more true of this past year. I have sacrificed a great deal for certain things. Most of the time I sucessfully strike a balance of parenthood and business, but my personal life has taken its toll. So typical, I put myself at the bottom of the list and I am really starting to feel it.

The pressure to be the SuperMom is incredible. I wasn't expecting to be affected by it but its just out there. (Do I need to see Gwyneth Paltrow do one more thing on my bucket list, better than I ever would?) And maybe some women are talking about it but I feel like we are expected to be Super in so many unrealistic ways. We are expected to look fabulous while working and caring for children and keeping everyone happy and have a perfect home and have achieved inner peace with our yoga practice. Its SO unrealistic that all these pieces come together ALL the time (without a lot of money and people to do the work for you).

Real Moms work, raise children, manage a family, clean a home, feed people, contribute to their community, and if they have time, go to the gym, read a book, do something alone. And we all have our priorities. And the age of our children makes a huge difference too. One infant, two under three, two not yet in school, all kids in school. This definitely impacts how much and what we can do.

Perhaps we could all collectively agree to give each other a break. To stop judging other moms. To start applauding each other for our accomplishments. I think of the moms I know and many of them are the top earner in the family, balance jobs and home, are beautiful, and are just good people. (I will never forget the way the director of my daughter's preschool reacted when I told her we only eat organic food. I was shocked by how judgmental and condescending she was). 

I have decided that being a SuperMom is about who my children are, how well I teach them to care for themselves and the world, and making a contribution to my community. Yes, the laundry piles up. But I know what my priorities are and I am practicing what I preach. I have a new list, much like the lists I advised so many to create. I acknowledge that in order to care for myself and my family best, moving to a small town with a big job and possibly some chickens is the best way for me to be a SuperMom.

The laundry will still be there tomorrow. As long as we are all wearing seasonally appropriate clothing, I'm okay with that.

Celebrate the Everyday

This is the cake that my 3 year old daughter made yesterday. With minimal help from me, I will add. What special occasion were we celebrating? Nothing, actually.

We bake together most days. We bake bread, pizza dough, flatbreads, loaves, cookies, scones, you name it. I prefer to bake than buy these items and she has loved baking with me since she could climb onto a chair. Baking is her special treat. More than the baked goods themselves. We use mostly organic and good quality ingredients, but I don't mind a little green buttercream frosting and sprinkles from time-to-time.

For this baking project, she very specifically asked to bake a vanilla cake with green frosting, sprinkles, and candles. She had obviously found the birthday candles in the pantry at some point and was planning when we would use them. She knows they are birthday candles. She also knew that we didn't have a birthday to celebrate. And just as I was about to say, "no, we only use candles for a birthday" I stopped myself and thought Why Not? Why not use candles just because, and for no special reason at all?

So we went about baking our cake, patiently letting it cool, whipping our frosting, and putting on the finishing touches. I lit the candles and she blew them out. It was delightful. We shared a piece of cake and tea (her "tea" was milk) and talked about how nice our cake was.

It occured to me later that night, that there is something really special about celebrating the everyday. Moms do so much to entertain and host parties and family celebrations. It is a lot of work and often stressful. But how often do we go all out for no real reason at all? It got me to thinking about other ways we could celebrate the everyday. (and all the reasons we should)

So now my new mantra for my family is Celebrate the Everyday. Celebrate the laundry, dishes, diapers, tantrums, picnics, flowers, good food- all the things that make life seem to ordinary. But these things are in fact what makes life truly remarkable. Family memories aren't about the big vacations and expensive birthday parties. Family memories are about the moments in between.

Less than Perfect

This blog post has been brewing for a while now. I have been anxious to get blogging again. But life gets busy and my little blog gets put at the bottom of the list. That is the thing about being a Mompreneur- the job of Mom always comes first.

So many things in my life seem to go to the bottom of the list when the unexpected happens. I'm not complaining. I love my life and have so much that I am grateful for. But I have watched myself put ME at the bottom of the list ever since having children.

I swore I would never do this. I thought I could avoid the pitfalls of all the moms I would watch on Oprah talking about trying to put themselves first. But gradually, in the past 3 years since first having Georgia, I have moved lower and lower down the TO-DO list of my life.

I think, like so many parents (this doesn't just happen to moms, by the way), I serve my family first. Its natural and actually comes from a good place in that I am one to serve others. In every part of my life, professionally and personally (and are the two actually separate?), I strive to be in service to others. And since staying at home I naturally became the parent that does more parenting, housework, planning, caregiving.

My husband is amazing. Let me just say that. Few people even know how hard he works. But ever since the day I met him he has worked harder than anyone I know. Taking care of his family and being a good employee. He is extremely supportive of me and my business adventures.

When I talk about taking care of myself, I mean time to exercise, see friends, be alone. What I would give for my 45 minute commute in the car to my office that I once had! And then arriving to work and talking to adults! And then the second that I think that I remember driving home from work and every day I passed a park and I would sob if I saw a mom walking with her child. The grass is always greener, right?

So I recently came to the conclusion that something's gotta give. Unlike my previous "perfectionist" self, I am starting to let the laundry pile up. There might be dust on a lampshade. Projects get post-poned. The kitchen is kept immaculate, however. I AM a germaphobe after all.

At the end of the day, I have come to accept that some things just won't be perfect. And perfect is kind of boring anyways. To add to that, I am less than perfect. I haven't returned to the elusive "pre-babies" weight (oh, and it is relatively easy after one, but something happens after two, just so you know). My hair isn't always done and I feel like I could always use a manicure (more to do with my confection profession, mind you).

Now that I have come to accept my less than perfect home and less than perfect self, it is easier to shift my priorities. Personal health and happiness is important to me for so many reasons. But the most important reason is my kids. I want to live a long, healthy life so that I can spend as much time with them as possible. I want to be here for them and be an example of healthy living.

I actually tell my 3 year old daughter, "choose to be happy" in an effort to teach her to change her mood. It really does come down to choice (bearing you are a safe, fed, sheltered human being). And choices about priorities are a parent's job. What I wish for my daughters to learn is how to make choices that take care of their own health and happiness AND allows them to be good to others. This is what I have learned so far. We will see how I do.