Little Chef's Kitchen

Should I tell my kids there is yellow squash in their banana bread? 😳 .
To be honest I’m fortunate that my kids (for the most part) don’t give me so many problems when it comes to eating their veggies, but there are a handful that they just don’t like to eat so I add them here and there to different recipes for an extra boost of vitamins and yumminess. Something like squash and zucchini that doesn’t have a strong flavor is a great hidden addition to many of my creations 😜

P.S. If you are using it for baked goods just grate it and make sure to squeeze out some of the extra liquid before adding it your favorite recipe. Enjoy!

For the first time in many years we are taking the summer off and we will not be offering summer classes or parties. Life with a newborn is filled with so many emotions and changes, and I can’t expect to put pressure on myself to do it all. Some people might think I’m cuckoo, but I miss being in the kitchen Everyday cooking. I’ve had to prep meals and freeze ahead of time, or cook dinner 7:00AM instead of my usual afternoon slot. Some days I just have to carry him while attempting to stir and end up with a mess. Sometimes the messes are stressful, and sometimes I just laugh, but all in all, we don’t get this precious time back with our little ones. We will be back at work in September with classes offered at select schools in their enrichment program and custom parties celebrated in the comfort of your own home or party venue as of October. For now enjoy your time with your families and your summer break ☀️

School is out but that means more time to try out more recipes and be adventurous in the kitchen ❤️Our last week of classes we made Chicha de Arroz... a simple and yummy treat to make as an afternoon treat
Directions:
1. Rinse 1/2 cup of rice and cover with water. Let it rest for 2 hours or overnight
2. Strain rice and place in a pot to cook with 3.5 cups of water and 1 cinnamon stick on low heat for 25-30 min until all water is absorbed. (It will look mushy)
3. Add 3 tbs of sugar, mix well and allow to cool
4. Place cooked rice in blender with 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/4-1/2 cup condensed milk, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
5. Blend well and add Ice
6. Enjoy!

Imagine drinking arroz con leche.......Yes it sounds super decadent but oh soo yummy 😋 Our students loved making this Venezuelan Chicha de Arroz in our last Around the World Cooking class

Mini arepitas made by our Prek3&4 students at St Philips School .

My favorite part of teaching Around the World classes is seeing the kids faces when they try something new with a little hesitation but soon there after asking for second helpings 😋The cardamom in this Mango Lassi gives it such a unique flavor and the kids loved it 💛

We love when our try spices they are not used to and love them! Indian samosas bursting with flavor 🍽

Lately our family is a little obsessed with chocolate chip cookies...🙈Definitely makes this rainy afternoon feel a little sweeter 🍪

Anyone who knows me knows I dislike making boxed baked goods, however I made one exception after watching beautiful documentary about . I bought a couple of the mixes and was pleasantly surprised.
I would have never thought to add potato chips or pretzel pcs to a chocolate chip cookie... but the outcome is crunchy deliciousness 🍪 We even added a sprinkle of sea salt before baking to add to that sweet & salty cookie dance. .

Apparently there is a National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day but we don’t really need an excuse 🤪 This past weekend we celebrated with a chocolate chip ice cream drip cake... decadent messy yumminess 🍪🍪🍪

Today is a very special day for us as we celebrate two people that are very important to my family and to .chefs.kitchen . My sister who is an amazing mom, friend, and pastry chef. Without her support both because of her expertise and her beautiful soul we would not be “sane”... And to my grandmother who is no longer with us and it still hurts like it was yesterday.... We miss you, love you, and thank you always for the beautiful person that you were and all that you taught us. Thank you for instilling in our mom the love for baking & cooking that she passed down to us, and for all the recipes that you handed down so that we can enjoy them with all the generations to come...
Happy Birthday ❤️❤️❤️

Need ideas for Mom this weekend? Make this easy dessert that kids can assist and impress mom on Mother’s Day ❤️ 1) Use an aluminum cupcake liner and fill it with melted chocolate so as to create a layer to form an edible bowl. Let excess drip back into the bowl with the melted chocolate. Place in fridge to chill and set. If your layer is too thin you might have to repeat a second coat.
2) In the meantime make your favorite filling. Mine is homemade whip cream with strawberries and passion fruit sauce but get creative and add what mom likes...
3)Remove aluminum liner from the chocolate and add the filling. Garnish with fruit or extra chocolate.
4) Present to mom with love and P.S. don’t forget to clean the kitchen 😉