I love to have fun with the kids, not just outside or on the four-wheeler, but in the kitchen as well. I want to start building their food memories early, as I did, playing in the kitchen while my mother cooked. She, and now I cook dishes the kids can participate in, then they get excited about cooking and learn something, too.
My oldest, Margeaux, refused to be on television, but my baby, Gianna (8) and Felicia, (she's "12-teen"), appear with me. We've invited a few of their friends over for a party where each will create her own bowl of mashed potatoes as if it were an ice cream sundae. They'll be able to choose from among a whole variety of intensely flavored toppings and condiments.
Since olive oil mashed potatoes is all the rage in the Napa Valley, I take you to meet Ken Stutz, President of the California Olive Oil Council. Just like our wines, California's olive oil — which contributes 1% to the world's output — is now comparable in quality to European oils. To learn which oils you prefer, maybe it's time to learn a trick from wine, and have an olive oil tasting party.
When I grew up, polpette (a potato "burger") was a Friday night dish. Now it's a family favorite, not only for the crunchy crust that hides a surprise inside, but because they are so much fun for kids to make. Gianna loves making the polpette because she gets to use her hands to form the potato balls. Felicia is on to bigger things, learning techniques like learning how to use a sharp knife. The most important thing with children and cooking is to feel comfortable having the kids around while you are in the kitchen.
