I started Petit Appetit because I feel it is important to start children off with good eating habits and would like parents to pay as much attention to their child's palate and health as they do their own. As a Mom, I try to provide the best of everything for my children's health and development, while still maintaining my family's lifestyle, values and traditions. Living in the Bay Area we have access to a large variety of fresh organic foods grown locally. Why not expose children to these foods, farms, growers, restaurants and markets?
I became a member of the American Personal Chef Association because of my love and enthusiasm for food and cooking. I earned my Certified Food Handler's License so that I could share my recipes and research with interested parents who have similar values in the Bay Area.
While cooking for children, teaching parents, and recipe testing in my own kitchen, I decided to compile my research and recipes for publishing so I could reach more families beyond the Bay Area. Thus in Spring 2005 The Petit Appetit Cookbook became available. The cookbook focuses on ages 0 -4 years old when children's palates, tastes and eating habits are established. As a contributor to many online sites and magazines (OrganicToBe, iVillage, Mommy Track'd) I also advocate for the use of organic foods when cooking for children to reduce the potential risks of pesticide and chemical exposure.
I am on the board of directors for Leah's Pantry, a nonprofit organization provising nutrition workshops to families, kids, and seniors living in transitional and affordable housing communities. I authored the Williams-Sonoma's Cooking for Baby cookbook, released Spring 2008, and I am currently working on another Petit Appetit title for a Spring 2009 publication date.
Whether teaching mom's groups, creating new recipes, advocating for organic food, shopping at a farmer's market or preparing food for and with my own family, I think of meals and food preparation as a social time to nourish not only the body but also the relationships of family, friends and community. |
