I had the opportunity to speak with California based Yvette Garfield, creator of Handstand Kids, and discuss how she went from completing law school and working for children's rights to creating cookbooks for kids.
BB: What was the inspiration for the Handstand Kids cookbook series?
YG: I was doing a lot of traveling and looking for gifts to bring back to my younger cousins. I was looking for something like a cookbook that would introduce kids to the culture and the language. That was right before law school. Then, during law school I kind of searched for such a cookbook and couldn't find anything, so I started working on Handstand Kids.
BB: How did you develop the recipes and concepts for the cookbooks? What made you choose the countries Italy, Mexico and China to write about?
YG: I did a lot of traveling to those countries. The first book of the series is the Italian Cookbook, published in 2007, I lived in Italy for a summer and traveled throughout the country. I picked some of the recipes based on the regional representation. Our whole goal is to balance authenticity to the country and what American kids will actually eat. It's that fine line. Then, I realized that my college roommate had taught Italian cooking while she was living in Italy to kids no less. So, she helped me develop recipes and learn what's kid friendly, as well.
For the other books (Baking Around the World, Mexican Cookbook and Chinese Cookbook) I worked with different recipe writers that focused on that specific region of cooking for kids. I think they are most common international foods in an American child's pallet.
BB: Do you have a specific recipe you would reccomend to parents when introducing their children to the world of cooking?
YG: Something like a pesto is always a good introduction. Pesto bought in a store may be stronger then a homemade pesto that can be tailored to a child's pallet. For example you can add a little less garlic or add basil or something a little sweeter, like spinach. Also, lasagna is a big hit because children enjoy the layering process. Enchilada's are always great, since many kids love cheese and China's a great one. People can sometimes be really nervous about making chinese food at home but we really narrow it down to a few ingredients for a lot of the recipes, like the chinese chicken lettuce wraps. They are super fun because you can use your hands to eat them.
BB: I have a 20month old. Are there any recipes that would cater to introducing cooking to children at such a young age?
YG: We definitley think there is no time too early to introduce kids to the kitchen, obviously you're not going to put a knife in their hands but, for example, our panzanella bread salad where they can toss the basil and other ingredients in can be fun. This helps kids feel a part of the dinner making process. I feel the sooner a child has the connection of making their own food they are more likely to taste different things and it gets rid of that "icky" factor like, "Mom made this for me and now I'm forced to eat it." No, you are part of it. You saw what was going into it and there is a sense of pride when putting their dish on the table because they've contributed to the meal. So, theres definitley kid appropriate ways to help in the kitchen even if they are young.
BB: What is the age range the Handstand Kids cook book series are geared towards?
YG: Our recipes are really targeted for children 6 to 10 years of age. Our books are a little different because there are charachters in it and I have had some moms say that they read it like a story book to their younger children. Which, I didn't intend but think it is awesome. The characters have different eating habits too and they are diverse looking so it's entertaining for children to read.
BB: What are the future plans for Handstand Kids?
YG: Our future plans include taking over the world one recipe at a time. Haha! Seriously, right now we just came out with the Baking Around the World cookbook and are focused on that and expanding our accessory line, which include oven mitt's, aprons & chef hats. Also, we are interested in developing a TV show or app online to continue to bring the series to life. We are interested in taking Handstand Kids to the next level beyond books and seeing what's out there.
Stay tuned to preview the holiday baking basket, which will include Handstand Kids Baking Around the World cook book kit, apron, hat and mitt.
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