Cooking is my passion and my profession.   I spend more time in a kitchen than anywhere else.  Because of the creative nature of my business, I’m always learning and discovering.  One of my greatest joys is sharing these revelations with my sons, Patrick, 8, and Cameron, 5. 

Father’s Day around my house is great.  My wife Jennifer and the boys always do something extra special for me.  But this day also reminds me how becoming a father led me to this point in my career as a chef. 

I worked for years in some of the greatest restaurants in Washington, DC.  I always dreamed of having my own business.  When the boys were born, I took advantage of an opportunity to start a catering operation where I could indulge in my passion for food and still spend time with my growing family. 

As the boys have gotten older, they naturally gravitate to the kitchen because that is where I am.  I’ve been able to share my love of culinary arts in simple ways with them.

Make it fun

My boys think cooking is very cool.  As they help me, they don’t realize they are working.  They just see it as spending time with dad.  I don’t try to subject them to complicated procedures because that would frustrate everyone involved.  They wash fruits and vegetables.  They melt the butter for Rice Crispy treats.  As we work, I talk to them and explain what we are doing and why.  They have no idea they are being taught.  It is our way of sharing.

Make it age appropriate

Because of their ages, I focus on teaching them fun things that appeal to their food needs.  They have mastered the microwave.  We’ve worked on knife skills and safety.  My son Cameron was very insistent that he have his own cutting board.  They don’t like apple peels, so Patrick is learning to safely peel apples. 

Let them experiment

Kids love mixing ingredients.  I talk to the boys about flavor combinations and how some tastes complement others.  Like most kids, they come up with some bizarre mixes.  But when they have a definite idea, I let them experiment and discover on their own what works and what does not.  For example, they learned that chocolate syrup does not go with everything.  Patrick hit upon a great taste combination last year with a coconut Funfetti cake with strawberries, a creation that won first place in a kids’ bake-off competition. 

Celebrate their successes

This week Patrick made cinnamon rolls from the tube for breakfast, which is pretty involved for an 8- year-old.  He is always the first one to ask if he can make pancakes for breakfast, although he does need a little help so that the sweeping of flour is kept to a minimum.  He enjoys it and it gives him a great sense of accomplishment in providing a meal for the family

Your children will remember time spent working in the kitchen with you.  You’ll make memories and a delicious treat to share.  That’s priceless.  Enjoy!