sprinklefingers

this week i posted a great essay by mark bittman in which he describes his journey to the helm of the stove. he has some great insights and i fell even deeper under his spell after reading it.

my internet friend ronnie fein was also touched by bittman’s essay and had this to say about it:

This is a beautiful article. There were two points that seemed especially relevant to me.

First, that Mom doesn’t have to teach you how to cook. Just lead by example, and the kids will catch on if they’re interested. 

 Second, that cooking, along with child rearing, can give you “a sense of competence that I’d never had before.”

Bravo Bittman.  Your authenticity is a standout.

i couldn’t have said it better myself, ronnie.

and then this morning, while enjoying my first cup of coffee while the house is still quiet, i came across this piece about the man i want to be friends with - hugh fearnley-whittingstall. it’s a description of his version of a ‘take your kids to work’ day - and it’s just so perfect. he actually gives up the reins of his column to his children. who are 14, 12 and 8.

my favorite bit:

So when I invite the children to take over my column, saying they can each suggest a recipe and that I’ll stick with whatever they choose, a glint appears in their eyes. “Rabbit brains on toast,” says Oscar, 12. “Squirrels’ testicles dipped in chocolate,” says Freddie, eight. “Try to be original,” says my wife. “That’s the kind of thing he usually does.”

and then they all stop laughing and the kids come up with some pretty good ideas for their dishes. and hugh puts them in the column.

i just love it.

and speaking of involving kids in work, my kid is four yet he’s been involved in the opening of our new bakery every step of the way. he has contributed names for two menu items, wrote the slogan we’re having printed on the back of our staff t-shirts AND has tasted every single item on the new menu. when he says he doesn’t ‘care for’ something (yes, he really does use that phrase,) i seriously consider it and usually head back into the test kitchen for more adjustments.

even at four he takes all of this to heart. you can see how proud he is when i tell him that we’ve been working on the t-shirt design or that i made a batch of ‘bonbonbunbuns’ that afternoon. he’s fully invested in the project.

and we did it by actually involving him. almost like magic.