Jessi Walter from Taste Buds Kitchen NYC - Unique Cooking Events for Kids

I'm always on the lookout for business owners that teach and inspire kids about food. I think it's a a great idea...and I'm sure parents appreciate an outlet for their little ones to utilize their creativity (and to learn about cooking without getting their own kitchens so messy!) Engaging your kids in seeing how food is made, and using their own two hands to make it is a good way to get your kids to try something new, to explore something that is such a pervasive part of their lives and hopefully develop good life-long eating habits.

I had the pleasure of talking to Jessi Walter from Taste Buds Kitchen in New York about her growing and fun business. She's loves what she does, and has a contagious passion for creating unique ways for everyone to get involved with food.

Tell us about who you are and what you do.
My name is Jessi Walter and a I started Taste Buds Kitchen. A company in NYC that specializes in unique and creative cooking events for kids, families and adults.

What's the mission of Taste Buds Kitchen, and who is your main customer?
Our mission is to inspire kids through food! Most of our customers are NYC families with kids ages 2-14. Taste Buds Kitchen supports kids, families and food and strives to create a lifestyle around connecting, learning and growing in the culinary playground of the kitchen.

What inspired you to create Taste Buds Kitchen?
I love kids, food and business and I wanted to find a way to combine all of my passions.

How do you come up with your class ideas and activities?
We are always thinking up new ideas and are inspired by everything from dinners with friends, magazines, blogs and more. There are so many creative things to make in the kitchen!

Learning to follow recipes, measuring ingredients and eating their final creations are things that every kid should be able to experience.

What has been your biggest struggle as a food entrepreneur?

My biggest struggle as an entrepreneur is finding enough hours in the day! I'm working on finding a balance. I really love what I do!

You can collect and store recipes with this cute and kid friendly recipe collection starter. Perfect for the budding chef in your family.

What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?

Having employees was a huge accomplishment for me. It's nice to have a wonderful team all working towards the same goal!

What do you see as the future of Taste Buds Kitchen?
We're growing as fast as we can whip it up!

Taste Buds Kitchen - Beautiful, Bright and Organized Kitchen Space

Why do you think it's important for kids to learn about food/create their own?
Not only does cooking help to build self-confidence and independence in kids, the more ingredients they see and taste along the way, the more foods they are likely to try. This of course helps them to build stronger bodies and minds.

What is your favorite healthy snack? How about your favorite guilty pleasure?
Currently, I'm loving oatmeal in the morning for breakfast. I can't get enough with fresh fruit and milk.
And my favorite guilty pleasure is cookie dough. Love that stuff! :)

Some of the events and classes that Taste Buds Kitchen offers:

• Summer Camps
• $20 Kitchen Play Dates on Mondays
• Weekly Lip-Smacking Culinary Adventure each week on Wednesday and Thursdays!
• Classes which include: Making Dog Treats, Mac Attack Challenge, Iron Chef Camp and Baking 101 - they all sound awesome by the way!

You can find Jessi and her culinary adventures on the web, here:

Shop & Blog: www.tastebudskitchen.com
Twitter: TasteBudsCook
Facebook: facebook.com/tastebudscook