Today we’d like to introduce you to Kensli Liora, an Aspiring Chef
Hi Kensli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Kensli is turning three in October. She began her cooking journey at the onset of the pandemic. At the time, K was a one-and-a-half-year-old who always wanted to be in my arms. It made me think of ways to tackle my daily tasks at home, especially when I had to prepare meals with her around. We decided to purchase a toddler tower/adjustable step stool, which enabled K to reach the counter level and see everything happening while I was busy making meals instead of being on the floor with no visual. While standing on her tower, Miss K would get bored at times and still cry for attention. I opted to offer her some fruits and vegetables to play with or rinse in a water bowl. Eventually, it became a routine. It was a relief because she was so focused on playing with them to the point that I would leave her in the kitchen, and she would not even notice or be bothered. Sometimes, she would only ask for more water. Anytime I stepped into the kitchen, she followed. After some time, I began involving K in meal preparations, for instance, breakfast. Surprisingly, there was a minimal mess as she poured milk into a bowl to mix with cereals or cracking and whisking eggs. What triggered me was her excitement and hand control while doing it.
K’s interest in cooking advanced when she turned two. She was able to blend ingredients to make waffles, crepes, and pancakes. At this moment, we decided to share her cooking experiences on Instagram. By and large, Kensli had developed much interest in cooking, from making perfect omelets, guacamole, pasta, and even seafood after multiple fails of course.
Kensli’s favorite questions once she hears some noise in the kitchen: “Can I help you?”, “Do you want to cook with me?”
Kensli does not only cook. We use the Montessori method of education at home, which fosters the child’s independence and freedom within boundaries as well as practical life activities in a prepared environment. Our home is set up in a way that encourages her development and ability to practice some life skills. K can fold and hang her clothes, choose her outfit and get dress, tidy the floor, squeeze some orange juice, get her water, fruits, and snacks from her self-serve station, and much more.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge was how to control Kensli’s emotions as well as mine while trying to show her how something is done. She is great at the following direction. However, as every chef or cook in his or her kitchen, we all have our ways of doing things. She might be little, but she still shows me that the food does not have to come out exactly my way because she will add her twist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Kensli demonstrates amazing skills for an aspiring Chef. At two years of age, she can properly flip crepes or french toast. K can prepare a whole meal with directions and knows how to handle a pan on a stove. Kensli should be proud of how much she grew her confidence and independence. For a toddler, Kensli gives more attention to everything happening in the kitchen than her play/activity room. Just crack an egg and watch her run to the kitchen as if you said, “let’s go to the pool”. She loves to swim.
What matters most to you?
What matters is for Kensli to have fun and enjoy while acquiring some life skills.
I also have the hope that spending quality time in the kitchen will be our “thing” when she’s older.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Bijoux Abellard
