FoodieTots.com

I hope everyone has been over to visit Jenna’s blog at Kid Appeal. The next foodie parent who graciously agreed to share some memories and treats with us is Ruth from Once Upon a Feast, though you may know her as the founder of Presto Pasta Nights and author of Every Kitchen Tells Its Stories. Ruth is parent to two grown daughters, Joanna and Sharon, and grandmother of two boys, 2-year-old Boaz and brand new baby Dov. Ruth and her daughters grew up in Montreal, Quebec, but now reside in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She often blogs about some of her favorite places in or around Nova Scotia, which is always a treat. And with two generations of cooking for kids under her belt, I’m excited to have her share a few stories here with us!

What was the first cooking experience that you remember?

I can’t seem to recall a time I DIDN’T spend in the kitchen, but my best memory was making cookies for my dad when I was 5 or 6. My mother was an awesome baker and even when I was little I got to play with her scraps. I lovingly played with the dough until it was gray and tough (it looked wonderful to me), cut them into shapes and baked them along side my mother’s delicate golden ones. I still can feel the pride I felt as I gave it to my daddy. Looking back, I’m not sure how he even bit into one, but he put on a great show. I guess that’s what daddies do best.

What was the most memorable cooking experience with your daughters?

Making challah with my girls when they were 4 & 6 AND they invited a friend each! What was I thinking! But it became a tradition that lasted until Joanna went off to university. (Joanna is pictured at left, hard at work!)

What was the biggest challenge in feeding your daughters when they were young?

Getting them to eat vegetables, so I hid them into many dishes. but these two are ones they ask for even today. Green Chicken Soup and Zucchini Bread. Isn’t it amazing how chocolate chips make even vegetables taste delicious?

What are your grandson’s favorite foods?

Well Boaz is a pretty good eater, but his favorite are still breaded chicken, spaghetti with tomato sauce, grilled cheese sandwiches. And while he loves chewing on frozen green peas, he’s not really a vegetable fan.

Are there any foods your daughters just won’t eat?

Both girls grew up to be very adventurous, but Joanna still won’t eat beets or brussels sprouts – she doesn’t know what she’s missing.

Do you have a favorite holiday treat in your family?

Well every holiday has a different favorite, but Hanukkah is approaching and I can’t imagine not serving potato latkes.

Thank you, Ruth! We celebrate Hanukkah as well and are looking forward to latkes on Sunday. Happy Hanukkah to you and your family!

And a note: I am hosting Presto Pasta Nights this week, so read the instructions and please share your family’s favorite pasta recipe with us for the holiday edition of PPN. And check back on Friday for the round-up of pasta dishes from around the world!

Photos by Ruth of Once Upon a Feast, used by permission.