A Conversation with Sally
After many, many, MANY months of hard work, the ChopChop cookbook hits the bookshelves today! We’ve been busy here at ChopChop headquarters, getting ready for the release of CHOPCHOP: The Kids’ Guide to Cooking Real Food with Your Family. We will have lots more to share as we go out and talk about the cookbook and get feedback from our readers. For anyone that is just learning about ChopChop and founder/author Sally Sampson for the first time, we invite you to “listen” in on a recent conversation with Sally. We hope everyone picks up a copy of the cookbook. We look forward to hearing all about your cooking adventures!
A CONVERSATION WITH SALLY SAMPSON
What is the mission of ChopChop Kids and why did you, a seasoned cookbook writer, decide to start a non-profit magazine?
ChopChop’s mission is to inspire and teach kids to cook and eat real food with their families. I started ChopChop because I wanted to fuse my experience (as the mother of a child with a chronic illness) with my skills as a cookbook writer. While there are few professions more fun than cookbook writing, I wanted to do something more meaningful by using cooking as a way to address the obesity epidemic.
Have doctors really “prescribed” a subscription to ChopChop Magazine? Why?
Just yesterday I heard this from a doctor: “This approach (of bringing ChopChop into the room with me) is working great. It’s like giving a prescription for good health.” Doctors are talking to families about healthy ways to eat and ChopChop provides an introduction to the conversation and a tool to use the advice.
What are some of the benefits of cooking together as a family?
It’s a great and meaningful way for parents and kids to spend time together, all the while learning math, science, geography, culture and importantly, cooperation and teamwork. Cooking also creates something that can be shared and yet also increases a child’s sense of autonomy.
How does ChopChop help reduce the risk of childhood obesity?
We know that obesity is less a problem in cultures where cooking is more elevated. ChopChop’s goal is to get kids in the kitchen, cooking real food and eating less prepared food. Also when you cook, you are in control of what you are eating as opposed to being fairly unaware when you eat junk!
What is the easiest way to get kids involved in the kitchen?
Just ask. I haven’t yet found a kid who didn’t want to help. Kids really want to be successful in the areas in which adults reign.
Where do you get your inspiration for new kid-friendly recipes?
Literally everywhere: everything I eat and read offers a possibility for a new recipe. We view kids as inexperienced cooks so our recipes tend to be relatively easy and quick.
What would you say to parents who are nervous about including kids in the kitchen?
Start somewhere, anywhere. Ask your child to count out 12 cherry tomatoes to add to the salad. Take them shopping and ask them to pick out something they’ve never had before. Show them how to peel a carrot. Look through ChopChop and ask them to select a recipe to try!