Last week I decided to do something bold, my job-criteria went overboard and just I went with my gut-feeling to commit something real: Cooking for the Kindergarden & Daycare because there was no one else to feed the kids and parents had to fill in. I decided to take this responsibility to cook for them every day.

At first it may seem like an unusual career move but let me explain why I did it anyway:

1. Connecting with the end consumer. I always tell my clients that I stay in touch with the end-user, bridging (food/cooking) technology with people’s real experiences. This opportunity allowed me to dive deep into a specific cooking domain and get my hands dirty—literally!
2. The challenge intrigued me. Cooking for kindergartens presents a unique set of challenges: logistical issues, tight budgets, and picky eaters. Many have tried and struggled—just look at this Berlin disaster.
3. Inspired by Jamie Oliver. Like Jamie Oliver, I’m passionate about getting kids to eat healthy, nutritious food, especially when it’s packed with organic vegetables. This challenge somehow connects me the work Oliver did with his school diners in 2005.
4. Perfecting recipes for kids is fun! I love fine-tuning recipes for specific groups, and for kids, it’s even more exciting! I’ve been integrating techniques and appliances to make meals more nutritious, tastier, and efficient. After just one week, I’m brimming with ideas and inspiration!
5. The community appreciation. The gratitude I’ve received from the kids, parents, and staff has been overwhelming. It’s a feeling of value that’s hard to match, and because my own children attend the same daycare and kindergarten, I’ve become even more closely involved in this community.
6. The importance of proper nutrition for children. More than anything, it’s crucial for kids to develop a connection with real, wholesome food. They should learn that healthy food can taste delicious. That’s more than enough motivation for me!

The verdict after facing criticism from the toughest audience
I’ve cooked at the Architecture Biennale and even for the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, but I was more nervous about cooking for these kids! Young children are brutally honest... but the result? They’re eating more than before, which means I can introduce even more adventurous dishes. 😄

Stay tuned for more experiences from the kindergarten kitchen!