The Diminutive Gourmet

Belying their reputation as the planet’s pickiest eaters, many kids savor the chance to taste-test new dishes--and to create them from scratch. Some are even becoming savvy foodies who understand such terms as “wet measure” and “dice.” At the cookware store Sur La Table in Santa Monica, classes “for the junior chef” help youngsters broaden their culinary horizons. On a recent Saturday morning, 13 students ranging from 9 to 14 years old prepared a menu of baked potato soup, ham-and-Gruyere quiche, garlic mashed potatoes and chocolate spice potato cake under the watchful eye of chef-instructor Michelle Moore.

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Jillian Kasimow, 11

LOS ANGELES

Do you cook at home?

I make caprese--a salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil. When I went to Italy two years ago, that’s all I ate. It’s really simple to make.

Favorite food?

I like Japanese--sashimi with a tangy dressing.

Kitchen tool of choice?

The garlic peeler. I didn’t discover it ‘til today.

Favorite ingredient?

I like chives a lot for garnish or for flavor.

Today’s best dish?

The quiche.

How do fries compare?

They’re not exactly healthy. A baked potato is healthier.

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Alex Bugaj, 11

LOS ANGELES

Do you cook at home?

I make eggs, cakes and fruit pies.

What’s your favorite dish?

My mom’s food--Chinese food. It’s a tofu dish. I forgot the name.

What’s your kitchen tool of choice?

Cutting knives!

Today’s best dish?

The potato soup. It tastes creamy and has enough spices.

How do fries compare?

I don’t really like them. Potatoes aren’t a big thing for me.

Would you cook professionally?

Probably not. I just enjoy cooking. It’s fun to see something you’ve made and then eat it.

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Brannack McLain, 11

LOS ANGELES

Do you cook at home?

I mostly make desserts--cakes, cookies and brownies--and sometimes hamburgers or eggs.

Favorite food?

Potatoes are one of my favorites. I eat almost everything.

Kitchen tool of choice?

The garlic peeler. It’s pretty cool.

Favorite ingredient?

Besides sugar?

Today’s best dish?

The mashed potatoes are heavenly!

Would you cook professionally?

I really don’t know yet. I like to do a lot of things.

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Jenny Alexander, 11

PACIFIC PALISADES

Do you cook at home?

Most of the time I make dinner: roasted potatoes with rosemary-balsamic chicken, a steamed vegetable like asparagus, or salad.

Favorite food?

Potatoes--roasted or sauteed with onions.

Kitchen tool of choice?

Sharp knives.

Favorite ingredient?

I like using spices, especially paprika, and different kinds of balsamic vinegar.

Today’s best dish?

The potato skins [left over from the mashed potatoes].

How do fries compare?

You put ketchup with fries. But with mashed potatoes you can put garlic or onion or cheese.

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Clay Catton, 10, and Tess Catton, 12

BAKERSFIELD

Do you cook at home?

Clay: Oh, no.

Tess: Oh, yeah. For school bake sales, I make cupcakes or something really yummy.

Favorite food?

Clay: Pizza.

Tess: Cheesecake.

Favorite ingredient?

Clay: Sugar!

Tess: Vanilla flavoring.

Today’s best dish?

Clay: The mashed potatoes--they’re cheesy.

Tess: My brother did a good job [mashing].

Would you cook professionally?

Clay: No, not really.

Tess: Oh, yeah.