Eliana de Las Casas wants other kids to learn the way she cooks. She tells us on how every kid can cook at ease.
Q You seem to have created your own niche as a chef. Can you tell us about your journey?
I started cooking when I was four. On every birthday and Christmas, I always asked my parents for a gift that was related to the kitchen. It could be a knife, a stand mixer or even a meat grinder. When I was eight, I began food blogging and creating cooking tutorials for kids on YouTube. At 10, I came up with my first cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids. My second cookbook, Cool Kids Cook: Louisiana, released in 2012. My most recent cookbook is Cool Kids Cook: Louisiana. Now, I'm 16 and working on launching my line of spices in the US this year. My first spice will be a Creole seasoning. It is a family-friendly blend, so it's not as spicy or salty as other Creole seasoning blends on the market
Q Experimenting with so many spices and ingredients, you must have discovered your favourite cuisine?
I really love Latin cuisine because there is so much flavour in the food. Plus, tacos are my favourite. I also love the freshness of Asian cuisine such as Vietnamese and Filipino foods. They are all delicious, and I love fusing them to create Latin-Asian fusion dishes.
Q What is the best way for young chefs to remember the plethora of ingredients in the market?
Use them frequently, learn their origin, and even plant and grow them. I have a vast knowledge of many ingredients because not only do I have my own garden filled with herbs, fruits, and veggies, I also use them in my dishes.
Q How can we cook food that is healthy yet tasty?
Eating healthy doesn't mean surviving on salads all the time. Mix your meals by grilling or roasting veggies. Grilling gives them a smoky flavour while roasting brings out the sweetness. It's also about flavouring your food. I love adding spices and herbs to all my dishes. By doing that, you can make healthy and tasty food.
My toughest dish
The toughest dish I have made is soufflé. Initially I thought I could make it without a problem but when it came out of the oven, in just sank. But I eventually mastered it after lots of practice!
Tip or two
1. If the kitchen scares you, start with small tasks. Every cook should know how to make fluffy scrambled eggs.
2. Master that and then you'll be able to work your way to more complex dishes.
3. Cooking doesn't have to be about making complicated dishes. Sometimes, simple is best - allow the ingredients to shine on their own.
Chefs in the making
I would start with simple tasks such as mixing ingredients together and flipping pancakes. Once you feel that the kids are ready, teach them how to use a lettuce knife. It's made of plastic and manufactured specifically for cutting lettuce. It's not sharp, so it's safe for kids.
Presentation counts
- I always say: "You eat with your eyes." If it looks pretty, you're more likely to eat it. You won't be as attracted to a dish that looks drab.
- Consider garnishing your plate with fresh herbs and vegetables. It will add to its visual appeal and health quotient.