SAN CLEMENTE, California, June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The rising popularity of competitive cooking shows featuring young culinary masterminds has sparked children’s interest in the kitchen. Fueled by this trend and inspired by the positive impact cooking healthy meals has on younger generations, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), creator of the iconic got milk? campaign, has launched a new statewide program that features recipes created by and for kids. Titled “Jr Got Milk? Chef,” got milk? scouted talented kid chefs throughout California and tasked them with developing simple yet creative meals that are perfect for summer and back-to-school menus.
Cooking has become a popular pastime with children, and it comes as no surprise since there is an increase in the number of consumers preparing and eating meals at home1. Exposure to cooking at home inspires kids to get involved and allows them to develop a taste for fresh, wholesome ingredients2.The kid-friendly creations prepared by the Jr. Got Milk? Chefs are packed with fresh fruits, vegetables and smart ingredient swaps (e.g. buckwheat instead of traditional flour). And with milk as the pairing beverage of choice for each meal, the overall nutritional value beats that of pre-packaged options. “What better way to keep kids engaged in the summer than by allowing them to express their creativity in the kitchen,” said Steve James, executive director of the CMPB. “I was impressed by all of our junior chefs’ recipes, and was excited to see how milk plays a key role in complementing each one,” said Steve.
An example of creativity at work is the “Mole Nachos” dish created by father and son team Scott Davis and Max Davis-Young of “The Culinary Dude,” a cooking academy based in San Francisco. With smoked paprika, cinnamon and semisweet chocolate chips, these nachos are sophisticated yet a breeze to make – and their flavor and crunch go perfectly with a creamy glass of milk! Another example are the “Buckwheat and Blueberry Pancakes” created by Tina Fanelli-Moraccini, Valentina and Mimi Moraccini from “Piccolo Chef” in Los Angeles. Their recipe proves that not all pancakes are created equal, as they contain ground flaxseeds and chia seeds that are full of fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fats (aka good fat) 3. Paired with a glass of milk, it’s a well-balanced breakfast or lunch for late sleepers!
All of the Jr. Got Milk? Chefs have contributed their own unique styles, reinventing traditional favorites into tasty and easy-to-make meals. “We encourage kids to try these milk pairing recipes at home as a fun way to keep their minds active while getting the nutrition they need,” added Steve James. When kids are learning to cook they are also learning science, language, counting, fractions, problem-solving, sharing, fine motor skills and they’re also reading and learning about other cultures – all of which make cooking an enjoyable and educational summer activity4. For all of the summer and back-to-school Jr. Got Milk? Chefs’ recipes, visit: www.gotmilk.com and follow got milk? via social media on Facebook/ Twitter @gotmilk and Instagram @officialgotmilk.
About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
1http://www.ift.org/newsroom/news-releases/2016/january/15/interesting-facts-about-americas-eating-habits.aspx
2http://www.thekidscookmonday.org/why-cook-with-kids/
3http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-should-i-eat-flaxseeds-chia-seeds-and-hemp-seeds
4http://www.thekidscookmonday.org/why-cook-with-kids/
