The Montessori Baker
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"Food has become more than a primary need to maintain health. Food is exploration, social, and cultural. It brings families, friends, and strangers together. As caregivers we want children to have a good relationship with food. We enjoy eating and trying new foods, they should too. We just need to give them the opportunity and start them as young as possible."
"Food preparation embodies all areas of the Montessori philosophy. We participate in food preparation as a form of practical life skills by taking care of ourselves, our environment, refining our gross motor skills through movement of furniture, fine motor through pouring, stirring, spooning…and integrating grace and courtesy into our vocabulary. Through food preparation the child learns to make their food independently so they can maintain health and nutrition throughout their lives. Through movement of furniture and objects they use their gross motor skills to bring tables together for communal meals or moving chairs to sit at the table. The children have an opportunity to use grace and courtesy throughout a meal by politely asking for food, serving another person, or waiting to be served. This will help the child adapt to their particular culture and develop a sense of belonging. The child will learn to care for their environment by clearing and cleaning the meal area. It is also important to use real food when educating children about food. Wooden and plastic pretend toys won't reach the child's senses the same way the enjoyment of preparing and eating real food does."
"As you read the recipes in this book it's important to read them thoroughly and test them after you've read the tips and techniques of in this book. It will give extra details to understanding each recipe thoroughly. Most of the tips and techniques might not relate to each recipe while some are interchangeable. My "pro tips" are a great addition to all my recipes. It gives creative ideas to an already existing recipe. If you're feeling brave, just go for it!"
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About the Book
If you want to teach children to be independent in the kitchen, then you’ll want to join The Montessori Baker on her adventures.
Christie Alexandra Duryea, who was a professional pastry chef for more than eleven years before becoming a Montessori teacher, highlights how getting comfortable in the kitchen can help children of all ages learn more about life—all while learning important skills and having fun!
She answers questions such as:
• How can you teach children to be safe in the kitchen?
• What steps do you need to take to prepare the kitchen environment?
• How can you include your child in the kitchen on a regular basis?
Other topics include how to involve children in setting the table, encouraging healthy eating habits, and why it’s so important to regularly share meals together.
There’s also a bonus section with recipes, such as A Lot of Stuff Granola, Maple Bacon Corn Bread, Cinnamon-Scented Almond and Banana Chips, and other tasty treats.
These one-of-a-kind recipes were handcrafted through the author’s time as a pastry chef and being a Montessori teacher. The recipes are child approved, healthy, culturally inclusive, and easy to make.
About the Author
Christie Alexandra Duryea became passionate about baking in high school and went on to graduate from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in baking and pastry arts. She was a professional pastry chef for more than eleven years. She then discovered the Montessori community and became an AMI trained teacher. She enjoys helping children, teachers, parents, and others involve their children in the kitchen.