Who said healthy couldn’t be tasty?
Last Sunday, 26 young chefs celebrated their winning recipes at the third annual Kid Food Nation gala.
Hosted by YTV’s Spencer Litzinger and Duhin Nanda, this year’s gala took place at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto. Gathering in the nation’s largest city, winners of the Kid Food Nation recipe contest flew in from all across Canada.
From Healthy Harvest Pumpkin Muffins in Battleford, to Citrus Summer Salad in Belleville, to Corny Corn Chowder in Charlotte County, the menu of winning recipes served as an exhibition of taste and nutrition.
“It’s not so much cooking that I like,” said winner Jorja from Mt. Pearl in Newfoundland. “It’s more allowing other people to enjoy it.”
And though most children may associate healthy eating with being unenjoyable, the Kid Food Nation winners did not compromise taste for nutrition.
Jorja’s winning recipe – Honey Raisin Banana Bread – is a healthier variation of the traditionally sweet and dense dessert, using whole wheat instead of regular flour, and honey instead of sugar.
“It feels really good because nothing like this has ever happened to me,” Jorja said.
Aptly named, Kid Food Nation is a cross-Canada movement that teaches kids cooking skills and promotes healthy habits.
Engaging youth in the culture of healthy food also connects them to their own heritage.
In her winning recipe, Mila from the Dawson Boys and Girls Club proudly highlights her Syrian origin.
Mila likes to eat traditional recipes from Syria – hummus is a classic! On the breakfast table every Sunday, Mila often prepares hummus with her grandmother.
Garnished with beet chips, Mila’s recipe – Healthy Hummus and Beet Chips – is an example of the perfect Kid Food Nation dish … healthy, cultural, and meaningful!
Set for a release at a later date, the 26 winning recipes will be showcased in the Kid Food Nation cookbook.
