Whose kid or preteen is a picky eater? 🙋🏻♀️ Same here! Who has tried countless different options for their kids to eat more varied foods and dishes, and still nothing has changed? 🙋🏾♀️ Yep, same here too! Quinten, my 11 year-old Mac kid, and I recently had a breakthrough with his relationship with food and cooking thanks to a local nutrition professional.
Christiana Cortina of Nutrida LLC in Annapolis to the rescue with In-Home Cooking Lessons!
Christiana meets kids where they are—right in their own homes, in their family kitchens, using their own kitchen tools. For kids of all ages!
My family and I received complimentary cooking lessons in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
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Our In-Home Cooking Lesson
When I asked Quinten if he would like to have a one-on-one cooking lesson, he replied, "Yes, yes, yes!" From the moment I asked him until we ate the meal he prepared, Quinten felt empowered throughout the entire process and had so much fun at the same time!
Plus it was SO EASY on me as a parent. No shopping, no prep, no clean up. Christiana did it ALL.
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Why I loved Christiana and her in-home cooking class:
- Quinten could choose one of her family-friendly recipes, or he could choose his own.
- NO PREP for parents! She brought all the main ingredients (we provided salt, pepper, etc) and even an apron for Quinten.
- She gently showed how Quinten to use the oven, safely hold a knife, properly pour hot water in the sink, and other important kitchen lessons
- Christiana empowered Quinten by letting him take the lead and stepping in only when necessary.
- She referred to him as "the chef," further making him feel really in charge!
- Christiana fit right into my kitchen and found most everything she needed to use right away.
- The meal was made just before dinnertime, so we could go seamlessly from cooking to eating.
- Beyond guiding him as the chef, Christiana encouraged Quinten to set the table in his own way, allowing him to fully showcase the meal he prepared. She even brought flowers for him to set, adding a beautiful touch to the table.
- Christiana washed the dishes and put them away! I was ready to load the dishwasher, but while Quinten was setting the table, she had washed, dried and PUT AWAY my dishes in no time.
And a bonus: I learned several helpful cooking tips myself. My main role, though, was help Christiana find a few pans, utensils, etc. It was really fun to just be able to take a step back in my own kitchen and watch the magic happen!
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Christiana has a true gift for combining deep cooking knowledge with an incredible ability to connect with kids. At every turn in the cooking lesson, she knew exactly what Quinten needed to cheer him on, when to let him "try" different methods, and when he needed a lesson.
Christiana brought out a passion in my son that I thought was always there, but somehow I could not bring out in him myself. (Maybe it's because he takes instruction better from someone other than a parent! Regardless, my husband are grateful for his newfound love of cooking and his openness to trying new foods now.)
As we finished the entire experience, at end of the meal, Quinten said to me, "Don't be offended, but I learned more from Christiana about how to cook than from you." Talk about getting the truth straight from the horse's mouth!
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Our delicious meal: Sun-Dried Pesto Pasta with Bacon and Side Salad with Homemade Dressing
Nutrida's Other Offerings
In addition to personalized in-home cooking lessons, Christiana also offers small group cooking classes and workshops for kids in Severna Park. Check out the upcoming ones.
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Even before Christiana left our house, Quinten asked if he could attend Christiana's upcoming breakfast cooking class. It can't come soon enough for him - he's beyond excited for it.
More About Christiana Cortina
Christiana received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and went on to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition. She offers personalized one-on-one nutrition counseling for individuals and families, meeting clients where they are and tailoring support to their unique needs.
Her mission is to help people nourish their bodies with what they truly need while cultivating a positive and peaceful relationship with food. Christiana believes that food is more than fuel. Food is a powerful tool for connection, comfort, and joy. By honoring both nutritional needs and lived experiences, she empowers clients to build sustainable habits that support well-being at every stage of life.
Contact Christiana at Nutrida LLC
Free 15 minute discovery calls for new clients!
nutridallc@gmail.com
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Both Quinten and I cannot recommend her more highly!
Give your kids an experience both you and your kid will love—Christiana’s cooking lessons deliver fun, confidence, and real-life skills.
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