My 15 year old daughter loves to watch cooking shows

My 15 year old daughter loves to watch cooking shows and she enjoys cooking. (She has an apple pie that is to die for and she has no problem making it on the spur of the moment, like after dinner, if asked.) Of course, I, as the Dad, see her owning her own restaurant some day and becoming rich and famous. Any suggestions on how I can cultivate her interest without being the kiss-of-death to it?

Have her take some cooking classes, and have her choose some cookbooks. Perhaps cooking whole meals for the family. Then, of course, when she's of age, get her a part-time job in a restaurant.

Let her plan menus and do the shopping to pick her own ingredients. Offer to be her prep guy. That way she gets to expand her culinary horizons and you get to spend time together *doing* something, which is the best way to get a teenager to talk to you.

Echoing Cynthia, gradually increase her responsibilities in your own kitchen. In addition to involving her in the shopping expeditions and meal planning, involve her in the meal preparation -- you could start her off prepping foods, then move on the sauté station and finally end up as sous chef. Then, if she seems to enjoy it, offer to turn the kitchen over to her once or twice a week. Let her plan, prepare and carry out a meal, offering your own services as support in whatever capacity needed. I would never push her into the restaurant trade, as it is a very demanding profession and requires true passion to endure its rigors. I'd also get some books like Bill Buford's "Heat" and, when appropriate, Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential." If the latter doesn't put her off the idea of being a chef, she's probably got what it takes.

Mark Lipton

My 15 year old daughter loves to watch cooking shows and she enjoys cooking. (She has an apple pie that is to die for and she has no problem making it on the spur of the moment, like after dinner, if asked.) Of course, I, as the Dad, see her owning her own restaurant some day and becoming rich and famous. Any suggestions on how I can cultivate her interest without being the kiss-of-death to it?

Does she read here? Lots of things posted here that might pique her interest. And since she bakes Celia can give her all kinds of tips. For Cooking there is the "Dishwasher" and lots of others.

My 17-year-old has been showing an interest in cooking for the last year or so. I have her work in the kitchen with me whenever possible and she's been doing quite well. One thing that helps is to find out what she's interested in cooking and eating and going from there. I think it's also important to teach some basic dishes that she can alter creatively without too much of a risk of failure - risotto, basic pasta sauces, etc. I think I'll try her on pizza or flatbread next.

Her mom has been tutoring her on baking.

Does she read here? Lots of things posted here that might pique her interest. And since she bakes Celia can give her all kinds of tips. For Cooking there is the "Dishwasher" and lots of others.

No, Bob, she doesn't. I may try to bring it up now, however. I may wait until this thread fades a few pages.