With a passion for kids’ nutrition, Leah Smith began her career as a registered dietician, educating parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in clinical and community settings. Seeing how many families lacked the basics, she looked for ways to show nutrition in action, not just talk about it.
That’s when she created the first cooking classes at a group of WIC supplemental food programs, teaching affordable, nutrient-rich recipes. She then launched Kids Kitchen in 2011 to inspire families to encourage and excite their children about food.
“I learned that if kids, or even adults, get their hands involved and become part of the process, it’s more interesting and engaging. And therefore, they want to taste their creations,” says Smith.
As her own children grew, so did her interest in nutrition at every stage of life. In 2016, she expanded her mission with Kitchen House, a fun and educational space for kids and adults to experience food as nourishment and joy.
During kids’ cooking parties, Smith often hears the same words—“This is the best day ever!” For her, the magic is in seeing attendees embrace new ingredients and new ways to prepare them.
“Many years ago, I was teaching a class to kids ages five to eight. We were making something simple—strawberry spinach smoothies. Somehow, one kid wanted to try the spinach leaf before adding it to the blender, and then they all wanted to do it,” says Smith. “They were throwing up their hands, dancing around, and yelling for more spinach! I had to stop them so we could still have some to put in their smoothie. How many kids ask and fight over eating raw spinach leaves?”
An especially rewarding moment came this summer with an eight-year Kitchen House participant. She just aged out of the summer camps, but is already asking when she can return as an instructor.
Whether you’re making pizza dough from scratch or layering parfaits with homemade skillet granola, Kitchen House’s focus is on food that tastes great and looks beautiful. Kids leave eager to help at home—cutting vegetables, baking cornbread, or even grilling.
“Keep trying the same foods, prepared and cooked in different ways,” says Smith. “Don’t just assume they don’t like broccoli, or will never like it. Our taste buds are constantly changing!”
Want to learn recipes that develop lifelong healthy habits? Get started at: kitchenhouseaustin.com
“Cooking is fun. It shouldn’t be treated as a chore because it can be very simple yet still good tasting and good for you!”