Cooking, between mother and daughter — Cuisiner, entre mère et fille
Lulu and I in the kitchen, it’s a scene.
She likes to sit on the floor at one corner of the room with pots and pans and muffin molds to play with while I’m busy at the sink and stove. Cooking. We both make a mess in our own way. Occasionally, she looks up at me to make sure that I am still there, within reach, before she concentrates again on her imaginary cooking game. Then, when she is done, she walks to me, pulling on my dress so that I carry her. She wants to see what I’m doing. What I’m cooking. It’s funny because right now, my kitchen is not the most inviting room in the house with boxes piled everywhere, yet Lulu and I don’t seem to take notice of the untidy space. Every day, we end up liking to spend time in the kitchen. Playing and cooking together.
It’s been natural.
When I became a mother, I didn’t know anything about introducing food to a baby. I didn’t know what Lulu would love and what she’d refuse to eat, and how I would end up dealing with it. I was unaware, too, of the challenges this natural process would keep along the way.
But Lulu likes to eat. I like to think that she must remember when I used to tell her stories about the good foods we were having when she was still in my belly. Watching her eat joyfully makes me feel warm inside. Every single time.
Just as my mother did, I want to educate Lulu to the art of homemade foods.
We walk to farmer markets together where I name to her all of the foods we like to eat; I have her smell fresh herbs and notice the beautiful colors of vegetables and fruit; I teach her how to use my Peugeot pepper mill to season rice and vegetable stews–one of her favorite foods by far.
And I show her how to hold the spoon. And stir.
She loves to stir. And help.
The other day, it’s stewed berries that we prepared together. She kept going for the spoon I had put inside the pot. So I let her do it. And I helped, discreetly, whenever I was needed.
It made me feel proud. I was proud of her.
When the berry sauce was ready, I looked at the jar, imagining how tasty it would be with a bowl of plain yogurt. Then, I imagined berry parfaits. I wanted something delicious and healthy; I wanted to show her about a beautiful food we’d be able to eat for breakfast, or as a midday snack.
And I told her a story about it.
To build a strong memory of our time in the kitchen. Mother and daughter cooking together.
Tomorrow, I am taking Lulu to France again. I wonder what new foods she will be discovering this time.
A bientôt…I will have pictures, stories and foods to share.
For the berry sauce:
(Makes 1 cup of sauce)
- 4.5 oz (125 g) raspberries
- 6 oz (175 g) mixed berries (I used blueberries, white currants and gooseberries)
- 1/ 4 cup (50 g) blond cane sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split open and seeds scraped out
For the parfait:
- Fresh raspberries, to serve
- Vanilla-flavored yogurt (I used Liberté)
- Homemade granola (I hope to have time to write one of my recipes soon)
Steps:
- To make the sauce: In a pot, combine the berries with the sugar, vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to a simmer and stew for 5 minutes, or until the fruit is soft and has released its juice. Stop the heat, discard the vanilla bean and transfer the berries to the bowl of a food processor. Purée and strain. Set aside to cool. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- When you are ready to serve, take a few small glasses and start to layer the foods as follows: yogurt, berry sauce, granola, yogurt, berry sauce and fresh raspberries. To have a taste all of the different layers with a spoonful, I suggest stirring lightly when eating. This is a wonderful food to have for breakfast or as a midday snack.
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What a beautiful, beautiful post! I loved reading this.
Comment by Julie @ Willow Bird Baking — On August, 15th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
It is such a gift knowing how to cook. And it’s inspiring to be able to see it be passed down. I’m sure one day your daughter will look back on her kitchen experiences and realize they were priceless. Lovely.
Comment by A Plum By Any Other Name — On August, 15th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Ta fille est tres mignonne!
Est les photos! Elles sont si belles.
La France me manque toujours, particulierement la cuisine. Amusez-vous bien, vous deux!
(I also wanted to add that I am struggling so much right now with a picky toddler. She used to eat so well, and now she pretty much refuses everything but crackers, pain (she says pain instead of bread, which delights me!), and fromage. I hope this changes soon.)
Comment by Stephanie — On August, 15th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I hope you have a wonderful time in France. This is such a wonderful post reflecting on how a mother and daughter bonds in the kitchen. It’s so beautiful to think that Lulu could remember the foods that you enjoyed while pregnant. I can tell she is going to be quite a discerning foodie.
Comment by Christine @ Fresh Local and Best — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
so wonderful bea.i can only imagine what it must feel like to share such moments with a daughter and at the same recollect your own child hood. have a safe and wonderful trip!
Comment by nadia — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
I always look forward to your posts. This is such a beautiful story accompanied by the loveliest photos. Lulu is quite the little helper, stirring the berries and all, and you illustrate it so well. Have a wonderful trip!
Comment by Golubka — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Beautiful photos! I envy your trip to France together. I adore cooking with my son – I hope he grows up with the same great memories of our kitchen.
Comment by Julie — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
I love the photo of y’all walking, both wearing similar outfits. A perfect mother and daughter moment!
Comment by Lisa — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
There is nothing more precious than the moments we share with our children. Thank you for allowing us into your joyous days with Lulu! Safe trip to you and the family!!
Comment by Rose D., Frenchtown, NJ — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
beautiful, bea! i love, love your pictures of lulu – they are so really sweet. safe journey to france and have a great time! x
Comment by chika — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
What a wonderful set of traditions you are creating with Lulu. Have a wonderful time in France!
And perhaps when you start unpacking those boxes and organizing all of your kitchen things/props, you can write a post about it! I’m still dying to hear more about your ever-changing kitchenware!
Comment by Emily — On August, 15th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Bon voyage! The photos of the toys and Lulu on the floor are wonderful. Can’t wait for more France photos.
Comment by Sarah M. Winchester — On August, 15th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
such a cute story and photos. can’t wait to see photos from france.
Comment by hanna — On August, 15th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
beautiful! bon voyage!
Comment by kat — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:12 am
your daughter helping in the kitchen is cute! I love this recipe,thanks for sharing..
The Peach Kitchen
peach and things
blowing peachkisses
Comment by peachkins — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Gorgeous story and photos, as usual. Hope you both have a wonderful trip!
Comment by Kare — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:23 am
Lovely post, thank you!…Have a great time in France!
Comment by Dimitra — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:35 am
I love the last picture…
So funny!
Have a nice day!
Comment by Carolina — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:39 am
I LOVE this post! Beautiful story & photos. Bon voyage!
Comment by Kerry — On August, 16th, 2010 at 2:31 am
waouh quelles belles photos..comme d’habitude ! et la petite a bien grandit
Comment by juliz — On August, 16th, 2010 at 2:41 am
how lovely! it must be a great time!
Comment by Paula — On August, 16th, 2010 at 2:55 am
Bonnes vacances!!!
Comment by fragolina — On August, 16th, 2010 at 4:14 am
Such a lovely post, thank you for sharing this. I try to encourage my daugther to engage in my cooking to, I think it does form a basis for some great childhood memories.
Safe travels!
Comment by Indie Mom and the Reluctant Banker — On August, 16th, 2010 at 4:25 am
Lulu will happy to playing around under the ‘mirabelle’ trees coz its season now in Lorraine -as u knows,Bea. Bon voyages!
Comment by Lea — On August, 16th, 2010 at 5:22 am
La Tartine Gourmande est un plaisir délicieux. J’ai toujours un sourire aux lèvres en voyant qu’il y a un mél de vous et de nouvelles photos, recettes et histoires à découvrir. Non seulement vos plats sont exquis, mais vos histoires de Lulu et vous m’enchantent. Ma Claire et mon Julien ne sont plus petits, mais ils ont grandi dans la cuisine et au marché avec moi et sont à la fois gourmands, gourmets, et adorent faire la cuisine. Je suis parfois réveillée à 3h du matin par les parfums de morilles sautées avec de l’ail…je sais que je leur ai bien appris…Bonnes vacances en France !
Comment by annette — On August, 16th, 2010 at 8:00 am
We are introducing solids to my son for the first time this week on his six month birthday. As I am the cook in the family, I have been trying to do the same thing. While being held by my wife he has already been imitating me as I chopped vegetables. Hopefully he will turn out to be the little helper that Lulu is.
Comment by Matt — On August, 16th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Beautiful and probably very delicious
Comment by Ana Rita Lebreiro — On August, 16th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Oh Bea, I love the last photo of the two of you walking away. (I also admire you for the way you share your daughter on the blog in a way that protects her privacy and doesn’t exploit her.) Lovely photos!
Comment by Kalynskitchen — On August, 16th, 2010 at 9:00 am
I love the last photo but also the one in the field. i cannot believe that is Lulu… I have been following your blog since before she was born
Comment by anne — On August, 16th, 2010 at 9:27 am
[...] Creating a bond between mother and daughter in the kitchen. [La Tartine Gourmande] [...]
Pingback by Delights and Prejudices » News Feed: August 16 — On August, 16th, 2010 at 11:02 am
What a gorgeous post! Your photos are always so inspiring and lovely. You capture the moments that deserve a photograph. Thank you for sharing such beauty with the rest of us and have fun in France with Lulu!
Comment by Tokyo Terrace — On August, 16th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Cant wait to see more photos of France when you return.
Comment by mademarian — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Magnifique article. Ta fille se rappellera de toutes ces saveurs que tu lui fais découvrir, elle a beaucoup de chance !
Bonnes vacances et bonnes dégustations …
Comment by Séverine — On August, 16th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
What a beautiful picture of you & your daughter at the end of the post! I can’t wait to read about your trip (and look at the lovely photos!)
Comment by Starvacious Gal — On August, 16th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Hope you have a great time in France.
Your article is really beautiful.
Comment by Blandine — On August, 16th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Such a sweet story. It is so deeply rewarding to feed people, especially the little ones – I know what you mean when you say you feel warm inside, even if I don’t have children yet. I actually feel a little warm even when I feed my cats, and I don’t even cook for them! Have a great time in France!
Comment by Caffettiera — On August, 16th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
si belle, bea! lulu is a lucky girl to have a mama like you! xo.
Comment by G. — On August, 16th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Très joli article !
Bonnes vacances en France
Comment by Miss Giny / Au pays des merveilles — On August, 16th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Every single photo is wonderful, but the last one is pure poetry!
Thanks!
Comment by SallyBR — On August, 16th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
A lovely post Bea. It brought back wonderful memories of my time in the kitchen with my boys – who have both turned out to be great cooks, although in different directions. The eldest is into Asian and the younger Mediterranean.
Comment by barbara — On August, 16th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
what a wonderful post my friend! have a wonderful time in France with that sweet chickadee and I can not wait to see your photos when you return!
xx
Comment by kimberly — On August, 16th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Bea,
Each and every time I read your posts and see the images I get inspired by the LOVE you share!!!!!Thank you for allowing us into your joyous and LIVE days with Lulu! Enjoy your trip to FRANCE !! You’re so talented. Keep well.
Comment by Tereza GOMES — On August, 16th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Cooking is such an intimate sensory experience, and I love hearing stories of how you involve Lulu in it! So often I think parents want to avoid the mess and extra time that are inevitably part of cooking with kids, and in the process lose out on this valuable bonding and teaching time. You set a good example. Have a wonderful trip – I can’t wait to see the photos!
Comment by Tara — On August, 16th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Dear Bea,
Thank you for sharing such beautiful mum-daughter moments with your readers. My toddler has found her own place in the kitchen too. Your post has inspired me to set aside some margin time, so I can involve her as i cook. Enjoy your trip to France.
Comment by Pavithra — On August, 17th, 2010 at 2:23 am
I am sure she will make amazing discoveries in the markets of France! My own memories of the farmer’s markets in Alsace are brimming with colours and smells and incredible noises!
Comment by The Itinerant Epicure — On August, 17th, 2010 at 6:14 am
Beautiful. When I have my own kid, I’ll do the same. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Jescel — On August, 17th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I know this feeling, only for me it’s two little twin boys who roll, knead, stir, whisk, weigh and sniff. We pick blueberries, visit goats, gather eggs on chicken farms and weigh produce in the store. It’s the best time in the world. You are so fortunate to be able to take her to France and further enrich this kind of time together. May you be blessed greatly on your trip.
Comment by angela@spinactiger — On August, 17th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Lulu is a very lucky little girl, she has an extrordinary mother. Have a wonderful trip.
Comment by Donna — On August, 17th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
What a gorgeous picture of the two of you at the end! I love it.
Comment by Charlotte — On August, 17th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Thank you everyone for your kind words!
Comment by Béa — On August, 18th, 2010 at 3:32 am
Ah tu en revais, de ta petite marmitonne
qu’est-ce qu’elle a grandi deja.
Je suis certaine que tu sauras transmettre, je peux t’assurer que ca marche. Have fun!
Comment by gracianne — On August, 18th, 2010 at 5:44 am
what a beautiful post. have a fabulous time!
Comment by Molly — On August, 18th, 2010 at 7:01 am
This post is precious. You’re very lucky to have each other. It’s wonderful that you cherish the beautiful moments.
Comment by El — On August, 18th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Such a beautiful post! Your daughter is so beautiful. I love the spending time with my baby in the kitchen, too
Comment by Tes — On August, 18th, 2010 at 10:16 am
What an amazing narrative and rich flowetry you have in visuals!! I really love your pics and the how you’ve combined it into a really beautiful post.
SO warm and inviting. Thank you!!
Bridget Davis ~ The Internet Chef
Sydney [Australia]
Comment by Bridget Davis — On August, 18th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Hey,
Check out these crazy but cool restaurants and cafes:
http://www.redflava.com/2010/interesting/unique-restaurants/
Comment by Milla — On August, 19th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
here is so many inspirations!
have a nice time!
Paula
Comment by Paula — On August, 20th, 2010 at 6:07 am
what a beautiful post! very inspiring. when I was little I would sit on the kitchen counter and sing while my mom cooked. so many wonderful memories!
Comment by monica of hola!design — On August, 20th, 2010 at 11:03 am
What a lovely post Béa! Precious moments in the kitchen. Is there a more wonderful thing than sharing food and tradition with your loved ones? Creating so many memories. Sharing all your love and passion.
Have a safe trip to France. Enjoy!
Comment by Sini — On August, 20th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I don’t have children, but I hope that when I do they are not fussy. I would find that so hard! I think that parents can influence this to a certain degree by encouraging children to eat anything and everything from a very young age, before they have a chance to learn bad habits from other kids. Indeed, the only people I know who are really fussy in their adulthood had parents who let them eat dessert instead of dinner to stop them winging; never a good idea!
Comment by Vix — On August, 20th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Lovely in every way!
Comment by LunaCafe — On August, 21st, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Beautiful Lulu and a beautiful Mama … and a post as beautiful!
Comment by deeba — On August, 22nd, 2010 at 3:27 am
What lovely photos! I hope my future children have a similar love for food as yours
Comment by Alexa @ Sohdalex — On August, 23rd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I am a big supporter of having children help in the kitchen. If they cook some food they don’t know, they’ll be more willing to try it out! The pictures are beautiful. Bon Voyage!
PS: What my children tried while we were in France: yummy-smelly cheese, rabbit, blackcurrants, redcurrants…
Comment by Gaelle@whatareyoufeedingyourkidsthesedays.com — On August, 23rd, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Your photos are so beautiful. So soft and evocative. Care to tell what camera you use? Good luck on your trip!
Comment by Rosie DeQuattro — On August, 23rd, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Que bonheur de lire ce post, Lulu grandit si vite…pour l’instant ma princesse joue uniquement à faire semblant peut-être finira-t-elle par aimer manger…bon séjour en France surtout à Belle-île c’est un endroit magique…
Comment by bergeou — On August, 24th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Quelle évasion à travers ces photos! C’est un vrai moment de paix et les couleurs sont formidables! Lulu a de la chance de goûter tant de saveurs et de choses, elle aura un goût affuté pour sûr! Et déjà en triain d’aider à la cuisine c’est un début!
Bon retour en France!
Comment by Gen — On August, 25th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I really like your post.. it reminds me of making things in the kitchen with my mom. These are memories Lulu will always cherish and will definitely foster a love for cooking. Beautiful pictures too…
Comment by The Housewife — On August, 25th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
I do love reading your posts. I am really looking forward to seeing your pics from France….I hope to one day take my little girl there too. I understand your joy in sharing her experience with food.
Comment by Sarah Roles — On August, 26th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
have a wonderful time with your family in France.
your blog posts are always so beautiful, and very restful on the eyes!
I awarded you a Versatile Blogger Award. http://www.the-onion.net/?p=4564
Comment by melanie — On August, 29th, 2010 at 3:52 am
aw, that is darling. i love all the bright berries in the pot, and i love the last photo of mother and daughter walking together. beautiful!
Comment by Anna — On August, 29th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I was just heralded back to a time in my kitchen when two young children stirred and tasted. The parfaits are gorgeous – the memories are forever.
Comment by Claudia — On August, 30th, 2010 at 8:51 am
WOW this is such a warm post. I want to do all these things when I have a baby.
Comment by Shaheen {The Purple Foodie} — On August, 30th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Beautiful story. It’s so nice to hear about how you teach your daughter to love and enjoy food, developing a healthy, nurturing relationship with it that she will remember. It’s such an important lesson and you have lovely photographs to show for all the fun you two have together.
Comment by Caitlin — On September, 2nd, 2010 at 9:00 pm
What a beautiful story. Every time I visit your blog I feel a kind of peace everywhere. Lately some of my readers haven asked me what person I would like to meet and I always answer: Beatrice Peltre. Thanks to share your stories, your lovely pictures, your life style and all this calm atmosphere.
Comment by Catalba — On September, 6th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I love your pictures!!!!
gaia
Comment by Gaia — On September, 7th, 2010 at 9:38 am
I am so excited for all your pictures! They remind me of such a pretty pink birthday party. perfect for cooking with ma. I love this blog.. it’s telling a great story.
-Amy
Zig Zag Papers
Comment by Amy — On September, 7th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
What a beautiful beautiful blog. Your pictures are stunning, your writing beautiful and moving. I’m sad I am just discovering it now! I too feel that the greatest joy of parenting my two young daughters, is in educating them on the miracle that our food grows, that we can use our hands to make beautiful things, and that gratitude is essential to a happy life.
Comment by figandfennel — On September, 8th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Loved reading this post Bea! I am also trying to “introduce” my daughter to the kitchen, talking to her as I cook, making her smell the different herbs…you are truly an inspiration!
Comment by joey — On September, 9th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Lovely photos. Lovely post. You inspire.
Comment by mary — On September, 10th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Absolutely delightful! Your relationship with your daughter seems wonderful and I’m sure she will cherish those memories.
Comment by Anu — On September, 10th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
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Thank you for this post! Valerie and Dave Hoffman are doing a wonderful dedication event for the animal abuse society they generously support and are going to contact these terrific sponsors-your blog is delightful!
Comment by valerie hoffman maine valerie hoffman florida — On September, 13th, 2010 at 8:56 am
That’s a very lovely story! I hope Lulu will grow up to be passionate about food and cooking. Best wishes to you both!
Comment by Jessie — On September, 14th, 2010 at 1:51 am
Hi! What a great post! I have 2 girls who also love to “help” me in the kitchen. At first, I got frustrated with the mess that they made. Then my mom reminded me that these are the moments that my children (and I) will remember. So, I’ve learned to relax about it. On a side note, I REALLY love those rainboots!! Where did you get them??
Comment by Angela — On September, 14th, 2010 at 3:29 am
Hello, As a mother I only had boys, but they were in the kitchen with me often. Today, they are both the “main cooks” in their household. In fact, one was a sous chef for two prominent New Orleans chefs for many years. On another note, perhaps you can answer a question for me. My husband and I will be visiting Paris in October. Should we buy our museum and metro passes on line or should we wait and buy them after we arrive? Thanks -
Comment by Del Lancaster — On September, 14th, 2010 at 9:34 am
[...] any emotions beyond ‘I want that in my belly NOW’, but I know I wish today I had the memories that La Tartine Gourmande’s daughter will cherish, hopefully, in a few [...]
Pingback by Thought Experiment #45,730,944 » Tinga de pollo — On September, 15th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Flavours of childhood !
On http://www.club-paneo.com/fr/accueil.aspx
you can find recipes of breads and brioches that will remember you the snacks of your childhood !
Comment by Miss Paneo — On September, 16th, 2010 at 10:29 am
You are a natural. Your daughter, so lucky. Teaching is such a rare, precious talent.
Comment by molly — On September, 16th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Lulu is absolutely precious!
Comment by thecorky — On September, 17th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Je sens que j’ai de beaux moments devant moi, à te lire…:)
Comment by Cocotte — On September, 24th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
[...] any emotions beyond ‘I want that in my belly NOW’, but I know I wish today I had thememories that La Tartine Gourmande’s daughter will cherish, hopefully, in a few [...]
Pingback by Thought Experiment #45,730,944 » Tinga de pollo (esp) — On November, 22nd, 2010 at 2:52 am
This post is really nice, I never thought of such things, this is sweet. The pictures looks nice too. Your girl, you really should show us her face, she must be very cute. By the way, I have site about coffee, if you have time, you can visit it.
Comment by k cup coffee — On November, 25th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
I think this is one of my favorite posts from you… I am inspired on how you do things so easy and very meaningful. You daughters seem a sweet kid and I am sure she is grateful to have you as her mother. I just hope you really share the kitchen cooking real food together. I think that would be great.
Comment by Tina — On January, 21st, 2011 at 10:00 am