My name is Gemma and I'm delighted to run Kiddy Cook Leighton Buzzard.
I have spent more than 20 years working in education but after more than 2 decades in the classroom I felt it was time for a change of direction that combined my love of teaching kids with my creative side. Kiddy Cook feels like a dream where I get to combine the very best bits of being a TA (namely working with kids) and cooking.
Ever since I can remember I have loved cooking. From helping my parents to make tasty meals for our family, to making delicious treats with my Grandmas, I have always had a passion for cooking.
Since starting my own family, (I am Mum to two teenage boys), cooking has remained a very important part of my life. I have taught my children how to cook and bake and how to make healthy choices, and they are at an age now where they can cook for our family independently. They love experimenting and I have always encouraged them to try new things and not be afraid to make a mess, which always leads to lots of fun!!!
I have always cooked how my grandparents and my parents have cooked and that is from scratch. Every meal I make does take a bit of time but I feel that it is worth it as I know exactly what ingredients I have used and where they come from. I have recently had to become gluten-free due to medical reasons and I really embrace the challenge of adapting recipes to make them safe for me to eat and that all my family will enjoy.
I am also a very keen cake maker and decorator and have made many cakes for family and friends, for all types of celebrations since my early teens. I have made all sorts of designs from unicorns, Boba Fett and electric guitars to multi-tierd delights!! They are very time consuming but I love the whole process from planning through to the final creation and seeing the look on peoples faces when they see them for the first time is magical.
I will be running my Kiddy Cook sessions both within and outside of schools. I want to provide children with the knowledge and confidence to be able to cook for themselves and their families, that they can take with them throughout their lives, in an environment where they feel safe and confident to have a go.
I am also very excited to be offering Kiddy Cook parties which are a lot of fun.
Please get in touch if you would like any more information about my cooking sessions or parties.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gemma.