Expert Interview: Jessi Walter

CEO/Owner of Cupcake Kids!

What is Cupcake Kids!?
Cupcake Kids! specializes in hands-on cooking fun for kids of all ages. We offer cooking birthday parties, classes, school field trips, team building and other special occasions events.

What were your favorite foods growing up?
I loved pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken. I ate it all the time. Fortunately, my taste has developed with age and now I eat pretty much anything

Are you a chef?
No. I love kids and food!

Do you teach the kids about nutrition?
Of course! We stress the importance of well-balanced meals. We love to use local and seasonal ingredients and teach the kids about all aspects of cooking from ingredients to measurements to health benefits.

Who/what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
My mom! Growing up, I was always baking away. In high school, my mom, sister and I started a weekly gourmet night we're we'd make something new and exciting each week. This really started my love of learning about and tasting new ingredients.

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
I love a good whisk, spatula and my kitchen aid stand mixer, I couldn't live without it!

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
Honey and truffle salt

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in your kids?
Have fun in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to try new things. Taste, smell and learn. We have what we call a "No Thank You bite"…even if you don't think you like it, take a "No Thank You bite" to be sure!

What is your least favorite food?
Olives

What is your beverage of choice?
Water. Sparkling and still

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
Experiment and have fun. Don't be afraid of a mess. And be sure to have all of the ingredients you need on hand, it makes cooking so much more fun.

What do you eat when you are home?
Eggs, sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, and lots of leftovers!


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Expert Profile

Behind the Burner: Jessi Walter, Founder/Owner, Cupcake Kids!

Jessi Walter

Jessi Walter is the Founder & Owner of Cupcake Kids! In 2007, Jessi decided to combine her love of kids and food in a practical way -- she set out to create a company that would provide students with hands-on cooking experiences designed to provide them with the opportunity to have fun in the kitchen while learning about food and nutrition. Jessi believes that creativity and education in the kitchen play an important role in a child's development and help kids to build self-confidence and independence.
Formerly a Vice President on Wall Street, Jessi is a graduate of Harvard University, where she earned an economics degree and was a Division I swimmer. As one of the oldest of 23 cousins, she has a passion for kids and their development. In her previous life as a swimmer, Jessi started a company offering technique lessons for young swimmers and brought the same enthusiasm and fundamentals to the pool as she brings to the kitchen today. In addition to years of cooking with her mom and sister, Jessi's taken countless cooking classes around the city. Jessi lives in Greenwich Village in a fifth floor walk-up apartment which provides her with good exercise to burn off all of her baking calories!

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