BAM!!! Slide on over Emeril. And, for good measure, Martha better watch her back! There's a new chef on the block. And, the progressive folks over at Portland Community Television have found him: Chef Julian!
We happened to hear a story about Julian Kreusser on NPR today - and it peaked our interest here at Nonchalant Mom. If you do not know him already, let us introduce you. Chef Julian is the master of his own cooking show on Portland Community Television simply called 'Big Kitchen with Food.' This spritely and charming chef is only 5 years old. He started his interest in cooking as young as 3 years old when he awoke before his parents and scrambled some eggs. He also concocted something called toasted olives, which seemed to go over quite well - but we're not so sure about that one!
And, it would seem that his production for the show is a family affair, including his younger sister on lights, his mother as director and impromptu assistant and human teleprompter when needed. His father is a producer and helps with editing. But, other than that, this young man has a command of his craft that few chefs can master.
So far, in his slim oeuvre he has shared such recipes as 'Chocolate Chip Zuccini Muffins', Persimmon Smoothies, a 'Spaghetti Sauce', and the particularly unique 'Yummy Yummy Citrus Boys', which we understand was essentially a scientific mixture of clementines and gingerbread mix (the master himself not being overly pleased with the outcome!).
One of the most appealing things about Chef Julian's show is its lack of snappy pacing and big set. The scene takes place in his family kitchen, using what tools he has command of, and what basic items he is familiar with. Nothing overly fancy here - but not short on artistic talent. The idea for the show comes from young Julian himself and is an extension of his home/own-schooling. There is talk about taking it national, but during the radio interview Julian didn't seem to care, and his mother refreshingly did not see the point in pushing it. This is all about learning. And, to be honest, our favorite bits are when Chef Julian finds himself at a loose end with regard to his ingredients (his mother helps prompt him from time to time off camera), or even better, when the camera lingers on him just long enough to show his fascination with trying to get a wooden spoon to stand on its own in a bowl of muffin batter! And, you won't find a better music soundtrack anywhere else on television!
Chef Julian Demonstrates!
Honestly, we don't know if this is the kind of thing that prime time television will take to as an idea. It certainly is a lot better than some of the other things being presented. But, that's not the real point in all of this. Julian's parents have the right idea it would seem - they just enjoy helping their boy learn in the most creative way. Perhaps we should all start a new effort on YouTube - segments featuring our own kids as they share their best recipes with all of us. They may not be as commanding as the charming Chef Julian is, but the process would be worth all the joy nontheless!
We only have a few pieces of advice for Chef Julian and his 'handlers': use organic whenever possible (it's hard to tell on the show if they do or not) and, whatever you do, keep the young man away from the cooking sherry!!!
