Viewfinder: Beaumont Chef Demos Quick Family Meals

Beaumont Grosse Pointe executive chef Dan Kellogg demonstrats quick and simple family meals to the general public at the University Liggett School, Wednesday.

Registered Dietician Cathy Weiss, also of Beaumont Grosse Pointe, presented as Kellogg cooked. Kellogg and Weiss discussed not only food preparation and dietary information, but also offered tips for parents to create more harmonious mealtimes. 

Some of Weiss' tips include: Eating at regular times as often as possible, getting kids involved in planning meals, shopping and cooking, offer a variety of food groups within each meal, setting a good example oneself, try the 'one bite' rule for new and previously rejected foods, avoid becoming a short-order cook by making different meals for everyone, and when all else fails, picking your battles. Most importantly, "Respect everyone's appetite. Forcing or bribing children to eat will almost always backfire," said Weiss. 

Kellogg said that he really enjoys the opportunity to educate the community and share his talent and knowledge of food.

"If I can't share my knowledge and my food, it's pointless," said Kellogg. "Food is communal. And it's not just the food, the act of sitting down together as a family is what matters most...the sharing."

The free event was sponsored by The Family Center and Beaumont Hospital.