Meet Katrina: My Little Consultant in the Making
When my long-time friend Natalie hosted a demo, I was excited to share one of my favourite Thermomix dishes with her family. What I didn’t expect was to meet her niece Katrina – a bright, enthusiastic teen who was instantly curious about everything the Thermomix could do.
We cooked up a Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry using homemade tandoori paste (made, of course, in the Thermomix). Katrina and her sister were right there beside me, competing to see who could get the exact weight of each ingredient as we added them to the bowl. From the moment they got hands-on, I knew they were hooked. And as I chatted with Katrina’s parents, Michelle and Darren, it became clear that a Thermomix would be well loved in their kitchen.
The next weekend, they tried to recreate the same curry conventionally – using Natalie’s homemade tandoori paste, but it just wasn’t the same. The flavour and texture didn’t quite match up. First thing Monday morning, Michelle called me to place their order, eager to start cooking meals as delicious and seamless as the ones we’d made together at the demo.
Katrina Takes the Lead
Since Katrina’s family got their Thermomix, I have received photo updates of all the things they create, and almost every update has Katrina plating up something not only delicious, but very impressive. I’ve visited the family twice now and each time Katrina lists off all the things she’s been making with such excitement and pride.
It’s rare to see kids (especially teens) so confident in the kitchen – Katrina absolutely inspires me. I know with my own two (ages 3 and 4), they love helping me with chopping, pouring, and stirring, but many parents will agree: teenagers aren’t always so keen. The Thermomix really bridges that gap. It makes cooking feel accessible, fun, and rewarding, while creating those special moments of bonding and memory-making as a family.
One of my favourite things is watching kids discover their independence in the kitchen, and Katrina is the perfect example. She has quickly become the Thermomix chef of her family, and I couldn’t be more proud!
Katrina in Her Own Words
I wanted to hear from Katrina herself about what makes cooking fun for her, so I asked her a few questions about her favourite recipes and experiences in the kitchen.
What do you love most about cooking with the Thermomix?
“It’s easy to use, and I can try things I wouldn’t normally cook, like strawberry jam.”
How does it make cooking easier or more fun for you?
“It’s fast, not many dishes, not a lot of clean-up.”
What’s your favourite recipe to make, and why?
“I’ve liked everything I’ve tried so far! Ricotta gnocchi and chicken chasseur are my favourites because I didn’t think I could make them — I thought they’d be too hard.”
What’s one recipe you’ve surprised yourself by being able to cook?
“Definitely ricotta gnocchi. It always looks so hard when you see people make it on TV.”
If your friends came over, what would you cook for them?
“Fruity Dream or a Boost Juice. They taste the best, and my friends would love the flavours.”
Do you like cooking for your family with it? How do they react?
“Yes! I like how they enjoy my cooking, and the meals always turn out perfect.”
Why should more kids your age try cooking with a Thermomix?
“It’s a really easy way to get into cooking. It’s all in one bowl, everything is measured as you go and easy to clean.”
Why Kids in the Kitchen Matter
Katrina’s story resonates with me so much because I’ve seen the same with my own children. Our Thermomix has helped them build confidence and independence, especially my eldest, who now identifies ingredients and knows what ingredient pairs well with what.
Cooking has taught them life skills too. From understanding weight and measurements, to developing fine motor skills. Involving kids also encourages healthy eating and helps them become more adventurous with food. My girls love sitting down with me to plan the week, pointing at the big bright recipe pictures on Cookidoo and choosing what they’d like to see on their plates. I find they’re far more likely to eat what they’ve chosen and helped prepare.
It also takes me back to my own childhood. I always loved to cook, I remember I’d handwrite a menu for my parents and younger brother, set the table with fancy folded napkins and then cook up a full three-course meal from scratch. Looking back, I wish I’d had a Thermomix then! I know for sure I would have retired Mum from cooking dinner every night!
That’s why I encourage you to invite your kids into the kitchen, Thermomix or not. Ask them to write up and design their own little menu – make it themed for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because. It’s a fun activity that keeps them busy, helps them learn new skills, sparks creativity, and most importantly, creates memories you’ll both treasure.
Invite Your Kids Into the Kitchen
Katrina is proof that when kids are given the tools, encouragement, and a little freedom, they can absolutely shine in the kitchen. The Thermomix makes the process safe, fun, and easy to follow, giving them the confidence to try dishes they’d never attempt otherwise.
So to all the parents reading this: invite your kids into the kitchen! Let them measure, pour, stir, or even take charge of the whole recipe. It’s not just about the food you’ll create – it’s about the memories you’ll make, the skills they’ll build, and the pride they’ll carry long after the plates are cleared.
Who knows? You might just discover a little chef waiting to shine in your own kitchen!