Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hip host makes food know-how delectable for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Foodie Claire Thomas is passionate about good food, and she brings her enthusiasm for sharing new recipes with friends and family to her series, FOOD FOR THOUGHT WITH CLAIRE THOMAS. The twenty-something aficionado leads viewers through an exploration of how food correlates with our interpersonal connections, and each episode follows her on a quest for inspirational ingredients that will yield a unique thematic dish. From tracking down the makings of a perfect burger to planning a healthy meal to celebrate her new apartment, Thomas shows her audience how learning about the food we eat can feed our minds as well as our bodies.
Is It Any Good?
This unique series is geared toward teens, and it takes a broader look at food arts than does the traditional cooking show. Each segment centers on the preparation of a particular dish, but Thomas is more of a field trip guide than she is a cooking instructor, taking viewers to farmers' markets and local restaurants to get a sense of where food comes from and how its quality can affect a recipe's success. By relating each dish to a special occasion or to a particular friend or family member, Thomas draws attention to the social aspect of food, which plays a role in cultural heritage as well.
It's clear that the show has given careful consideration to its audience, reflected in its youthful host and its attention to modern trends like supporting local agriculture and using healthy ingredients. The dishes Thomas selects are easily replicated at home, thanks to the recipes she's posted on the show's website, so teens may be inspired to don an apron and try them themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the recipes featured on the show. How healthy are the foods Thomas makes? What adjustments does she make to traditional dishes to lighten the calorie load or pack in some additional nutrition? How can you tweak your own favorite recipes to do the same?
Why is shopping locally and buying from farmers' markets such a popular trend right now? What does it say about our dedication to sustainable living? How does doing so benefit us? Are there any drawbacks to buying from local farmers?
How does your family's cooking reflect your cultural heritage? Are there certain dishes that are traditions in your home? Why is there such a social aspect to food? How does it play a role in your celebrations?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 3, 2011
- Cast : Claire Thomas
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Educational
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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