Chef de cuisine ROSE

Current Credentials:
  • Children's Culinary Institute Network Member 
  • ServSafe NJ Food Handler certificate
  • New Jersey Retail Food Establishment License (Hamilton Township Dept. of Health)
  • New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Speech-Language Pathologist License
  • American Speech Language and Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence)
  • Child CPR/AED Certified--"Heartsaver for K-12 Schools" (American Heart Association) 

The Kidz Kitchen is fully licensed and insured​​
Hello!  I am so glad you stopped by THE KIDZ KITCHEN- WHERE COOKING AND COMMUNICATION GO HAND IN HAND. My name is Rose Ann Kesting (aka "Chef Rose"). I am the proud owner/operator of THE KIDZ KITCHEN. 
With a passion for both culinary arts and educating young minds, I am beyond excited to embark on this adventure with your children!
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​Under the guidance of the *Children's Culinary Institute, 
I conduct children's cooking classes in the local community. Both as a dedicated speech-language pathologist with 30 years of experience in schools, and a fourth-generation home cook and baker, deeply influenced by my Italian and Polish heritage and the culinary inspiration of my namesake great-grandmother Rose, I've found a way to bring together my passion and profession. I have established a designated space in the heart of Mercerville, New Jersey, where children can develop both cooking and communication; skills that will benefit them down any path they choose in the future!

​I am the author of the website/blog: www.speechsnacks.com where I have been sharing ideas about speech, language and ways to combine cooking and communication for over ten years!  Additionally, I created a series of language-based recipe resources called LANGUAGE CHEF that provide step-by-step, full color photos of recipes and language activities that are appropriate for the classroom, speech therapy setting, homeschool, camps and anyone who wants visual, easy to follow recipes!  

Through the process of cooking, children can strengthen a multitude of communication concepts---direction following, sequencing, vocabulary skills, time management, organization, social language, problem solving.  I am looking forward to sharing the joys of cooking with your children as they experiment, create, communicate and savor the delicious results! 

​When I'm not in the kitchen or the classroom, you can find me at my local CSA farm (Community Supported Agriculture). I believe in supporting locally grown, seasonal produce, and the "slow food" philosophy of preparing food with care and consuming it with appreciation.  Access to clean, fair, sustainable, whole foods is a right that every person should be afforded!

I am a life-long resident of the Mercer County area, where I live with my husband, son, and rescue dog, who all enjoy my culinary creations on a regular basis. 

*Children's Culinary Institute, founded by chef Arlena Strode, is the recipient of the Mom's Choice Award for excellence in family-friendly digital products and services.

sous chef marie

We are so excited to have Sous Chef Marie assisting us! Marie has many years of experience as "head chef" of her own family's kitchen while raising her four daughters--she also happens to be my mom! Helping her cook and bake during my childhood had a significant influence on my love of cooking. 

​Marie has been a registered nurse for over 50 years.  Her nursing accomplishments include many years as a critical care nurse, Director of Nursing of a long term care facility, nursing educator, infection control nurse, and American Heart Association Instructor.  She continues to work part time as a nursing supervisor and educator/evaluator in an assisted living facility.  

In her spare time, Marie enjoys spoiling her six grandchildren, two dogs and two cats. Her favorite food to cook is golumpki--Polish cabbage rolls that are stuffed with a mixture of beef, pork, rice, and seasoning.  Her favorite food to eat is pasta primavera (pasta with  fresh vegetables)--especially when it includes the food she grows in her summer garden.

coMmis chef allie
Meet Junior Chef Allie, who fills many roles at The Kidz Kitchen--welcoming and signing in students, assisting the children at their work stations, and helping with set up and clean up duties.

Allie plays the viola in her high school orchestra and is involved in the Performing Arts Program.  She is also a member of her high school cross country team where she enjoys the camaraderie of running with a group.  As an Honors Student, Allie takes pride in her studies, and has a particular love for English class and a passion for writing. 
   
​Outside of school, you'll find Allie running, reading, and soaking up the sun at the beach during summer break.  Looking ahead,  Allie has her sights set on studying psychology after high school and pursuing a career in counseling. 

​When it comes to food, sushi is Allie's go-to favorite. She also loves baking anything that involves chocolate!! ​
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