“It thrills me when students say ‘I didn’t know I liked an ingredient,’” says Fran Christensen. “It’s usually a vegetable.”

Christensen knows a thing or two about what kids like. Since 2007, she’s been teaching local students in grades 1-4 how to slice, dice, measure, and mix while making nutritious meals. She’s also the author of Cooking with Mrs. C—a kid-friendly cookbook that focuses on recipes families can make together in under an hour, with information on kitchen safety, skills, and instructions for parents or older children to easily implement the recipe. In addition to teaching, Christensen is active in her community’s Christian-based Heritage Hope group and volunteers with El Dorado County Sheriff’s STAR program.

Christensen began teaching an after-school enrichment program following her career as a food broker. She realized the importance for children and adults to learn the “basics” in cooking with an emphasis on adapting recipes for dietary restrictions and using foods already on hand. 

Despite being a successful author, Christensen continues to teach children how to be kitchen savvy. “The one rule I have in my classes is that I never want to hear ‘eww, I don’t like that!’” she says. “I tell them the food [will] taste completely different the way they’re going to prepare it, and all I ask is that they try it.” 

 By Suzie Dundas

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Continually broaden horizons.

What comes to you naturally? 

Organizing.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

Sarcasm.

Biggest life inspirations? 

People who think outside the box and keep trying.

What are you most proud of? 

How my faith affects my life daily.

Favorite humanitarian cause? 

Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received? 

Don’t let negative opinions keep you from trying something new.

What’s next? 

Travel.

Favorites

Author/Writer: Robert Kiyosaki

Escape: Daydreaming

Guilty Pleasure: Luxury hotels

Meal in Town: Sienna

Movie: Mamma Mia!

Musician/Band: Queen

Place to Buy a Gift, Locally: Face in a Book

Local Nonprofit: Habitat for Humanity

Saying: “Look for the best in every situation.”