This stage of the school year is the most frenetic in the kitchen at Ficino: the children have grown a lot, and we are now making up to one and a half times more food than we were at the beginning of the school year. Which is a good sign!

The children are not only growing, but are also physically active, and we provide a high level of proteins and carbohydrates in their daily lunches to meet their growth and energy needs. These macronutrients come in the form of fresh fibre-rich vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, soy, dairy, and whole grains, as in, good clean proteins and good carbs.

Believe it or not, the vegetarian diet provides enough protein for a growing child’s bodily functions. As renowned nutritionist Sherry Brescia said, “Have you ever seen a protein-deficient cow? I haven’t – and all they eat is grass!” Not that we feed the children grass! The food we prepare has been designed to include the full complement of amino acids at levels intended to optimise the growth potential of primary-aged children. The carbohydrates we serve are also wholesomely selected and we make our own bread daily to boot!

The school has a cookbook of some of the most often requested dishes, just so they can be made at home. Shakti Cookti Bookti is on sale in the school office, and you will be surprised at the wide range of foods that constitute the children’s favourite selection of recipes.

Along with the fact that the students are encouraged to explore the tastes and textures of food prepared in all sorts of different ways, their culinary horizons are expanded as much as possible during their time at Ficino, and we are proud of each robust specimen as they enter the outside world, healthy as an ox and ready to try anything!

Fondly,

The Cuisine Team.