Longtime chef caters to children in new show at Washington State Spring Fair

Dianne Linderman is a self-proclaimed good cook. She’s owned three restaurants, has a syndicated talk show, and hosts four different cooking shows at fairs across the country.

Now, she’s bringing one of those four shows, Kids Can Cook, to the Washington State Spring Fair.

“I love kids, and that’s why I started this,” she said. “I noticed that at my shows, all the people up front were kids. During Kids Can Cook, I show them how to make real food.”

A cook for more than 40 years, Linderman’s recipes are based on three criteria: healthy, simple and decadent.

“It’s a fun time, and it’s authentic,” the Medford, Oregon resident said of the show. “The kids are learning in front of the audience. It’s a good show, and it gives the parents ideas.”

Kids Can Cook originally started at the Texas State Fair. Now, each year when Linderman makes her return, the line to her show wraps around the block.

At each show, Linderman selects eight children from the audience to participate in the cooking portion. After the show, participants get to keep the food they make.

“People will come back and watch the show multiple times,” she said. “I’m honored to bring this to the Washington State Fair.”

Andrea Thayer, Competitive Exhibits manager for the Washington State Fair, says the Kids Can Cook show is great new interactive addition to the Spring Fair.

“It’s a fun take on cooking,” she said. “Dianne is a cooking expert who makes her show interactive, fun and colorful. Engaging kids and making healthy food is important.”

The Spring Fair runs April 14 to 17 at the Washington State Fairgrounds.

Linderman’s free show is slated for 3, 4 and 6 p.m. on April 14, and noon, 3 and 5 p.m. April 15 to 17 in the Pavilion on the first floor.

Thayer recommends arriving to the shows early to secure a spot.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 11:28 AM with the headline "Longtime chef caters to children in new show at Washington State Spring Fair."