San Mateo chef's book earns national recognition

San Mateo chef and mom Gigi Gaggero’s book, “Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters” was recently recognized as a National Parent Product Award winner for 2019--a seal of approval that uniquely takes parent perspectives into consideration as part of the evaluation.

Gaggero’s book is a practical, hands-on guide to promote healthy eating habits for children coupled with simple solutions. Loaded with over 60 family friendly recipes, the book includes proven tips that work. Gaggero, who goes by Chef Gigi, shares her years of positive parenting and teaching techniques, sprinkled with tips on how to elicit the science behind flavor, just like professional chefs do.

The evaluators noted that the book exposes the habits that inadvertently reinforce picky eating and also helps parents navigate fixing this. She pulls in the science behind flavor with the magic of introducing and working with children in the kitchen.

One evaluator said: “I think that the time Gigi Gaggero took to thoroughly explain the root of picky eating, the science behind it, and the advice she gives is great. My book is highlighted like crazy! She gives practical reasons to why our common mistakes don’t work (ie, bribery, threats, coaxing, disguising foods…), and gives solid advice on how to approach mealtime so it doesn’t seem so daunting.”

Another described trying some of the recipes with their 5-year-old, which they were skeptical to do. However, empowering their child to take part in the process resulted in success--the food was eaten and enjoyed.

Gaggero will be featured guest at Barnes & Noble at the Hillsdale Shopping Center, 11 W Hillsdale Blvd. in San Mateo from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, July 28. Children welcome. There will also be a raffle for a free cooking demonstration for a whole class, preschool or parenting group.

“Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters” is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble, Amazon Books and www.gigigaggero.com.