Think the whole raw food diet is over kid’s heads? Think again! While sticking to a 100% raw foods diet may be a choice that deserves some deeper thought, including more plant-based raw foods in your family’s diet is a no-brainer. We love that among the master-level raw culinary courses at Matthew Kenney Culinary there are also a few fun workshops just for kids.

Tucked high above Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, the glowing marble kitchen classroom at Matthew Kenney Culinary makes for the perfect healthy weekend destination. Students travel from around the world to be taught by Matthew and team, whose ideas about raw food transcend the normal health food status quo. Imagine raw dumplings made from coconut meat and dinner served with foams and sauces that could be found in any five-star restaurant.

The raw cooking classes and weekend intensives themselves range from anywhere between beginner’s level and high culinary art. We’ve attended a class or two ourselves and finally learned the perfect way to open a Thai coconut (clearly a beginner’s class!).

Try this kid-friendly recipe from Everyday Raw Detox for a perfect example of what you might find in an MK Culinary kid’s workshop or make a snap decision and gather the little ones up for the Raw Food For Kids workshop happening this Sunday afternoon!

This banana carrot chai smoothie is a seasonal holiday favorite – perfect for both kids and adults alike. It is a great way to serve vegetables in disguise! For the less adventurous eater, you can eliminate the spices for a flavor that is simple, sweet and creamy.