Michelle Obama is again teaming up with streaming platform Netflix but, this time, she’ll be working with puppets as well on her new children’s cooking show Waffles + Mochi.
“Once upon a thyme, deep in The Land of Frozen Food, lived two best friends named Waffles and Mochi with one shared dream: to become chefs,” a synopsis reads. “The only problem? Everything they cooked was made of ice. When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime. With the help of friendly new faces like Mrs. Obama, the supermarket owner, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, travelling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities.
“Whether they’re picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends. Waffles + Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe.”
The new show launches March 16 and will be “all about good food: discovering it, cooking it, and of course, eating it,” the former first lady posted on Instagram on Tuesday. Obama also confirmed that the 20-minute episodes will combine live action and puppets. “I couldn’t be more excited to join in this hilarious, heartwarming, and simply magical show — and I’m not just saying that because of the flying shopping cart,” she said in a statement. “I only wish Waffles + Mochi had been around when my daughters were growing up, because it’s the kind of program that’s fun to watch together as a family, and gives parents the peace of mind to know that their little ones are learning something, too.
“In many ways, Waffles + Mochi is an extension of my work to support children’s health as First Lady. We know that everybody loves good food and a good story. And that’s exactly what our curious and adventurous heroes provide, whether they’re discovering the possibilities of potatoes, the world of pickling, or the art of cleaning up a cracked egg. And I’m thrilled that Waffles and Mochi are also getting involved off-set, working with the Partnership for a Healthier America to help kids develop healthy habits and help families gain access to fresh ingredients for cooking together at home. No matter what they’re up to, I always have such a wonderful time laughing and exploring the world of food and cooking with Waffles and Mochi — and I think you and your children will, too.”