Parental pride in young chefs

This group had become a team in the kitchen, working and chatting. Brandon Woodson said he almost felt like crying as it was the last day. The parents were amazed that their children could prepare, cook, and serve a healthy, tasty meal. Jacob Alicea's father took pictures. Edelis Rodriguez's mother remarked how well the chicken was baked. Brandon's mother and sister were surprised how delicious the vegetables tasted. It was a wonderful, enjoyable eight weeks for all.

- Sharyn Adelman, Lorrie Craley

Bailey Cahill felt like chef Gordon Ramsey, trying to make all the food in a certain amount of time. Georgeyana Martinez said she was scared and excited to make food - chicken wings, roasted veggies, and turkey meatballs - for lots of parents. The parents were so impressed by the cooking skills of their chefs. "The food we make here is so good. I don't want to leave," said Gianni Chacon.

- Susan Pinto

The students decided on quesadillas, chicken and vegetarian, with potato and carrot strips. The leftover raw veggies were the appetizer, with red pepper hummus. It was quite evident that they had learned a lot. Not only did they enjoy eating the foods, but Krina Patel asked, "Can't we do this for another eight weeks?" You could see how proud they were to serve their guests, too. - Susan Munafo, Jane Pupis

"Amazing Chef" certificates were accepted with obvious pride. Our ceremony took a fun turn as Greta Haebel "knighted" everyone on the shoulder with his or her own wooden spoon. "I dub thee culinary chef," Ms. Greta solemnly announced.

- Greta Haebel,
Rachel Josloff

The moms were so happy about the meal and felt fortunate that their children were involved in such a wonderful program. The families also enjoyed all of the stories their sons or daughters told about our antics in the kitchen.

- Lisa Krader,
Linda Todorow

The students voted the turkey meatballs their favorite meal of the session, and the meal came together quickly the second time around as we prepared it for our friends and family. Watching our young chefs, it was easy to see how much they had learned over the course of eight weeks. Everyone agreed that the meal was delicious.

- Brenda Waber, Kristin Stitz

Hands down, the chicken wings with the potatoes, parsnips, and carrots was the decided menu for our meal with parents. The proud parents and grandparents raved about the food and how their children have started cooking with them at home.

- Chris Hoyler, Frank Petrillo, and Beth Stack