Culinary Classes for Kids

CEBU, Philippines - It was nearly two o’clock, which meant class was about to start. Budding little chefs donned their white aprons and were chatting happily with one another other in the waiting area. Excitement filled the air and naturally so, because on that day those kids were going to make Choco Muffins, Rocky Road Brownies, and Choconut Macaroons.

They were carrying spatulas and measuring cups instead of PSPs and DSIs, and they were actually having fun. Who knew that’s still possible in this day and age?

Behind the red gate along Maria Cristina Street corner Juana Osmena Street is Bake Art, one of the leading culinary institutions in Cebu. They have been offering short-term cooking and baking courses to both adults and children for nearly ten years. However, during the summer, they specifically attend to the youngsters who are on a break from school.

Their culinary workshop for kids is a weeklong training in cooking and baking. Kids from ages eight to twelve are taught the basics of food preparation like measuring, slicing, and mixing. These are learned as they create a variety of delectable goodies such as Mongolian Beef, Spaghetti Casserole, Rainbow Caramel Bars, and Vanilla Cream Cupcakes.

“They are very eager to learn,” said instructor Annette Gallego. She also added that it is fulfilling on her part when she sees kids enjoying while learning. Some kids, in fact, come back every year for the workshop; and there are even those who graduate and move on to the Teens Culinary Workshop.

It’s good that these kids have something to keep themselves busy over the summer other than sitting in front of their computer or TV. They are acquiring a practical skill and at the same time the smiles on their faces show that they are having a wonderful time. It rarely happens that there is silence in the classroom-cum-kitchen. Aside from the sound of the mixer or the knife hitting the chopping board, the sound of chatter and laughter also resonates in the room. There are some siblings or group of friends who go there together, while others make friends right then and there. It’s hard not to, when the value of teamwork is incorporated in the class — the kids work in pairs.

Each pair has their own workstation complete with everything they need for cooking and baking. They have their utensils, their containers, their ingredients prepared for them before they enter the class. Each workstation also has its own stove. The thought of a kid within close proximity to the stove seems risky, but the number of accommodating Ates is ready to help and assist the kids in their culinary endeavours. They go around making sure the kids are safe, their ingredients are complete, and that they’re whisking the egg right. Annette’s sister, Maritess Gallego-Lipardo, is also an instructor of the workshop.

Look around, perhaps the next hotshot in the culinary industry is lurking near you. It could be your child or your younger sibling, who knows? This summer may just be the start of their life-long relationship with the kitchen.

Give them a call at 255-5812. q