Come summer and its time for kids to hone their skills in different fields at the various vacation courses going on in the city. While a few are exploiting their potential in cultural activities like drama, dance, drawing, singing and crafts, a few others are doing what they are often debarred from - assaying their skills in the kitchen.
The cooking workshops and courses come as blessing for children who are generally shooed away by busy and working parents whenever they want to dish out something delicious.
Taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity the kids are having a gala time mixing, grating, sauteing, tempering, garnishing and what not. On their platter are icy cold kulfy, delicious ice cream, crispy tortillas and scrumptious biscuits, to name a few. The practical sessions are interactive and informative. Each child is not only given his/her own cooking kit, complete with an apron and chef cap, but also his or her own work station with all the ingredients necessary. The basic cooking skills as well as use of appliances are taught and the delicious dish can be taken home. A certificate is given at the end of the course.
“My favourite part is the mixing of food colour into the butter icing,” said one kid while another said “tasting” was the most interesting part.
Parents especially mothers are grateful to organisers of the camps, hoping that their wards will learn a thing or two about the science behind cooking and healthy eating.
Susan Abraham, mother of two participants, says that she hopes the courses will help her children cope with career and nutritional needs efficiently in future. Another said, “My daughter, Rosemary thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it definitely kindled her interest in cooking.”
Courses vary - ranging from fireless cooking, food styling and design to traditional classes on baking, cake decoration, confectionery and basic cookery.
Depending on the cuisine or speciality pursued, and the number of sessions, the fees ranges any where from Rs 450 to a few thousand rupees.
“The classes were comprehensive, easy and very professional,” remarked Rosanna, one of the older students from Manna Cooking School, in Palarivattom.
Manna Cooking School under the guidance of Anitha Issac known throughout Kerala for her culinary skills, has completed two camps this summer for kids aged eight and above. She plans to conduct one more during the first week of June so that even kids from West Asia who arrive in the state for their holidays can participate.
“The Sugar Craft course was for three days but the Vacation Cooking and Homemaking class is a ten-day course,” said Anitha.
Kids are also having a whale of time at The Casino Hotel’s culinary camp. On Tuesday, students participated in CGH Kochi Super Chefs on lines of Junior Master Chefs. Around 35 students aged between 10 and 15 are participating in the camp which commenced on May 4 and will be on till May 14. The camp,introduced for the first time this year, aims to spread awareness on healthy food habits among the younger generation.“It’s not a mere demonstration but each child has his or her own work station. We want to show them that cooking is easy and that they should opt for it whenever possible,” said Dominic Joseph of Casino Hotel.
The children were given guidance on using fresh and nutritious ingredients as they took a walk in the organic vegetable garden, and on reducing preservatives and chemicals. Many other tips and techniques on safe and healthy cooking and fine dining were given.
“I am loving it. I enjoy making chocolate cookies, truffles and chocolate cakes,” said Anushka, a 11-year-old, at the camp. The course fees is `6000. The parents will get to taste their children’s delights on the concluding day of the camp.
Mahima Simon, who has been residing in the city for the past 10 years has recently started classes for students during the holidays on a variety of dishes as well as brushing up their basics in cooking.
“Teaching students cook is a different experience all together as it is more fun-filled and requires care. Besides they can spend time on it only during the holidays. By the time they complete the course they learn how to make a variety of sandwiches, muffins, cakes, cookies and pizzas,” she said with enthusiasm.
Before long, the city is bound to see a group of budding little chefs.