March 2025 - Kids in the Kitchen: Class 1

March 25th, I (Rachel) had the privilege of hosting Merkle Wellness Solutions’ first Kids in the Kitchen nutrition and cooking class! And let me tell you, It. was. so. much. fun.

Here are the highlights:

* We learned about the food groups and basic kitchen safety

* We learned about lipid emulsions (i.e. made mayonnaise)

* We then turned the mayo into a homemade (better than store bought) ranch

* Each "kid" practiced food prep skills in chopping/slicing multiple fruits and vegetables (strawberries, Kiwi, cucumbers and carrots)

* As a group, we learned how to make popcorn on the stove

* Phew! Once all of that was done, we sampled all the foods we made and identified which food group each represented.

The food groups we sampled:

Fruit: strawberries and kiwi

Vegetables: cucumbers and carrots (dipped in our ranch of course)

Dairy: a whole host of products from New Horizons Farm/Happy Cows Creamery including milk, cheese curds and havarti cheese

Protein: we sampled pecans and walnuts and discussed more traditional (animal) sources of protein

Grain: popcorn and sourdough bread from Simple Roots Bulk Foods (in Corwin, Ohio).

Each kid left the class excited to be in the kitchen and stating they learned something new. They went home with their container of mayo and a folder with all the recipes, handouts, etc. we discussed in class so they can replicate their new found skills with family and friends.

With all that being said, I'm excited to offer the second kids in the kitchen class coming up in April! During this class, we will be exploring the concept of yeast. I will be coming to class with prepared dough for kids to shape and bake their own pizza or focaccia. While our dough is baking, kids will have to opportunity to make their own dough from scratch and take it home to prepare with family and friends at a later date.