Kidding around the Kitchen

Kidding Around the Kitchen (KATK) brings a “hands on” cooking experience and lesson to the classroom in which the kids actively participate in the preparation of recipes. The result of their cutting, measuring cooking and then eating their creations is more than simply a lesson in health. They get to see, touch, smell and taste the fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheeses, eggs, meats and other ingredients that they may never have previously see in their raw form. The classes reinforce math, science, reading and vocabulary all within a one hour lesson. Measuring cups and spoons help with fractions. Multiplication and division are used when recipes are reduced or increased. Solids become liquids, bread rises, pancakes expand, and science is suddenly edible. Pronouncing ingredient names and reading recipes help to enlarge vocabulary. Studying food labels promotes an awareness of natural and "not so natural" ingredients used in everyday items.