As the days grow longer and the weather warms, we’re excited to reflect on another successful season of Chefs in the Classroom. This year, we were thrilled to be in 7 schools and 14 classrooms, sharing the joy of cooking, gardening, and healthy eating with a new group of young, eager minds. Watching our tiny chefs embrace the world of local foods has been as rewarding as ever!
Kids’ Favorite Recipes: A Close Contest!
As always, our famous Mama Mia Pasta Sauce took the crown for the most loved recipe, with kids diving into their homemade sauces with enthusiasm. But this year, we had a close runner-up that surprised even us – the Apple and Fennel Salad. Yes, you read that right – salad! Our tiny chefs were slicing, dicing, and tossing like pros, proving that fresh ingredients and a fun approach can turn any dish into a winner.
Field Trips: Exploring Local Farms and Gardens
Our season wrapped up with field trips to three amazing local spots:
- Paynter’s Fruit Market, where students saw firsthand where some of their favorite fruits are grown.
- Claremont Ranch Organics, offering a glimpse into sustainable farming practices that produce the healthy foods we cook with.
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery, where students explored the Chef’s Garden, learning about the heirloom vegetables, herbs, and berries grown for their restaurant.
Each field trip was a chance to show our students the farm-to-table journey and how vital local agriculture is to our community.
A Huge Thanks to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers. From helping in the kitchen to assisting on field trips, you’ve made a huge impact on these students’ lives. Thank you for your time, resources, and passion for fostering a love of healthy, local foods in the next generation.
We’re already looking forward to next year, and we hope to continue inspiring young chefs to embrace the joy of cooking with local ingredients. Thank you for being part of another incredible season of Chefs in the Classroom!