Cooking Corner

Camp is more than just a fun time. It is a learning experience. Campers spend the majority of their day in skill classes where they learn new skills that they can take home and use for the rest of their life. Campers choose five classes out of the twenty that are offered. Choices include Archery, Fishing, Model Rocketry, Super Science, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, Crafts, Soccer, Dance and Drama. One of the more popular classes for older campers is Cooking.

I recently stumbled upon an article at Allrecipes.com that states:

“a cook must be creative, understand math fundamentals, science, nature, have excellent hand-eye coordination and be constantly attentive to reading and writing. Getting children involved in preparing their own meals is also a wonderful opportunity to instill the import of eating nutritious meals. Later on, older kids may need to help out with family food shopping, meal preparation and cleanup. Becoming skilled in the kitchen is more than fun–it is necessary for survival.”

These are the skills that our campers learn in our Cooking Class. Over the course of a session campers learn how to make a complete meal for their entire family. They learn kitchen safety, proper measuring, and a variety of techniques. They improve their ability to work with fractions, follow directions and use their senses and creativity in the process. The best part, they learn how to make made from scratch meals that are good for them! I love the Cooking class because I get to sample the amazing flavors that come out of the kitchen. Here is a recipe from last summer that you can try at home, but make sure you get your parents permission first!

Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) container of 1% low fat cottage cheese
• 1 (8 oz) light sour cream
• 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (8 oz) shredded 2% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fat free milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 large egg
• cooking spray
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp paprika

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees
2. Whisk together sour cream, cottage cheese, and egg.
3. Combine the sour cream and cottage cheese mixture with the macaroni.
4. Add the shredded cheese, milk, salt and pepper.
5. Spray a deep baking dish with cooking spray and place the mixture in the dish.
6. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and paprika on top and coat with cooking spray.
7. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy!