Tuesday's Top 10: Cooking Classes for Kids

LongIsland.com

Put on a chef's hat for delicious fun for kids.

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Before kids go back to school, why not send them to take a cooking lesson?  Cooking is a wonderful way for families to bond - it teaches your children many things using the kitchen as a classroom.  Reading a recipe, hand-eye coordination, math skills and then they can eat the tasty rewards.  Playing with food can also make for better eaters.  Some classes start as young as age 2 as a Mommy and Me class, there are more advanced classes for the elementary school set and International cooking for teens are also offered.  There are themed classes based on the time of the year to tie in with holidays.  With so many cooking shows on television there is more interest than ever in wearing a chef's hat and apron.  Kids are eating more than the standard kids menu fare, so why not let them create their gourmet meals at home?  They will feel so accomplished and proud when the family enjoys the meal that they cooked. Desserts are sweet treats to learn how to prepare.  Decorating can be fun and creative way to express yourself.   Many of these cooking schools also offer birthday parties and scouting events.
 
Here are some great cooking classes for kids.
  • Little Chefs
    Syosset and Port Washington
    Kids ages 2-15 can have fun while learing to cook.  Cooking through the alphabet is great for younger kids while delicious dinners and desserts are for the older chef students.
  • Kitchen Time
    691 Broadway, Massapequa (516) 795-4980
    For over 25 years, Kitchen Time has been teaching kids to cook.  They can learn to make things like English Muffin Pizza up to Stir-Fry chicken with vegetables and sticky rice.  
  • What's Cooking
    30 E. Main Street, Oyster Bay (516) 922-2665
    This is the place for kids to learn the tools of the trade for the kitchen.
  • Elegant Eating
    739 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown (631) 360-2211
    Learn how to cook from this award winning caterer.  Themed cooking includes Grandparents brunch, cake decorating and much more.
  • A La Carte Culinary Services
    32 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook (516) 599-2922
    This cooking school offers classes for high school students and birthday parties for kids 8 and up among its courses. 
  • Cook with Class
    917-704-9056
    Chef Rob will teach kids ages 5 and up the fundamentals of cooking and nutrition.  He will come to your home.
  • Celebrations in the Kitchen
    63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville (516) 396-2193
    Their motto is "The sweetest memories start in the kitchen."  They offer holiday themed classes year-round.
  • Sur La Table
    Locations in Manhasset and Lake Grove
    Unleash your young chef's creativity at any of their themed classes.  Sweet Treats baking series, Road Trip USA and World's Best Foods classes are featured this summer.
  • Gingerbread University
    3225 Sound Avenue, Riverhead (631) 727-7309
    There are no entrance exams for this university. Just bring your imagination and get ready to get your hands sticky.  Make a gingerbread beach hut or school at the end of the summer.
  • Gargulio's Bakery
    503 Lake Avenue, St. James (631) 584-9400
    Kids get a behind the scenes tour of the bakery.  See the pizza dough being made and then get to make their own pizzas.
 
Wouldn't it be nice to ask the kids the age old question, "What's for dinner?"  And let them cook it?  Let us know what your kids have learned to cook on LongIsland.com Forum!
 

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