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PrintParent to Parent: Cooking Classes
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Janna Ross
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Teaching kids healthy eating habits is a lesson that will last a lifetime. A unique program is taking them inside the kitchen to learn from a top chef. 7's Lynn Martinez shows us in tonight's Parent to Parent.
WSVN -- Chopping, grating, slicing and dicing.
These kids are cooking up a storm with Common Threads, a non-profit organization.
Mimi Chacin, Common Threads: "Dedicated to teaching children the importance of nutrition, physical well-being and cultural diversity through cooking classes."
The 10-week after-school program brings in top local chefs to teach students how to make healthy eating a priority.
Chef Julie Frans, Essensia, Palms Hotel: "We're going to use whole wheat pasta. Do you guys use whole wheat pasta at home?"
Students: "Yes!"
Chef Julie Frans from Essensia is teaching students at Morningside Elementary how to make turkey meatballs with homemade tomato sauce.
Chef Julie Frans, Essensia, Palms Hotel: "So if you want to make something healthy at home, you know you can. You don't have to buy it out of a jar."
The idea behind the program is to teach young people how to make recipes that are simple, inexpensive and quick, obviously with working parents in mind.
Mimi Chacin, Common Threads: "To show them hands-on how to make healthy, affordable meals that then they can share with their families, and bring families back to the table."
Nine-year-old Zakiyah is learning how to make an antipasto salad using fresh meats and vegetables. She plans to take this lesson home with her.
Zakiyah Clark, Loves to Cook: "I like that I learn how to cook, and I get to teach my mom all these different recipes."
When all the hard work in the kitchen is done, the kids get to sit down together and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Student: "This tastes good!"
The program not only builds their self-confidence but gives them real-life cooking skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
Mimi Chacin, Common Threads: "It's something they can walk away with and be proud of instantaneously and share with their families."
Lynn Martinez: "The kids have a blast in the kitchen."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Common Threads
Essensia
Palms Hotel & Spa
3025 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140