Kids in the Kitchen

Our winter session of Kids in the Kitchen is in full swing here at Wissahickon Valley!

This time, 3rd and 4th graders are getting things cooking. Our winter session is following an “eat around the world” theme! Each week our Kids in the Kitchen members not only prepare and enjoy a dish from another country, but they also learn about the location, climate and traditions of that particular country. So many factors influence a nation’s cuisine and we are learning all about them!

We began two weeks ago in Jamaica where the tropical climate makes for tasty plantains and an abundance of citrus fruits. Our members snacked on Jamaican Tangors (a sweet and juicy cross between a tangerine and an orange) while they studied the geography of the country.

Next things started to heat up! The kids each seasoned some chicken to make the traditional and sought-after dish – Jamaican Jerk Chicken! Of course, Jerk Chicken has some spice to it. To bring down the heat a bit, a group of our little chefs prepared coconut rice with kidney beans to pair with it. While the rice simmered and the chicken browned, we worked on slicing plantains and frying them to make delectable plantain chips! We added cinnamon and sugar to create a light, satisfying end to our meal!

Our evening in Jamaica ended with our students serving each other and their teachers! Everyone devoured the Jamaican classics! Kids in the Kitchen is a group effort and we would not be able to create such incredible dishes without the help and eagerness of our kid chefs!

Check back to see what country we will “taste” next!