What Are Some Fun Cooking Class Ideas for a Local High School?

[Lorna May]

Wasn't sure where to post this thread, my local high school has asked me to do some cooking classes, this works for me two ways. One I get paid (needed) and two I can promote my pc business although it is not pc related per se. My question is what could you suggest. The coordinator suggested things like " guy cooking" "valentines", easter, mother day, appies, quick breads. I would love some suggestions and also if someone else has done something like this. I believe these are quick one night courses, although I could probably break it down into 2 or 3 nights too if there are other suggestions.
Lorna

 

[vwpamperedchef]

I've never done this---although sounds exciting.

As far as for the Guys or Valentines day, I would suggest something out of the 29 mins or less cookbook. (You're going to get it done just as fast) and then you might have time to make a quick dessert. (And people won't get bored).

Maybe have a helper serve the entree while you are making the dessert.

Quick breads I dont think would work because of the time factor for baking, UNLESS you bake them ahead of time, and just demo the recipe (and bring the batter home to bake yourself a batch afterwards or something).

OR.....

I would have stations. One station is going to do an appetizer, one an entree, one a side dish, and one a dessert. I dont know how it would work in a HS...but its a thought.

HTH!

 

[Lorna May]

I have 6 stoves, sinks, counters and a demo counter with mirror so everyone can see. I also guess each class would be between 1 1/2 to 2 hours long.
Anyone else have some helpful tips or suggestions.
Lorna

 

[Lorna May]

bump, bumpity bump

 

[Lorna May]

I am so surprised, this is usually such an inspired group and no one appears to have any ideas that can help me. If your too shy to post here, please post me privately.

 

[PCSarahjm]

I think the station idea is great. I took a cooking class sort of like that. Then before serving each station had to talk about the recipe and how it was prepared. Then we ate the full course meal!

Sarah

 

[Lorna May]

Thanks Sarah, what did each station make? How many people were in each station. How much did you pay for your class.
Lorna

 

[AnthemChef]

I have taken a number of cooking classes, and I really prefer to have some sort of a theme going. Try google to find cooking schools, and try copying some of their menu ideas - but perhaps simplify them a little, since you are new at this! Here are some ideas off the top of my head:
Entree Salads (each group of people makes a different one, then everyone shares at the end)
Margarita Madness (everything has lime or tequila in the recipe - great for marinading shrimp or chicken! Plus teach a fun drink recipe). Oh... wait... this is for a high school, right? Guess that won't work!!
Breakfast made Better - baked french toast, egg casserole, brunch squares, brown sugar baconI hope that helps!

 

[janetupnorth]

Just saw this for the first time.

I like the breakfast idea above...every kid should learn how to make scrambled eggs, a simple french toast recipe...etc...

If you have enough bar pans you can teach them bacon in the oven. This will get the "PC" angle in there without even mentioning it.

By using small bar pans each kid can have a "sample" in class without spending too much money on food.

Saute pans can be used for scrambled eggs...

 

[janetupnorth]

A dessert class would be good - just basic mixing, etc.
I remember learning to bake a cake in Jr. High

Check through PC Season's Best and do an appetizer class too...show them how easy it is to make something good...teach them about a few herbs like Cilantro - maybe make the Jamaican Jerk Nachos with them.

The Celebrate Cookbook has some good "Classic" recipes too.

Good luck!