Teaching Teenagers How to Make Something "Fancy"

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's plan to teach teenage girls how to make a "fancy" dish during a youth activity night. Various participants share their ideas for recipes and discuss logistical considerations for the cooking demonstration.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions being asked to teach cooking to girls aged 12-17 and seeks ideas for a dish that is both impressive and easy to make.
  • Another participant suggests Chocolate Mousse Cups as a fancy and easy option, noting they can be found in a specific recipe collection.
  • One participant expresses a preference for not needing a microwave due to the distance to the kitchen, while another suggests bringing a microwave to the demonstration room.
  • Several users mention trifles as a good option, highlighting their impressive appearance and ease of assembly.
  • One participant shares their experience with a Lime-Berry Mousse Trifle, describing it as easy and visually appealing.
  • Another participant suggests a Pepperoni Wreath as a quick and impressive main dish, although they encountered technical difficulties in sharing the recipe.
  • One participant notes the importance of considering food allergies, specifically mentioning a nut allergy among the girls.
  • Another participant proposes a southwestern seven-layer salad as an allergy-friendly alternative that does not require a microwave.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the specific dish to prepare, with no clear consensus emerging on a single recipe. However, there is general enthusiasm for the idea of making trifles and other visually appealing dishes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion takes place in the context of a church youth program, with considerations for the available kitchen facilities and the age group of participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on teaching cooking to teenagers or those interested in easy and visually appealing recipes may find this thread helpful.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
I've been asked by my friends at church who are in charge of our youth program, if I could teach the girls (ages 12-17) something about cooking at an upcoming youth activity night. This will strictly be my teaching them, not trying to sell PC or hint about their moms buying/hosting. So I'm trying to decide what I could do, when today I hear that the girls are requesting that I teach them how to make something fancy. My friends (the leaders) have come to my parties and some have hosted, so they know and love PC, and they hope I can teach the girls something that "looks amazingly delicious and is still super easy to make". I will be teaching them in a room away from the kitchen in our church building. The kitchen is down the hall, so I can make something and then put it on a cart we have there and take it to the kitchen to bake. I'd prefer it to be something that I won't need the microwave for, because the inconvenience of having to run back and forth down the hall. Any ideas?
 
the Chocolate Mousse Cups (not sure of exact name) from Fall 2005 are fancy and easy (and taste good). You can find them in the Season's Best behind CC.Why can't you just bring the microwave to the room you'll be in?You can bake the crepes into the cups ahead of time.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I don't think we are allowed to move the appliances. But I could ask one of the leaders who has a moveable one at her house if we could borrow hers. I'll check into that. I love those mousse cups! I haven't made them yet, I'll have to practice them and see how it goes! Thanks for the idea. :)Any other ideas out there? I'd like to have a few ideas to take back to the leaders and see if they care if it's a dessert or main dish or whatever.
 
Amanda,
Are supposed to do a main dish, dessert or what? You could do a trifle, do something in the microwave, I am assuming you will be in the gym? You could take a microwave and plug it in there. Do a microwave cake, someone just posted a pineapple upside don cake in the fluted pan that they did in the microwave.
 
My favorite fancy looking recipe with the Lime-Berry Mousse Trifle. It's easy to assemble and fun to make and looks awesome!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Jennie4PC said:
Amanda,
Are supposed to do a main dish, dessert or what? You could do a trifle, do something in the microwave, I am assuming you will be in the gym? You could take a microwave and plug it in there. Do a microwave cake, someone just posted a pineapple upside don cake in the fluted pan that they did in the microwave.
Click to expand...

We're going to be in the Relief Society room. So it's carpeted and makes me nervous! The YM will be in the gym playing--you guessed it--basketball. ;)
 
is your RS room not by the kitchen? In almost every church I have been to they have doors that open up into the RS room right from the kitchen. If it is like that why couldnt you do the demo in the kitchen and have the girls gather round the counter. You could still take a microave into the RS room. Also is it all YW or the older girls?
 
I'd say a a trifle of some sort. They look super impressive and the don't HAVE to be served in a Pampered Chef trifle bowl (but why wouldn't you? LOL). Show them how to make strawberry fans to dress up the top. You could have the brownie, angel food cake, pound cake, whatever you use for a base baked ahead of time.
 
Another thought, but you'd need the microwave for a bit--the chocolate mousse waffle bowls from this season's SB. They are so simple and quite "fancy".
 
my first thought (and it isnt food related) was napkin folding. i learned this at girl scouts and it is something "fancy" to learn how to do.

anyway just a thought.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Jennie4PC said:
is your RS room not by the kitchen? In almost every church I have been to they have doors that open up into the RS room right from the kitchen. If it is like that why couldnt you do the demo in the kitchen and have the girls gather round the counter. You could still take a microave into the RS room. Also is it all YW or the older girls?
Click to expand...

Our building is really different than the typical LDS church buildings. The RS room is in its own wing. The kitchen is by the bishop offices and is close to the gym. It has the counter opening window thing into the hallway. It's a weird design. I guess years ago it was a phase one building, then as the membership grew, they added wings and even a second floor to one half of the building (the chapel is on a hill).

The microwave is pretty large, and I wasn't sure of the building policies, if I'd be allowed to move it to the RS room. I can ask about it, or like I was saying before, I can see if I can borrow my friend's (hers is smaller and probably easier.

I'll have to ask if they want a main dish, dessert, or just a skills lesson. Right now, I believe it's for all the girls, not just the oldest group.
 
I would definitly see if you could use your friends if you were to use the microwave. Your buliding sounds likes a very interesting set up. But I am really thiking a trifle is right up thier alley way. You could also get some cheap gobblets at the dollar store and have them make their own. It is something they could definitly do for dances if they do dinner at their homes. Their own trifles in a gobblet.:angel:
 
If it's a main dish I have a great, quick and impressive looking wreath I do.
"What is it, oh wise and fabulous Crystal?" you ask
I say, "Read on my young and intelligent students."

OK 'wise and fabulous Crystal' typed the whole *^$&*$#@ thing out and it kicked me off before I could submit my comment. :cry:
So I will type the whole thing again - IN WORD!!! and attach it for you guys. But I will have to do it later tonight because it's date night and the babysitter is here. Sorry for the tease.:o
 
YEAH!!! DH and babysitter waited so I would leave you guys hanging!! See attached for Pepperoni Wreath Recipe.

PS It's not mine, I frankenstiened it for a couple of other PC recipes LOL
 

Attachments

I'm glad you had the decency to post the recipe before leaving for your date! Give DH and extra kiss or 2 for waiting for you to finish playing! : )
 
If you can get the microwave I have people who love the Chocolate Velvet Cake with Strawberries. They all found this very elegant. And I don't know about in PA but Strawberries are starting to go on sale more often here.
 
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  • #17
So we decided to go with Janet's PB cup trifle. As soon as I mentioned the recipe, my friend (one of the leaders) was all excited. I mentioned others, but she felt that the PB cup trifle is perfect. Not all the girls like fruit :rolleyes: but most love chocolate and peanut butter cups. My friend has a microwave we can use, too, so we'll be fine. I'm going to also make a handout for the girls with different trifle recipes to take home. Thanks for all the help you guys! :) I'm saving the ideas in case they change their minds on this recipe and want something else.
 
The only one thing I would suggest is to make sure their are no allergies otherwise let us know how it goes :)
 
If food allergies come into play and you have to switch, maybe the southwestern seven layer salad in the trifle bowl -- beautiful, easy and delicious! Plus, no microwave needed at all!
 
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  • #20
Fluffy215 said:
The only one thing I would suggest is to make sure their are no allergies otherwise let us know how it goes :)
Click to expand...

Yes, I just remembered that one of the older girls has a nut allergy. I just emailed my friend about it. One recipe I told her about the other day was the double chocolate mousse cups. I bought stuff to try out that recipe this weekend to see how it goes. I'll tell her some of these other ideas when we talk.
 
babywings76 said:
Yes, I just remembered that one of the older girls has a nut allergy. I just emailed my friend about it. One recipe I told her about the other day was the double chocolate mousse cups. I bought stuff to try out that recipe this weekend to see how it goes. I'll tell her some of these other ideas when we talk.
Click to expand...

Amanda,

You could do the Trifle with just chocolate....brownie chunks with cream cheese/chocolate pudding/cool whip then maybe throw in some chocolate chunks or even like chocolate/caramel chunks (rolos). MMMM, maybe look up "trifle" here and see what you can find....
 
Also check on the nature of the nut allergy, some can still be around it but not eat it...some are allergic to tree nuts only, etc.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy fancy recipes for teenagers to learn?

Some easy fancy recipes for teenagers to learn include homemade pasta, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate lava cakes, stuffed bell peppers, and elegant salads with homemade dressings. These recipes allow them to practice cooking techniques while creating impressive dishes.

How can I make cooking lessons more engaging for teenagers?

To make cooking lessons more engaging for teenagers, incorporate fun themes, such as "International Night" where they can explore different cuisines. Use interactive cooking challenges, allow them to choose recipes, and encourage creativity in presentation. Additionally, sharing the final dishes with friends or family can add excitement.

What kitchen tools should teenagers learn to use?

Teenagers should learn to use essential kitchen tools such as a chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and a whisk. Introducing them to small appliances like blenders, food processors, and slow cookers can also enhance their cooking skills and confidence.

How can I encourage teenagers to try new ingredients?

Encourage teenagers to try new ingredients by involving them in the shopping process, allowing them to pick out unfamiliar items. Organize taste tests or cooking challenges featuring new ingredients, and share interesting facts or recipes about those ingredients to spark their curiosity.

What are some tips for presenting food in a fancy way?

To present food in a fancy way, focus on plating techniques such as using garnishes, arranging food in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and using colorful ingredients. Teach them to use different serving dishes, like tiered stands or elegant plates, and encourage creativity with sauces and drizzles for added flair.

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