Monthly Archives: August 2011

Aug 31My Journey From the Kitchen Back to School

I have spent the past 8 wonderful years as a teacher, but not in a traditional classroom. My students and I played with food as we learned to create delicious dishes, help the less fortunate and make good choices for our planet. The fish we worked with were edible. And we cooked them (perhaps with a Finding Nemo theme...). But now, there is a fish on my desk. And he is certainly not of the edible variety. My students are vying for the right to name him and enjoy asking me on a daily...

Aug 16Summer Camp: Our Iron Chef Challenge

When planning our cooking summer camp, I wanted the students to be able to showcase their new culinary skills and confidence. We decided that an Iron Chef Challenge on the final day would be just the strategy. The kids selected their own teams, evaluated the ingredients we had on hand, and then planned their menus. After approval from me, they began to prepare their food. The grand finale was their "camera challenge" where they had to present their dishes to the rest of the class, some guest...

Aug 12Summer Camp: Day 4 - We Visit the Farmer's Marke...

On day 4 of our cooking summer camp, we walked to our local farmer's market, where we did some investigative journalism... On our agenda was to learn about organic produce and meat - and why it was better for the environment. We were also eager to ask the pros about whether or not cucumbers were really a fruit or a vegetable. Along the way, we tasted amazing stone fruits, berries and a striped Armenian cucumber! Not a bad way to spend the morning!

Aug 9Summer Camp: Day 3: Our Moroccan Menu

On Day 3 of our summer cooking camp, we focused on Morocco. Here is the menu, generated by my campers... Kehillah Cafe: African Beauty Rock’n Moroccan Carrot Soup: Creamy vegetarian carrot soup with a touch of honey Zesty Broccoli Braised with Olives: Al dente broccoli with olives and garnished lemon zest Couscous with Dried Apricots and Pistachios Moroccan Harcha: Delicate patties made from semolina flour and butter, topped with a drizzle of honey

Aug 3Skip the Soda and Drink Iced Tea Instead (Giveaw...

It's hot this summer. But that doesn't mean you need to reach into your refrigerator for a cool can of soda. There are healthier and cheaper options - and ones that you can make yourself. Thanks to West Bend, one of my lucky readers will have the opportunity to brew up their own summer refreshments. This Iced Tea Maker... is uniquely designed, and has variable tea brew strength. allows you to brew tea with or without sweetener. includes an attractive 2.5 qt. glass pitcher to...

Aug 1Summer Camp: Day 2 – Our Mediterranean Menu

Today, our summer camp students created a delicious menu from the Mediterranean. I must confess, there is nothing quite as sweet as hearing 14 students begging for seconds of Falafel! Kehillah Cafe Special Menu of the Day: Nóstima Noshes: ("Nóstima" translates to "delicious" in Greek, the theme of today's class) A Waffle is for Breakfast…but a Falafel is for any other meal. Try our unique Falafel Scramble – Who needs falafel patties when you can scramble together this Mediterranean...