Cook Like a Chef 2014 - That's a Wrap!

Brady shows off his breakfast - it wouldn't be complete without a dash of hot sauce!

Today started with a bang, or you could say... a leak! Maintenance were the first to arrive to tackle the small water spot noticed on the ceiling. Once that was taken care of, Marilee rounded out the week with a presentation on MyPlate, as well as some ways campers may be able to eat in a more balanced way. Campers even received their own MyPlate to help them practice eating balanced meals. Next, we asked campers to complete a few surveys and a post test so we can see what they learned this week, and also use their responses in improving the camp and writing research articles like this one! Thank you, again, to Dr. Marge Condrasky and Michelle Kuntz for joining us this week!

Thank you Jan and Marge for all of your hard work - it was delightful having you! 

Next, Chef demonstrated how to make a perfect omelette and campers got to make their own using whatever ingredients they wanted. Ham and cheese proved to be the favorite while some campers got more adventurous with different veggies. Once campers enjoyed their breakfast, they learned how to make a homemade pizza from scratch. Campers headed back to their kitchens once the demonstration was over to make their own pizza. Some kitchens made one type of pizza, while others split theirs into three different kinds. Whichever way they chose to make their pizza, it was sure to come out scrumptious!!

Our special guest from Monday, Derek Polay, was back again! This time, he came with his carving knife and entertained many of our campers while they waited for the pizzas to cook. Derek impressed us all with his skills as he carved delicate roses into the side of watermelon and birds of paradise out of pears. 

Derek carving his watermelon roses as campers watch intently.

Campers were in their seats by 11:45 to hear one last word from Chef, perhaps one of the most important ones of the weeks... etiquette! As campers listened, the pizzas came out of the oven and other favorite dishes from the week made their way back into the kitchens. We saw appearances from apricot bars, raspberry mango salsa, fried plantains, ice cream, oatmeal bread, chili, and peach pie... just to name a few.

Friends and family poured into the Foods Lab in 007 Henderson at noon to enjoy the delicious food and beverages campers prepared throughout the week. Campers toured their loved ones around the lab to different kitchens for the opportunity to sample all different types of food. An award ceremony followed, where each camper was recognized and awarded a medal and a special title. Cook Like a Chef! Camp 2014 proved to be a tasty time. Throughout the week, campers skills have improved and their palettes expanded - it's amazing to see how far they've come in just a week's time! 

A big thank you to all of our counselors, volunteers, and helpers, this week would not have been possible without you. Finally, Thank you to Chef Anne Corr who began this camp with a vision. Since then, that vision has come to life, and it would not have been possible without her passion and dedication to this community. As this is her last year as program director, we are sad to see her go, but are already looking forward to her successor, Meghan McCracken, filling those shoes. Cook Like a Chef! 2015 is in excellent hands. 

The hat has been passed! 

We hope to see you again next summer! 

PS - If your child left anything behind in the Foods Lab this week, please contact Lisa Clapper, PSU Outreach Program Coordinator, at lrc139@psu.edu!