Young chefs in the making

Five year old Adelaide is ready to stir up some delicious food. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453878_17

Kids from across Brimbank learned how to cook up a storm at a session aimed at creating young chefs.

From safely wielding knives, and mastering cooking basics to whipping up healthy dishes, children like Edward and Adelaide picked up essential skills at one of the recent Young Chef’s classes at Westvale Community Centre.

The pair’s mum, Cinnamon Melling, said it was a unique activity with plenty of lessons on offer.

“My kids really enjoyed it because it was very hands-on,” she said.

“It was nice for them to try some new food as well — they cooked a spinach and ricotta pastry roll which was amazing.”

According to Ms Melling, the class provided an opportunity for participants to take more “ownership”.

“Courses like these are so good because they teach kids some really important skills,” she said.

“It is sometimes a little bit difficult to do the same thing in a home setting because it’s not a controlled environment.”

With the summer break coming to an end soon, Ms Melling is pushing for culinary classes to be a regular fixture.

“Even when school starts, it’s a good idea for sessions like these to be held,” she said.

“I’m a primary school teacher and I think this would benefit so many kids.

“It’s extremely empowering for kids, because kitchens are a domain that can be scary or intimidating for them but giving them this exposure or responsibility is a great way to teach them.”

More Young Chef’s sessions are planned for February and March.

Details: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1343327