Rookie Cooks is a fun program that teaches Richland County youth aged 9 to 12 basic cooking skills. It is held over five days in the summer. Each day the participants make and sample several different foods. They receive recipes that they can take home and share with their families. On the last day they have the opportunity to bring in a food that they prepared at home to share with the group.

Skills learned include:

• Safety (including knife and oven safety)
• Clean up (including washing dishes and keeping a clean and healthy work space)
• Reading and following a recipe
• Measuring
• Using an oven, microwave, blender, etc.
• Making wise food choices and trying new foods
• Basic nutrition focusing on MyPyramid
• Working in a group

In 2008 Rookie Cooks will be studying the MyPyramid, learning about the food categories and how to make wise choices. The class will be preparing a variety of foods each day to test their skills and provide some great samples.

2008 Rookie Cooks will be held July 28- August 1. Get your registration in before July 18!!