logo
Flavors Without Borders: International Cooking Classes For Young Chefs

Flavors Without Borders: International Cooking Classes For Young Chefs

Forbes05-05-2025
Cooking and baking lessons give kids a confidence that expands far beyond the classroom.
Wendy Altschuler
Parents who are looking to enroll their kids in a summer camp that is both educational and fun can choose from a variety of cooking and baking classes at select Sur La Table locations. Available for two age groups, kids ages 7—11 and teens ages 12—17, this summer cooking series is perfect for budding chefs who want to learn about global cuisine and baked goods in a lively and communal environment. Sur la Table's Kids & Teens Summer Series is the ultimate passport to the kitchen with hands-on instruction.
Catering to a diverse range of abilities and palates, these lessons are immersive and engaging. Choose from a variety of courses, each up to five consecutive days long, which take place during May—August. You can be sure that your kid will gain useful skills in a positive environment, with direct instruction from amiable professional chefs with teaching experience.
"My son just finished his 4th Summer Series with Sur La Table and loved it once again,' says parent, Erica M. 'Over the years, he's learned so much from these chefs! From their exploration of different cuisines to their patience and guidance, we're so thankful for the heart and expertise they put into their teaching."
Last year, in 2024, the Kids & Teens Summer Series had over 20,000 participants at 55 different locations, according to a press release. Over 100 recipes were taught by professional chefs and educators in small class sizes, expanding the types of foods that kids had previously been exposed to. From inspiring healthy eating habits to improving math skills, these classes made a lasting impact on students and their families.
Weekly classes that inspire kids to taste flavors from around the world include dynamic programs like Global Flavors, Taste the World, Sweet & Savory Baking, and Ambitious Recipes. Small group class sizes ensure that your kids will be able to do their best in a helpful and entertaining environment. During each session, kids and teens will learn about kitchen safety, food preparation, recipe development, and more.
"Our daughter had a blast in the Teens Baking Summer Series program at Sur La Table,' says parent, Jeanine S. 'We've loved seeing the way her confidence in cooking has transformed!"
Ideal for fastidious eaters, these classes do more than just teach children the basics. Expert instruction in a specialized group setting also encourages young ones to try new flavors, pushing their creativity, ambition, and ingenuity to the forefront. You might just find that your child cooks and bakes more at home and not only attempts new recipes, but also, tastes new flavors.
When the camp is over, young participants will receive 10% off in-store purchases, a special apron, a graduate certificate of completion, and printed menus so that they can recreate all of their delicious creations at home. Most of all, however, kids will have made new friends and learned newfangled proficiencies, giving them confidence in the kitchen and abroad as they move forward into the new school year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

If You Want To Get To Know Your Grandkids Better, Ask Them These 50 Eye-Opening Questions
If You Want To Get To Know Your Grandkids Better, Ask Them These 50 Eye-Opening Questions

Yahoo

time15 hours ago

  • Yahoo

If You Want To Get To Know Your Grandkids Better, Ask Them These 50 Eye-Opening Questions

There's something special about the connection between a grandparent and a grandchild. While this bond goes deeper than words, conversation is a great way to get to know your grandkid and help keep that connection strong. But getting a conversation started, or keeping one going, isn't always easy. Maybe your grandchild is on the shy side, you haven't seen one another in a while or you're connecting on a video call instead of in person. A juicy question — the kind that leads them to see something in a new light, or inspires them to tell a story — can get a conversation started, or get it rolling again if you hit a lull. 'The point of asking questions should be to get to know your grandchildren better,' DeeDee Moore, a grandmother who blogs at More Than Grand, told HuffPost. Asking kids to elaborate with follow-up questions and open-ended prompts like 'What makes you say that?' are also a good way to keep kids talking. 'If you ask what their favorite color is, ask why they like it or how that color makes them feel,' Moore suggested. Part of the joy of asking kids questions is the surprise that their answers may bring, leading your conversation to take an unexpected turn. 'When I asked my four-year-old granddaughter if she had talked to any of her friends at school today, she initially said no,' Moore recounted. 'But then she explained, 'I just meowed because I was a kitty.' Instead of finding out more about her school day, we ended up having a conversation about how animals talk.' Here are some questions you can use to start a conversation with a grandkid or to keep one going. What's something you're really good at? 'A great follow up is to ask them to teach you how to do it,' Moore added. If you could invite anyone in the whole world to dinner, who would you invite? If you could walk into any book or movie, which one would you choose? If you could be any animal, which one would you be? Would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish? If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Would you rather be able to tell the future or read other people's minds? What was the last thing that happened that made you laugh? What is something kind that someone has done for you? What is something about you that I don't already know? What do you think you'll be doing ten years from now? Where in the world would you most like to visit? Would you rather travel back to the past or into the future? What is something you want to learn how to do? What is your favorite thing about yourself? Would you rather travel underwater or in outer space? If your toy could talk, what would it say? What is your favorite time of the year? What is something about you that is unique? What kind of mom or dad do you think you would be? What do you think your pet is thinking right now? What would you do with a thousand dollars? What would you like to be famous for? What makes somebody a good friend? Would you rather be tiny like an insect or as tall as a giraffe? What do you think is the best smell on earth? What was the last dream that you remember? When you get bored in school, what do you start thinking about? Would you rather be the star of a movie, or the director? What is a job that you wouldn't want to do? Do you think it's ever a good idea to tell a lie? How do you show someone that you love them? What was your favorite part of the day? Who is your favorite person right now? Would you want to live forever? What would a perfect day look like for you? Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn? If you could have any kind of store, what would you want to sell? What is the silliest thing you've ever done? What do you think is the most important rule for people to follow? Would you rather dance or paint what you are feeling? If you had to eat the same thing for every meal, what food would you choose? What is the weirdest thing you've ever tasted? How can you tell if somebody is smart? What is something brave that you have done? If you wrote a book, what would the title be? If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? What is something that used to scare you but doesn't anymore? How do you think the world will be different by the time you are a grown up? What is something you've done that you would like to do again? More important that the question that gets them talking is how well you listen once you get them started. 'Listening carefully to your grandchildren is the greatest gift you can give them,' Moore said. Remembering details like their friends' names shows that you're paying attention and that you care. 'It builds a true connection when you show that you are interested in their lives.' And while there are advantages to having a conversation face-to-face, like being able to read someone's body language or decipher their tone, you don't have to be physically present with your grandchild to make a connection. Moore explained: 'Showing a curiosity for who they are can be done just as easily over video chat or in a letter as it can be over ice cream.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

Make sure your kids have fun on Independence Day with these Fourth of July essentials
Make sure your kids have fun on Independence Day with these Fourth of July essentials

Fox News

timea day ago

  • Fox News

Make sure your kids have fun on Independence Day with these Fourth of July essentials

Between fireworks, pool parties and barbecues, the Fourth of July is a fun day for the whole family. Making sure your kids have plenty to do starts by loading up on party essentials they'll love. From festive bubble wands to glow-in-the-dark wristbands, our list has it all. And make sure you've got patriotic outfits ready for yourself and for all the kids. When your kids are running around right before the fireworks, a pack of glow sticks can only add to the fun. This 100-pack of red, white and blue glow sticks are easy to use, just crack them to make them glow and create a bracelet with the included connectors. Fourth of July-themed bubbles are festive and provide your kids with some much-needed entertainment. The mini bubble containers are patriotic and have a built-in bubble wand. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Keep everyone cozy while the fireworks are going off with a patriotic throw blanket. It can double as a picnic blanket or be used to cover up and keep warm as the sun goes down. Fourth of July means barbecue, fireworks and independence. It also means lots and lots of mosquitoes. Help your kiddos keep the bugs away with mosquito-repellent bracelets. They're made with geraniol oil, lemongrass oil and citronella oil, making them safe for younger kids. You can also get a kids' version of Off bug spray, also made from plant-based ingredients. It's easy to apply and unscented, great for kids who have sensitivities. These light-up Fourth of July necklaces are a great party accessory for kids and adults alike. You get red, white and blue necklaces that are perfectly themed to the day. Each necklace has three flashing modes: fast blinking, slow blinking and steady on. Add some fun to any Independence Day outfit with these patriotic headbands and glasses your kids are sure to love. They can choose between red or blue heart-shaped glasses and three different red, white and blue headbands. Having a low-key Fourth of July at home? Still bring the fun and stay festive with a red, white and blue inflatable sprinkler. The giant blow-up sprinkler features stars and stripes. A Fourth of July-themed jumper is an adorable, festive outfit that's comfortable and easy to put on. You can choose from a few different red, white and blue star patterns. The tank-style fit can also help your baby stay cool. For more Deals, visit Your little patriot can celebrate Independence Day in style with this two-piece tank and shorts set. Featuring a bold stars and stripes design, the pants have an elastic waist for a snug fit. Paired with the adorable tank, your toddler will be ready for any Fourth of July fun.

‘90s kid summer' trend ditches tech in favor of retro fun — here's why it won't work for all parents
‘90s kid summer' trend ditches tech in favor of retro fun — here's why it won't work for all parents

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Yahoo

‘90s kid summer' trend ditches tech in favor of retro fun — here's why it won't work for all parents

Millennial parents are throwing it back. After the recent resurgence of iconic nineties trends jelly shoes, chunky highlights and flip phones, the ''90s kid summer' parenting trend reeks of turn-of-the-century nostalgia. Yet, proponents behind it say they're not just harking back to their childhoods — they're sick of their screen-addicted kids. Just before summer vacations across the country began, millennial parents took to TikTok en masse to reminisce on their own school-free months. In the comments of TikTok posts like this video by @_natenorman, nostalgic nineties kids recalled the days spent outside from dawn to dusk, biking alone to community pools, the unsupervised neighborhood playtime, and above all, the lack of communication from parents who simply wanted a few hours of peace and quiet. 'My summer memories all involve pools, sports, and exploring the woods. Creeks, birdwatching, riding bikes with the neighborhood kids and my siblings,' read one reply. 'The attic fan on at night is all I remember of indoors.' Many parents online claim that they're giving their kids a '90s summer to promote positive development like independence and creativity. And according to experts, they're not wrong to do so. The American Psychological Association says that unstructured play can help children progress in important body and muscle growth, socializing, decision-making skills, conflict management, and empathy, among other areas. However, a '90s summer is simply not feasible for some, and growing pressure from online parenting communities is leading to undue stress and guilt. Kristin Gallant, a parenting expert who posts child-rearing and mom life content on Instagram as @biglittlefeelings, was among the anxious millennials. 'If it works for your family, great,' says Gallant in the video. 'Working parents, we're stressed out when we see this. We need to send our kids to camp or have some child care' so the unplanned routine doesn't work quite the same, she explained. She also mentioned how neurodiverse kids and sensitive children who thrive on structure likely also wouldn't benefit from this trend. 'If you can't give your kids a '90s summer, don't let it make you feel like s–t,' she concluded. Claire Vallotton, professor of human development and family studies at Michigan State University, agrees that making a sudden shift towards the '90s summer lifestyle is not beneficial to kids, and explains that the trend is likely a response to the tendency that many modern parents have towards both maximizing their child's development by overscheduling them with classes, camps and other programs, as well as allowing young kids to have way too much screen time. In an interview with USA Today, Vallotton said that most kids of today 'are overscheduled and using technology too much,' and a majority of them are not spending time outdoors alone like their millennial parents. The urge to overcorrect with the '90s summer trend makes 'a lot of sense, but trying to solve it all in one summer isn't going to work for either the children or parents,' she explained. 'You can't just have this over-scheduled, technology-saturated life for nine months of the year and then switch into this absolute freedom,' Vallotton elaborated. 'We haven't prepared our children for that… It's going to make the children potentially more anxious.' Some parents online have commiserated with Gallant for numerous reasons. Some complain of 'velco children' — kids who stick to their parents' sides non-stop — while others bemoan the dangers and rising childcare costs plaguing the modern world. 'Give me a 90s economy and 90s real estate prices and I'll see what I can do,' replied a mom, agreeing with Gallant. 'I wish ['90s summer] was an option now for our kids. Karens everywhere crying about the noise of a basketball, no woods to go venture in or build treehouses, and people are always driving distracted, so riding bikes down the road can't happen,' said one commenter under @_natenorman's TikTok, explicating the impossibility of recreating those summers of the past. Meanwhile, other parents offered their own interpretations of the sudden online push for the resurgence of a '90s summer. 'What I take from the 90s summer is letting go of the pressure to be over-scheduled, do every single expensive camp, and be IG perfect,' replied one user under Gallant's video. 'I think the takeaway is that it's okay to let your kid have a solid chunk of independent play where you as the parent are not playing camp Director,' explained another. 'It's not unsupervised but unstructured. Not all day but part of it. For me, after lunch, I might push the kids outside and go read on the porch while they figure it out. They have things to do provided, but it's dealer's choice.' Instead of making an instantaneous transition like millennial parents across the Internet seem to imply, Vallotton advised that parents slowly reduce technology access for kids and encourage children to play together outdoors while supervising from afar.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store