Making Math Fun and Easy to Understand by Chef Pharrell

How to Measure Ingredients

Using Math Skills in the Kichen

by Chef Pharrell

My Cool Kid Cooks, San Diego CA

Jr. Chefs practicing measuring skills and kitchen math

I have found that showing kids how to use their fractions and ratio skills when they are in the kitchen is a fun way to encourage even those with math anxiety. Something about holding a tangible measuring cup of sugar and doubling or creating 3/4 cup equivalents is easier when you are in the kitchen and you’re making something that tastes wonderful.

Here are some helpful tips for measuring correctly:

• Measure out all ingredients before you begin your recipe. This is the best way to make sure you have everything your need before you start your recipe. Measuring first will also keep you from making a common mistake of doubling or leaving out something from the recipe.
• Use separate measuring cups and spoons or dry and wet ingredients.This prevents things from getting “gooey” when measuring.
• When measuring liquid ingredients use glass or plastic measuring cups with pour spouts .Read the measurement at eye level.
• When measuring solids, fill a flat sided measuring cup then level off with the flat side of a table knife.
• When measuring flour it is important not to “pack” to cup. Gently spoon the flour into the measuring cup first and then level off, do not press the flour into the cup. This will prevent too much flour from being put into the cup.
• For shortening or butter, pack a flat measuring cup with a spatula and level off the top with a knife. Or, to use the lines on the packaging keep in mind that there are 8 tablespoons in each ½ cup block and each block weighs 4 ounces.
• When measuring salt, pepper or granular spices, do not measure over the mixing bowl. Measure first then pour into your mixture.

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County,

call for more information.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582

or email:

chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:

http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html

and then click the current month's calendar button cooking classes...

For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582

Science Experiment for the Kitchen by Chef Pharrell

Kitchen Science with Chef Pharrell

My Cool Kid Cooks Kitchen Science

Kitchen Science during My Cool Kid Cooks Birthday Parties

When is it a perfect teaching moment?
Answer: When they are having fun!

I can't tell you how many times I have felt that perfect moment during my classes with teens and kids sharing with them about the joys of cooking.

I always make a point of stressing at least three times during any session with my Jr. Chefs something that draws a attention to what they are learning in school and how it applies to cooking. This I believe is a valuable lesson outside of the classroom because it proves
what they are learning IS important.

One of the favorite moments in every pizza class is the science experiment where we grown the live yeast and they get to touch it and smell it.
I usually start off by letting them feel the "Live creatures" and them telling them that they are very hungry and they are lacking energy. I ask them what could we feed the yeast creatures to give them some very quick energy, usually giving them three choices. After feeding the yeast we measure the size of the container and then after it has a chance to grow we measure it again and they love to feel the foam.
Of course we talk about how the same process that made the foam grow and expand in the glass, makes the dough in the pizza expand and grow in the oven and the bread in a bakery, etc.

The kids talk about this part of the class for months afterwards, I hear this from parents, all of the time.

So what does this mean to you a parent? I think it means that finding real world experiences to share with your teen and young child are just as important as any other activity which you stress in your kids lives.

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582
or email:
chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com
To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:
http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and then click the current month's calendar button cooking classes...
For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582

Holiday Homemake Candy Workshop in San Marcos

“Homemade Candy Cooking Class ”

How to make English Toffee with Chef Pharell



Kids and Adults Welcome
Saturday, December 1st, 2012
11am to 2:00pm
Chef’s Kitchen
Enjoy the sweet life in this workshop where you will learn the basics of home candy-making. During this hands-on class, Chef Pharrell will guide you through the process of how to make flavored chocolate truffles and cooked hard candy treats. Fun activity for a mother - daughter, grandmother - grandchild to do together for the holidays. Plus, you will be able to take home a box of delicious treats for your family or friends.
•English Toffee
•French Cream Candy
•French Chocolate Truffles
Plus take home a box of homemade candies after the class!

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582
or email:
chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:
http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and then click the current month's calendar button cooking classes...

For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582

Cooking Class Gift Cards for Kids and Teens by My Cool Kid Cooks

Give a gift card

My Cool Kid Cooks Cooking Class Gift Cards

Looking for a way to give a great gift card to someone in San Diego County? We offer gift certificates which are customised for any special occasion.

A cooking class, a series of classes, a private chef service or a special time for the both of you to spend together...you choose which gift is best. We can bring our services to them or they can come to the Chef's Kitchen in San Marcos.

We can also print custom cards to go with your gift and put YOUR personal message inside.

Call us for more details.




Cooking Class gift cards for Teens and Kids



To purchase gift cards :
Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-637-1103
or email:
chef@NCSanDiegoCookingClasses.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to:
http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and click the current month calendar link...

My Cool Kid Cooks Cooking Classes is located in San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in North County we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call us for details.




Rancho Bernardo Jr. Chef Pizza Birthday Party for Twins

Pizza Jr. Chef Birthday Party Celebration in Rancho Bernardo

Jr. Chef Pizza Sauce Dance

Kitchen Science taught at Jr Chef Birthday Parties by Chef Pharrell

What's a unique theme can you do for a twin's birthday party with 16 kids?

That's what this mom asked when she called My Cool KidCooks.

Making fresh lemonade at Pizza Pizza Party

Amazing Pizza Sauce and Cheese makes Awesome Pizzas

We decided on a pizza party with knife skills and a science theme. We had to keep a lot of kids interested all at once so it was a very busy event and it kept the whole staff on their toes with plenty of activity.

Making Cupcakes for dessert

Everyone had a great time and the party ended with the traditional dessert decorating and wish making.

We won't forget this one!

To see more photos go to our Flickr photo account pages:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncsandiegocookingclasses/sets/72157631982605221/

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582
or email:
chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com
To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:
http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and then click the current month's calendar button cooking classes...
For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582.

Summer Camp with My Cool Kid Cooks!

Summer Camp with My Cool Kid Cooks!

Check out our Summer Camp

Cooking Program for Jr. Chefs

Jr. Chef Recipe Book from My Cool Kid Cooks

Jr. Chef Summer Camp Series was a huge success. With Chef Pharrell all of the Jr. Chef’s practiced knife skills, learned kitchen about kitchen safety and tried out great recipes.

Jr. Chefs Practicing Knife skills together

This summer program is a great activity for kids in the North County area of San Diego. The Chef’s Kitchen is located in San Marcos, CA and is just minutes from Poway, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and Escondido.. 

Jr. Chef's Making Amazing Chicken Nuggts

During the week the kids made herb gardens, custom recipe books, played games, learned about kitchen safety and went on a field trip to learn about produce. The newest Jr. Chefs all decorated cakes on Graduation Day and as we said our final good bye, everyone said they wanted to come back next year for another week of camp. When asked what their favorite thing about the week was, most agreed learning about the knife skills was fun but making the Dessert Nachos was the best! 

My Cool Kid Cooks Jr. Chef Cake Decorating Class

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.
Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582
or email:
chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com
To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:
http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and then click the Chef's Hat to see the current month's adult and kids cooking classes...
For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582. 

4th of July Kids Recipe with Rice Krispies

My Cool Kid Cooks is a part of NC San Diego Cooking Classes and is dedicated to showing kids the great art of cooking. Learning to cook can help kids with self- esteem, kitchen math, a bit of practical chemistry and even some biology! To learn more about the classes and parties we teach go to: ww.MyCoolKidCooks.com.

Hope you will enjoy this post, my daughter found this when doing a search for projects for my Grandsons for the July 4th holiday. I thought they were so cute I wanted to share them with you. They come from a baker named Kate.

Her blog is called "Grin and Bake It". These would be a great recipe for any preschooler to make for the holiday with Mom or Dad.

Enjoy! 

From http://grinandbakeit.com/

Written on June 30, 2010 by Kate

Do you ever rack your brain trying to come up with an original idea… your very own, never been done, idea?

Finally, BOOM! ~ it hits you, something you’ve never heard of… something you’ve never seen… something you’re pretty sure no one else has ever thought of. Before actually claiming ownership of your original idea you Google it, only to find dozens of links to what you can only conclude is your not so original idea. I’m not a psychologist, but I think our psyches were better off pre-Google era. We could easily claim ownership of our original ideas, and spend a lifetime patting ourselves on the back for our brilliance.

As I was brainstorming more easy kid-friendly treats for the Fourth of July, it came to me… “Firecracker Krispies”. It seems only fitting with their “Snap, Crackel, Pop!” slogan. Could it be, I just invented “Rice Krispie Firecrackers”? I bravely typed “Firecracker Rice Krispies” into the search engine and pushed enter. A few links came up, but not what I envisioned. Hmm… I did a few more Google searches, and checked the Kellog’s Rice Krispie website. Nada. Nothing. Zilch!

So without further ado, I present to you my original Firecracker Krispie. Google never lies, but if by chance there is someone out there who has already done this, please I beg you, don’t burst my bubble… at least for a day.

These are really easy to make, and kids with clean hands can join in. You can try substituting pop rocks for sprinkles. Need a 4th of July favor? Put these in cellophane bags, and add a ribbon.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 
• Festive Fourth of July paper
• Waxed paper
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
• Chocolate wafers
• Sprinkles
• Licorice
• Star wire
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 3 tbsp. butter

Whip up a batch of Rice Krispie treats (recipe on the cereal box, or click here). Scoop the Rice Krispie/Marshmallow mixture onto a piece of waxed paper.

1. Take another piece of waxed paper and place it on top. Use your hands to smooth it out into a square shape. If you need to get in there with just your hands, forgo the waxed paper and spray a little bit of non-stick spray on your hands.

1. Once you’ve made a square-ish shape (no need for perfection), cut 1 ½” strips of the Rice Krispie mixture. Depending on how large you decide to make them, you may want to then cut the strip in half.
2. Use waxed paper and shape strip into a cylinder. You want to make sure that it stands up, so the bottom needs to be flat. Continue making these Rice Krispie cylinders until you’ve used up your mixture. I made 12 out of one batch (diameter approx. 1 ¼”, 4” tall)
3. Use a paring knife to hollow out a little hole in the top. This is where the licorice wick will go after you’ve dipped the firecrackers in chocolate. Melt chocolate in the microwave at thirty second intervals, stirring in between. Dip the top of the rice krispie treats into the chocolate, coating well, and shaking off any excess. Add sprinkles before the chocolate dries. Stand them up to set.
4. While the chocolate is setting, take the licorice piece and gently push it into the top into the hole that you made. As the chocolate hardens, it will help secure the licorice into place.
5. To finish these off, cut a strip of festive paper 1 ½” wide, wrap it around the circumference and use double-sided tape to adhere. Inside the licorice piece, put a few pieces of colorful, star wire.

Voila… my quite possibly, but I would never swear on it, original Firecracker Krispies. During my Google search, I discovered that Kellog’s was actually having a contest for a July recipe. The deadline was Tuesday. Thanks for bursting my bubble

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.
Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582
or email:

chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com
To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our
 NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:
http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and then click the Chef's Hat to see the current month's adult and kids cooking classes...
For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582.

Jr. Chef Party in San Marcos Birthday Event in the Chef's Kitchen

My Cool Kid Cooks Jr. Chef Birthday Party in San Mar

These Jr. Chefs all gathered in San Marcos at the Chef’s Kitchen to help their friend celebrate his birthday in a very special way.

Mom of course contacted My Cool Kid Cooks and asked if we could help her son with a special 9^th birthday event. So we suggested the Pizza party with a Top Chef Event for dessert. 

Jr. Chefs making fresh pizza onsite in
San Marcos at the Chef's Kitchen

As you can see, everyone had a great time and the pizza got rave reviews from parents and kids! Parents were invited to observe the class while the kids created a fantastic healthy lunch, all from scratch.

On the menu:

Fresh Lemonade, Pizza Sauce, Pepperoni pizzas, fresh fruit salad. 

Leaning to open a can safely with Chef Pharrell

All of the kids got to participate in every aspect of the preparation. Safety in the kitchen was stressed when using knives and the importance of clean countertops was demonstrated with a couple of spills. 

After lunch, the kids prepared their own unique desserts during a Jr. Top Chef DessertEvent.

A great time was had by all, the best part the parents was that they got to leave right after the party and go to the movies; we take care of the clean up! 

Thumbs up for Awesome Pizza

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582

or email:

chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:

http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html

and then click the Chef's Hat to see the current month's adult and kids cooking classes...

For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at

760-703-1582



Carlsbad Cooking Class Birthday Party is Huge Success



Jr Chefs at Carlsbad Cooking Class Birthday Party

These Jr. Chefs all gathered in Carlsbad to help their friend celebrate her birthday in a very special way.

Jr. Chef making Pizza Sauce with My Cool Kid Cooks at Carlsbad Birthday Party

The hostess (Mom of course) contacted My Cool Kid Cooks and asked if we could help her daughter with a special birthday event. So we suggested the Pizza party with a Top Chef Event for dessert. As you can see, all of the girls had a great time and the pizza got rave reviews. 

Jr. Chef making Amazing Lemonade at the birthday party with My Cool Kid Cooks

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.
Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582
or email:
chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:

http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html
and then click the Chef's Hat to see the current month's adult and kids cooking classes...
For more information about how you can book a birthday party with us contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582.

Father's Day Breakfast Recipes for Kids

This Father's Day....

make a very special breakfast

With a little help from Mom

Mexican Quiche:

Shopping List:

 whole large eggs, beaten
 1 teaspoon kosher salt
 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8 oz package shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fresh salsa ( well drained in a colander and then blotted dry in paper towels)
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup minced red bell pepper
1 package Oscar Meyer Fully Cooked Bacon, crumbled
1 pie crust frozen

Combine the everything in a bowl in the order listed, and pour into the pie crust. Bake at 425 until the eggs are set, about 25 minutes or until a fork inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Remove from oven, Let sit for 15 minutes before cutting.
Serve with Cinnamon Fruit Nachos.

 Cinnamon Fruit Nachos:

Shopping List:

3 flour tortillas

3 Tablespoons Sugar

3 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 banana sliced
1/4 cup blueberries

Cooking spray

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350

Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray
Brush the tortillas with Butter
Sprinkle each with one tablespoon sugar and sprinkle with some cinnamon
With scissors, cut into triangles and arrange on the prepared pan

Bake for 12-13 minutes until crisp

When the tortilla chips are cool, set them in a plate and top sliced fresh fruit and with the whipped topping.

Drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired.

North County San Diego Cooking Classes is located in San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in North County we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call us for details.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-637-1103

or email:

chef@NCSanDiegoCookingClasses.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to:

http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-Classes.html

and click the Chef's Hat.

Summer Camps for Kids and Teens with My Cool Kid Cooks

Teens Cooking Class

My Cool Kid Cookstm

My Cool Kid Cooks offers summer sessions for kids and teens who love to cook.Each unique series of 5 classes are offered 2 times during the summer break.


June 18-22nd Session 1A

Day 1

Fresh Fruit Parfaits, Homemade Cinnamon Scones,

Low Fat Turkey burgers and Mango Salsa,

Lemon Meringue Pie

Day 2

Mexican Quiche, Homemade Corn Tortillas, Fresh

Salsa, Roasted Chicken Quesadillas, Dessert Fruit

Nachos

Day 3

Stuffed French Toast, Healthy Mashed Potatoes and

Gravy, Healthy Chicken Nuggets, Baked Fresh Fruit

Crisp

Day 4

Strawberry Yogurt Banana Muffins, Healthy Mini

Meatloaves, Roasted Parsley Potatoes and Carrots,

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Day 5

Yogurt and Granola Parfait, Chef’s House Salad with

Pear Vinaigrette Dressing,

Cake Decorating Class

Teens Summer Cooking Camp

My Cool Kid Cooks offers summer sessions for kids and teens who love to cook.Each unique series of 5 classes are offered 2 times during the summer break. Classes are limited to six Jr. Chef reservations for each session. Cost is $350 + tax per Jr. Chef.

To register you must call Chef Pharrell at

760-637-1103

or for more information email:

chef@mycoolkidcooks.com

My Cool Kid Cooks is located in North San Diego County, minutes from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Vista, Oceanside, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Costa, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Fair Banks Ranch, Solana Beach and Leucadia. Though we are located in the north county we travel to Orange County and most of San Diego County, call for more information.

Contact Chef Pharrell at 760-703-1582

or email:

chef@MyCoolKidCooks.com

To view more onsite cooking classes this month, go to our NC San Diego Cooking Classes website and click the Onsite Classes tab:

http://ncsandiegocookingclasses.com/Onsite-classes.html

and then click the Chef's Hat to see the current month's adult and kids cooking classes classes...