Making little chefs self-dependent in cooking

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, June 13 

The fast life of metropolitan cities is weeding out the traditional value of homemade food. To reignite the passion of cooking among children, to make them kitchen-friendly and to empower them with quick, easy and smarter ways of satiating hunger, a workshop is underway in the city. 

It is organised by the city-based chef and baker Misha Kapoor. The workshop has 25 children of 6 to 12 years of age who are learning a variety of cuisines, including kid’s breakfast menu, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. 

They are also taught the importance of eating green vegetables and how to cook healthy food in a few minutes. “I am having a wonderful experience. I am fond of eating but I never tried my hand at cooking. Recently, I learned how to make cold pasta, pudding and a mock tail, which after returning from my classes, I made for my mummy. I feel my summer vacations are much productive this time as I try to cook something every day. Moreover, now I am able to help my mother in the kitchen while she prepares food for the family,” said Aanya Duggal, a Class IV student in Cambridge International School.

Through the workshop, children are given practice sessions to make quick food in the absence of their mother and how to make use of advanced technology microwaves. 

Lessons on baking are also delivered to those who are interested in making cookies and chocolates. 

“Cooking in India is a highly paid profession. Chefs around the world are given handsome salaries that are equivalent to the packages of engineers. Surprisingly, children are showing more interest than expected. My motive is to infuse in children the art and prestige of cooking. Also, it would help them later on when they will move out of their homes for studies,” said trainer Misha Kapoor.

She adds, “I want children to go in for healthy food rather than preferring junk food. This is possible by only making them self-dependent and fall in love with cooking.” 

Arohi (Class V) and Samin (Class III) of Mayor World School, who are siblings and participants in the workshop have shared, “We love when we make food ourselves. The food we make is even tastier than the food our mama cooks for us. Recently, I learned how to make cookies, which I tried at home too. I am very fond of baking and cooking. Seeing me, my brother Samin too got interested and we, along with our mother, try making different dishes at home.”