Special Report: Create-a-cook

Renee Cavallo is trained in culinary arts. But she's not working in fine dinning.

Renee Cavallo, Create-A-Cook
"We need a little bit more ... Keep squeezing"

She's teaching kids to love the kitchen

Renee Cavallo, Create-A-Cook
"They come in and we give them the opportunity to experience cooking and maybe in an environment that's basically like their own kitchen"

Renee runs Create-A-Cook in Newton. She says with so many schools cutting courses like home ec, there’s a need to teach kids food doesn’t just come from the microwave.

Renee Cavallo, Create-A-Cook
"What they do from here it will stay with them always"

From ages 3 and up kids learn all aspects of cooking. From measuring

Create-A-Cook instructor
"It says one-fourth cup right here"

To blending, to cooking, baking, following directions and even cleaning. They also learn that vegetables are not that bad...

Christopher, Student
"I didn't really like eating the salad before and now we make dressing to go with it so its really good"

8 year old Christopher now likes his greens, but his classmate Emily has her own favorite....

Emily, Student
"I especially like cracking eggs"

Emily’s mom Becky say's it not just about the cooking its about what Emily can now do on her own

Becky Alperin, Mother
"It's given her confidence, it's actually increased her independence at home"

And that's the goal.

Renee Cavallo, Create-A-Cook
"If these kids can go into the refrigerator take out a couple of ingredients they have and they can do something on their own, that's what I hope they can leave here with the confidence to do that"

But for the kids, the best part is eating their creations. Frances Rivera 7News

Related link:
Create-A-Cook

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