Orange County Register

PREP caters to kids in Seal Beach

Lately, my daughter Hannah, who just turned 9, has been inspired to learn how to cook.

She made her first batch of “gourmet” Mac ‘N Cheese the other day — and it was pretty darn good. She used four different cheeses and bacon!

Like a good chef-in-training, she even added a “secret” ingredient — and refused to tell anyone what it was.

While I can help her a bit around the kitchen, I am not a cook.

I am much better suited ordering food than making it.

So what’s a hard-working, tired Orange County mom to do to help her kid? Pay someone else to teach her, of course.

So, I had my intern, Miki, compile a list of cooking schools in Orange County that cater to kids. (See list below.) Turns out there’s a wealth of options in O.C.

The most intriguing classes are offered by PREP in Seal Beach.  Camp workshops focus on made-from-scratch dishes from all over the world.  Sushi rolls, lasagna, crepes and potato zucchini croquettes are among the meals kids will learn in classes.

Other places offer half-day baking classes, including Blackmarket Bakery.  The Irvine shop offers a range of fun workshops, including a fondue class.

Classes range in price from $46 for a three-hour class to $300 for a one-week workshop.

I’m still considering my options from the workshops, listed below.

PREP School For Cooking KIDS- 12207 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, Calif. 90740

What: Kids will learn how to make various dishes from scratch, ranging from their favorite chocolate cake to Asian food,  in a warm and safe teaching kitchen.

Choose from a various  recipes for your kids to enjoy and pick the respective classes in either June, July, or August. See menus and schedules here.

When: Classes are held Mondays through Thursdays.
Cost: $250

Blackmarket Bakery- 17941 Sky Park Circle, #E,  Irvine, Calif. 92614
Phone: 949-852-4609 Fax: 949-852-4689

What: Tailored to the students’ desires, this bakery allows innovative cooking experience for kids of all ages (and for adults as well). Class size limited to nine students.

Cost: $46

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. See menus and schedules here.

(More on Blackmarket Bakery)

Young Chefs Academy- 15435 Jeffrey Road (@ Irvine Center Drive), #A132,
Irvine, Calif. 92618
Phone: 949-679-8390

What: Kids will spend their summer immersed in culinary art in a safe environment which encourages creative thinking and discovery.

• SUMMER CAMP 2009: the great kitchen mystery. See schedules here. (limited spots available!)
• TEEN CAMP: ages 13-17  (ONLY  SEVEN SPOTS REMAINING)
  Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  Price $299
  More info HERE:
• ADVANCED/TEEN CHEF CLASSES
  Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 -7:30 p.m. More information HERE
• JR CHEFS: ages 5-12 More information HERE

Tspoons- 6 Gilly Flower Ladera Ranch , Calif. 92694
Phone: 949-545-6978

What: Five-day cooking lessons for both kids and teens, where they learn to make breakfast,  lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert while having fun exploring and creating their own cuisines. (Classes for adults available as well.)

• Teens in the Kitchen (ages 13-17)
  July 13-17, Aug. 10-14
  2-5 p.m.
  $300 per teen
• Kids in the Kitchen (ages 8-12)
  July 27-31, Aug. 24-28
  11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  $300 per child

For more information click here.

In The Kitchen with Kids:

“ Farm to Fork” Kids’ cooking classes- The Ecology Center at South Coast Organic Farm, Alipaz & Camino del Avion San Juan Capistrano, CA

What: Starting in the garden at South Coast Organic Farm, kids will learn to become more eco-friendly, collect healthy fruits and vegetables and make a few small plate meals for their family and friends.

When: first Saturday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m.

Cost: $22.00 per child

 In the Kitchen with Kids also hosts culinary birthday parties. For more information call 949-300-6144 or email barbra@inthekitchenwithkids.com .  

EarthRoots Field School: @ Tustin Whole Foods 2847 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782 

Garden to Table Workshops for kids

What: This series of 3 FREE workshops will give kids an opportunity to make healthy snacks & desserts, plant seeds to take home, make seedballs, learn about the importance of growing food locally, make new friends and EAT!    

When: July 14, 21 & 28 from 3-4 p.m. Click here for more information and schedules.  

Cost: FREE!

Kids Cooking Classes! go here for  more info.

What&When: Finger Foods (July 16), Pack a Picnic (July 23), Making Dinner (July 30)

Cost: $5.00

Reserve a spot by calling (714)566-7650 (ask for Marketing) 

Salt Creek Grille also has some classroom cooking demonstrations available at the seaside eatery. Call General Manager Jeremy Illenberger at 949-661-7709 for more information.   

(List of cooking classes compiled by Miki Fujiwara/Staff writer-intern)

Tell us: Do you know of any other O.C. cooking classes geared for kids? If so write in and let us know.

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