Classes & Events

Hands-on cooking classes for children age 6 through 17

Our unique courses teach creative and age-appropriate cooking techniques in a safe and organized environment.  Class sizes are limited and are approximately two-hours in length. All students will have their own set of tools to use during class.

This summer we are offering several courses exploring both new foods and some of America’s classics.  Our scheduled course times, dates and locations are as follows:

Location: Times:

Huntington Beach Central Library        7111 Talbert Ave., CA 92648 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Monday - Thursday

• Around the World – August 4-7
  Our students will get the chance to expand their pallets by cooking foods from Vietnam, China, Italy, Ireland, South America, and Jamaica. Dishes include: Shrimp and Veggie Summer Rolls, Fried Rice with Egg and Vegetables, Pepperoni and Fresh Mozzarella Panini, Strawberry Rhubarb Irish Crumble, Chicken and Cheese Empanadas and Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa. On the last day of class, students will be able to use their newly acquired skills to prepare a dish from our Mystery Basket.
• African Safari – August 18-21
  Students will come with us and explore unique African cuisine. Dishes include: Shorba (African Chicken Soup), Banana Fritters with Carmel Sauce, Sesame Coated Sweet Potato Croquettes, Skewered Apricot Chicken with Vegetables, Grilled Chicken Breasts with North African Spice Paste, and Mango Couscous. On the last day of class, students will be able to use their newly acquired skills to prepare a dish from our Mystery Basket.

Children’s Culinary Parties For All Occasions

Let us bring the party to you!  Our Party Planner and Chefs create parties that are tailored to your child’s special event.  You can choose from one of our party themes or create your own personalized menu.  Themes & Menus [PDF]  Party Costs [PDF]

All party packages include:

• Chef hats for all children
• Laminated recipes
• Cupcakes to decorate or a chocolate fountain dip
• Beverages

Our Party Themes Include:

• Mange! Mange!
  Our Italian feast has delighted children for years! Children will experience the art of making pasta from scratch! Children can choose either ravioli or fettuccini with meatballs and marinara sauce.
• A Taste of the Orient
  Asian cuisine reigns supreme.  Children can choose either Sticky Licky Chicken with Asian Slaw or Chicken Macadamia stir fry and spring rolls.
• Luau Madness
  This Hawaiian feast explores favorite island cuisine.  Children will be able to choose from one of our two entrees; Killer Island Kabobs with homemade teriyaki sauce or Sweet ‘n Sour meatballs.  
• Whopping Waffles
  Kids and waffles are a match made in heaven!  Children will make waffles from scratch, honey butter, and whipped cream to go along with a variety of fruit toppings.  And with a little imagination waffles can be turned into works of art!
• All-American Pizza Bash
  Children always have a blast spinning pizza dough and creating their own personal pizzas with a variety of toppings.
• Fantasy Cake Decorating
  For something a little different, children will learn a variety of decorating techniques while creating their own personal cake.  Your special child chooses the decorating theme and our designer will help the children create magic!
• Personalized Menus
  We can also create a menu to accommodate special dietary or event needs.  Prices may vary depending on menu selections.

All parties require a minimum of 12 children and Prices start at $42.00 per child, plus travel fee if applicable.

Boy Scout Cooking Course

The Gourmet Child offers culinary expertise that will help your scout troop earn their Cooking Badge.  Download Flyer [PDF]

We cover many of the advancement requirements including:

• How to Identify Safety Hazards While Cooking
• Safe Food Handling To Prevent Disease
• Nutrition and Menu Planning
• Indoor/Outdoor Cooking Techniques

Two courses are available: 

• Cooking in the Kitchen focuses on using tools and appliances used in a standard kitchen.  Our chef will help scouts create a balanced menu for friends and family as well as give them hands-on cooking experience.
• Camp Cooking focuses on using minimal cooking equipment and tools that are found at the campsite.
  
  We offer special pricing for these courses of $35 per scout.  Scouts will choose their menu and will be responsible for shopping for ingredients, prepping food under our supervision and cleanup as part of their requirements.