There’s no shortage of baking and culinary courses coming up.
By: Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
The Moorestown Parks and Recreation Department just completed its first “Cupcake Wars.” Fourteen students in fifth through eighth grader competed in teams of two. It was two hours of action-packed competitive confection. Teams were given a mystery basket of ingredients to choose from and were granted three “lifeline” questions. Some used their lifelines for a frosting piping demonstration. Cupcake flavors ranged from honey-banana-graham cracker, campfire s’mores and lemon-blueberry.
Entries were judged on taste, presentation and creativity. Deputy Mayor Nicole Gillespie, Superintendent of Moorestown schools Scott McCartney, Junior Judge, baking enthusiast Julia Levan (MHS 2020) and Parks and Recreation Department’s Chef Katie Sklarow had the enviable job of judging the competition. Abigail and Madelyn Zipin won with their citrus surprise cupcake. There will be another “Cupcake Wars” in spring, so get your whisks ready.
The community kitchen on the third floor of the Recreation Center offers classes for all ages that range from preparing global cuisines, making gifts in the kitchen to Super Bowl snacks. These programs are designed to help students learn fundamental culinary practices that can be built upon. Chef Katie Sklarow is a proponent of using local and sustainable ingredients and making recipes from scratch. Wegmans has generously donated pantry items for all culinary programs.
“Super Bowl Appetizers” for grades three through seven will have two classes. The first is on Friday, Feb. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m., and attendees will make pepperoni buffalo chicken dip and pretzel bites will be prepared. The second class is on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. Pepperoni stromboli and football shaped rice krispie treats are on the menu. All tasty treats will be sent home to share.
“Baking — Homemade is the Best Way” for grades three through eight will take place on February 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. What is more special than a homemade gift? Participants will make gifts for Valentine’s Day like strawberry preserves, herbal tea bags and bath bombs. Six wrapped gifts will be taken home to share with your sweethearts.
“Baking Valentine’s Day” for grades three through seven will take place on Feb. 13 from 4 to to 7 p.m. and Feb. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. This class will be in honor of Valentine’s Day. Cookies, truffles and other special Valentine’s Day treats will be made to share with loved ones.
“School’s Off, Rec’s On — Lasagna” will take place on Monday, Feb. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. for grades three through eight. Students will prepare a meat lasagna (beef, tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella cheese). This delicious layered favorite will be also available to take home just in time for dinner.
“Baking — Mardi Gras” for grades four through eight will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. for grades four through eight. Attendees can learn how to make the iconic “King Cake” for Mardi Gras along with other traditional Mardi Gras desserts.
“Culinary — Fast Food Knock Offs” for grades five through eight will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. Attendees can learn to to make your favorite fast foods at home like chicken nuggets and quick Mexican meals. The drive-thru is no longer necessary.
Visit www.moorestownrec.com for further details and to register.
