Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
West Chester University offers virtual cooking lessons
Eating and preparing food is fundamental.
A group of young adults with developmental disabilities is learning how to cook independently and with self-confidence, through virtual cooking lessons, provided by West Chester University staff and students.
West Chester University Nutrition professor Dr. Jeanie Subach and several WCU students take part in the weekly
Zoom cooking class, “Ram Chefs!”
These sessions aren’t lifted from basic Betty Crocker Cookbooks, and instead rely heavily on humor and having a good time, presented alongside the valuable cooking fundamentals.
On March 10, the class of seven students prepared pulled chicken and Irish potatoes in break-out rooms. You could almost smell the goodies through the internet connection.
An instructor said she loves the smell of cinnamon. The chefs were asked what it reminded them of. They talked about Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals.
One young chef said she has learned to sometimes add cinnamon to her morning oatmeal.
Subach told the chefs that they could make a half recipe of Irish potatoes since the yummy sweets are so addicting.
“I ate too many of these,” she said.
Teachers stressed the importance of cleaning while cooking and the need to wash hands and wear gloves when cooking for others.
WCU student Ariel Gehringer explained how to make Irish potatoes by adding unsalted butter, vanilla extract, lots of confectionary sugar, coconut flakes and cream cheese into a blender and then making sure to “blend it up good.”
Make too much: “Worse comes to worst, you have extra Irish potatoes,” Gehringer said with a smile.
The Ram Chefs joyfully prepared pulled chicken in instapots for 15 minutes. The young chefs even had fun saying, “Worcestershire sauce.”
Gehringer said that it is amazing to watch the chefs grow.
“Seeing their progress and getting more confident is wonderful,” she said.
Subach took time during breaks to ask questions and educate. Zach knew that when we go out into the sunshine we receive Vitamin D.
The prof explained that Vitamin D is good for immunity and it’s similar to calcium, while good for bones and teeth.
Lessons were well learned. Caitlyn talked about how she made meatballs in a crock pot all by herself. Another chef said they enjoy making wraps and fajitas.
One chef was teased about how “much” she enjoys picking up raw meats, and the look on her face when she does so.
“When was the last time you played with PlayDoh?” Gehringer asked.
The chefs recently went a step further and have planted “Our Garden” where they are growing the food they will eventually prepare and eat. Carrots, broccoli, peppers, kale, zucchini, tomatoes and peas will all be planted.
WCU student Lynn Roberts explained that peppers need shade and could be combined with tomatoes which grow taller.
The WCU students and staff were an inspiration, but especially so were the young chefs. Lots of information was both given and received. This is such a nice outreach from WCU.
Everybody involved learned. Thankfully, I now know how to make Irish potatoes. And, I’ll make the full recipe plus some.