Dolphins players hit the kitchen

Football pros, kids learn to cook with law enforcement.

PLANTATION — Receiver Kenny Stills, linebacker Jerome Baker and eight other Miami Dolphins players joined South Florida law enforcement and local children in the team’s Football Unites program for a cooking lesson Tuesday in Plantation.

The 19 kids from various youth programs in South Florida joined the Dolphins players to make pizza, Caesar salad and vanilla cupcakes at the Publix Aprons Cooking School, located at 1181 South University Drive.

“We were just cooking with the kids, really just having a great time before the [Thanksgiving] holiday,” said Baker. “We’re making pizza, and the kids have been talking about my wrist — it’s amazing — but we’re just having a great time.”

The children from youth programs led by the Broward County Sheriff ’s Office and police departments in Miramar, Miami Gardens, North Miami and North Miami Beach learned to measure ingredients, make Caesar dressing and how to make pizza during the event.

Pizza toppings included sausage, peppers, caramelized onions, pepperoni, mushrooms and parsley, while cupcakes were topped with Dolphins colored frosting and orange sprinkles.

Each participant received a $100 Publix gift card to help out before Thanksgiving holiday next week.

“Really when I’m at events like this, I don’t think about the season at all. Just to see the kids’ faces, and to do something different, it really means a lot to me.”

—Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker

“It’s a great partnership with the Miami Dolphins and Publix. We wanted to change how this event has been, [adding] our Football Unites program,” said Jason Jenkins, the Dolphins senior vice president of communications and community affairs.

“We have different law enforcement and PAL programs in. You can see the interaction with players as well. It’s a great opportunity for Publix to bring people together, for them to cook and learn how to make proper meals and desserts with the holiday season right here. It’s a great opportunity to bring everyone together.”

Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Cornell Armstrong and tight end Durham Smythe, and practice squad members like quarterback Luke Falk, center Connor Hilland, defensive tackle Jamiyus Pittman, linebacker Quentin Poling and defensive back Jalen Davis also participated in the event.

They were also joined by Dolphins mascot T.D.

The event helped Dolphins players like Baker decompress during the team’s bye week.

The Dolphins (5-5) will return to practice next Monday, before their next game against the Colts in Indianapolis on Nov. 25.

“Really when I’m at events like this, I don’t think about the season at all. Just to see the kids’ faces, and to do something different, it really means a lot to me,” Baker said.

“This is my time to get away from it, and enjoy the kids.”

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/SUN SENTINEL Dolphins cornerback Cornell Armstrong helps Mekhi Miller, from the Broward Sheriffs Office PAL, make cupcakes during the Dolphins Kids Cook-Off event in Plantation on Tuesday.

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/SUN SENTINEL Children from various local Police Athletic Leagues join Dolphins players in making Caesar salads during the Dolphins Kids Cook-Off event Tuesday at the Publix Aprons Cooking School in Plantation.