I’ve always loved the Fred Rogers quote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” I’ve had a lot of helpers in my life. Now it's my turn.

When COVID-19 closed schools in the spring, we started hosting FREE virtual cooking classes to any student looking for something to do. Students 3 yrs and up are welcome to participate in as many classes as they’d like. Younger students receive assistance from a parent etc., while our older students typically cook alone or assist a sibling. Classes run approximately 1 hour. The schedule and ingredient list is below (with a pdf calendar at the bottom of page). Most of the menu items allow for substitutions for allergies or dietary preferences. If your child would like to participate in our virtual classes, please email lettucecookchefs@gmail.com for the login information. To help protect our kiddos, the Zoom link is sent upon request. 

*Unless noted in the ingredient list, we do all the cutting in class. If you have concerns with your child using a knife, you may want to consider investing in a cut-resistant glove (they have children sizes too). Only one is necessary. Please keep in mind, quantity of ingredients is dependent on family size, so exact measurements aren’t always noted. If you have any questions or need assistance planning, please let us know. Note: Hours posted are Central Standard Time  

Sincerely,

Chef Brittany

1/25/21 Monday: Pineapple BBQ Chicken w/ Homemade Creamed Corn

Time: 4:45 pm CST 

Ingredients: 

• vegetable oil
• 4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (can also use breasts, please note, they’ll be a little drier)
• salt
• pepper
• paprika
• garlic powder
• 20 oz. can pineapple slices in juice
• BBQ sauce
• 2-3  green onions

Creamed corn:

• 2 (10 oz) pkgs frozen corn kernels (thawed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt
• black pepper
• granulated sugar
• butter
• milk
• all purpose flour
• parmesan cheese, grated

Suggested sides: coleslaw, potato salad, side salad, rolls  

1/26/21 Tuesday: Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake- Dessert Day!  **will need electric mixer**

Time: 4:45 pm CST

Ingredients:

• 4 pkgs (8oz each) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 deep (9 inch) graham cracker crust
• Strawberry preserves/jelly

1/29/21 Friday: Tostadas & Mexican Rice

Time: 4:45 pm CST

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 can Rotel
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• cumin
• tostada shells (or taco shells or tortillas)
• shredded cheese
• shredded lettuce (optional)
• refried beans (optional)
• sour cream (optional)
• black olives, sliced (optional)
• tomatoes, diced (optional)
• salsa (optional)

Mexican Rice

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• fresh cilantro 
• 4 ½ cups water
• 1 packet Sazón Goya con culantro y achiote (cilantro & garlic)
• Knorr chicken flavor bouillon (3 tbsp)
• optional: ½ cup frozen vegetable mix (will be added in with rice)

Suggested sides: guacamole, chips, queso, beans