Miss Debbie Teaches Many Lessons in the Kitchen

There are plenty of approaches to overcoming the childhood obesity epidemic in America. One youth cooking instructor from Milton is using a head-on approach to show children that fruits and vegetables aren't just healthy; they can also taste good.

Debbie Alsebai, the owner and teacher of Kidz Cooking with Miss Debbie, teaches a range of classes including sessions at her home and at the Milton Public Library. While some people work to hide healthy elements in kids' food, Alsebai tackles their perceptions.

"I think kids need to know that they need to eat their fruits and vegetables," Alsebai said.

She does so by presenting vegetables and fruits in different ways and allowing the children to chose what preparation they like best. This is done as simply as cutting carrots in sticks and coins. Alsebai said most children will prefer one preparation over the other.

"The most rewarding part is when kids try new things that their parents can't believe," said Alsebai.

Alsebai started her business after staying home with her children for a few years. With a passion for working with children and having cooked and baked her whole life, Alsebai chose cooking instruction as a new career.

She used the way she cooked at home, a health-conscious approach with sustainability and balance in mind, as the backdrop for her courses.

Alsebai teaches classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through the summer at her home, 11 Morton Road and at In Sync Center of the Arts, 550 Adams St., Quincy.

Most of the cooking classes are two hours long and center around a theme. Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11, Alsebai welcomes students to her home for Rise and Shine Breakfast. The fresh eggs from her chickens are often the centerpiece of the morning lesson.

The Thursday evening Farm to Table class allows students to pick vegetables from Brookwood Community Farm and then make a meal immediately afterward. This class allows Alsebai to discuss the benefits of local and organic food.

In the fall, Alsebai will create a new schedule of classes.

One of Alsebai's most popular programs is her work at the Milton Public Library where she holds her monthly Cooks and Books program. Alsebai usually reads a story and then the children are able to make a dish based on the book. In July, 27 students registered and helped make zucchini brownies in the library's story hour room.

The next session is August 3, from 2 to 3 p.m. Alsebai will be reading Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin and whipping up something based on the book. Children ages six and up can register at the library beginning July 20.  

Alsebai explained there is a lot more to her classes than just learning how to make food and eat healthy. Students learn about math and reading from interpreting recipes, while learning about different ingredients and their importance in certain dishes.

"There really is a lot that goes into it," Alsebai said. "That's why kids come back again and again."

But above all, Alsebai said her classes are about empowering children. By giving her students the skills to cook, some children are able to find a passion they may not have found otherwise.

For a full list of classes and information about Kidz Cooking with Miss Debbie, visit kidzcookingwithmissdebbie.com.