‘Cooking up’ opportunity at New Heights

One of the hallmarks of the Summer Program at New Heights is its workshop model, which enables youth participants to delve much deeper into an area of interest. For those inclined to cook, New Heights will offer two workshops this summer that provide unique opportunities to explore the world of cooking.

In "Against the Grain," participants will be introduced to a sampling of local, farm-to-table food and visit area farms, kitchens and facilities where it is produced. In one session, participants will make mozzarella cheese with NH Homegrown Eats, a meal prep company in Rollinsford, and then prepare pizza with it that very same day.

In "Five Friendly Days," which represents a collaboration with The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, participants will visit the establishment, take a tour and eat some food. For the rest of the weeklong workshop, they will then recreate The Friendly Toast menu at New Heights.

Eric Goodwin, owner of The Friendly Toast, expressed enthusiasm regarding the workshop.

“I’m a New Heights donor and I think it is important kids learn to cook at a young age and experience the Portsmouth restaurant scene from different perspectives,” he said.

He said there is also a pragmatic necessity behind such workshops at New Heights.

“Maybe someone will end up in the food business, too, as there is a shortage in the industry with 1.8 million manager needed in the next decade,” he said.

“Against the Grain” takes place from July 24 to July 28 while “Five Friendly Days” takes place from July 10 to July 14. New Heights charges program fees, but offers need-based scholarships and the equipment necessary to participate.

To register, or for more information about New Heights’ Summer Program, visit www.newheightsonline.org.