Cooking Kids

Not since the excuse that the dog ate your homework has it ever been cooler to eat your work.

And from learning to make (and eat) homemade, hand-rolled pasta to cupcakes, candy, cookies and more, Horsham’s cooking and baking programs offer tasty alternatives for those with a sweet tooth and carb-lovers alike.

Mark Hudson, the township’s Parks and Recreation director, said the four classes – two for adults and two for kids – are a new addition to the winter/spring recreation program. The various classes begin in early February and continue through the end of April. 

“Some of the adult classes are one night courses that just teach them how to cook one nice meal,” Hudson said. “And then you get to eat your work.”

And, in the process, have fun making and tasting new foods, according to Kathy Wolper, of East Norriton, whose company, Kitchen Wizards, will be teaching the programs. Wolper, a certified elementary teacher, began her sweet treat-making business, Kathy’s Just Desserts Inc., in 2001 and soon after launched the teaching part of it, Kitchen Wizards.

“I think it’s something that a lot of parents of young children don’t really have a lot of time for because they’re so busy taking their kids to various activities,” Wolper said of the need her programs fill, particularly for kids ages 6 to 16. “When I was growing up, my mom taught my sister and I how to cook … I remember being very young and helping my mom because she loved to do it.”

Nowadays, Wolper said most of the kids she offers cooking coaching to come to her classroom armed with knowledge of the Food Network and various cooking personalities and chefs.

“These kids have the interest already. They are so excited to be there,” Wolper said. “That’s half the battle.”