By Lauren Schiavone
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Pfaff Center is where children at the Medfield after-school program spend their time, engaging in sports and learning practical skills. One of the many activities offered at the recreation center is a cooking class, taught by Chef Sandy of Kids’ Test Kitchen, inspiring children to try new foods in a delicious way.
During the class, the kids learned about umami flavor and tried it out in the form of fancy fungi fajitas.
Despite its complex, meaty flavor, umami proved to be a great substitute for something familiar. The recipe consisted of simple ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, garlic, tortillas, spices, and the star of the show, portobello mushrooms.
Equipped with plastic cutlery, the children chopped and prepped veggies, gaining confidence in the kitchen as they adapted the recipe with some supervision. Some added cheese, chili powder, and cumin to their fajitas, while others sautéed the vegetables on a heated skillet. The class established kitchen basics, helping the kids prepare a healthy after-school snack.
After facing their fungi fears, the kids tasted their creations and responded with nods of approval and choruses of “yum.” The children also learned that portobello mushrooms are good for their health as they contain vitamins such as copper, selenium, B2, B3, and B5.
Kids’ Test Kitchen’s mission is “to inspire healthy eaters.” Through Chef Sandy’s guidance, the children explored new and tasty flavors while learning about consumer knowledge and where their food comes from.
