Over the recent spring break, 15 Calvert 4-H youths embarked on a culinary adventure with University of Maryland Extension Calvert 4-H’s Culinary Squad spring break camp.
Coordinated and taught by Calvert County 4-H Educator Kirsten Cowan, Program Assistant Janet Sefton and undergraduate intern Sallie Negus, the weeklong program offered a blend of fun and educational programming.
The students explored various aspects of the culinary arts and heard from guest speakers.
The program’s goals included introducing youth to new ingredients and culinary techniques, fostering an understanding of where food comes from, safe food handling, budget-friendly meal planning, and exploring the mathematical and scientific aspects of cooking. Participants pickled vegetables, crafted kimchi and experimented with homemade fried rice, and mastered homemade yogurt, taffy-making and created their own butter and jam.
Additionally, they honed baking skills by exploring the differences between quick-rise and sourdough breads, muffins and cookies.
UME Family & Consumer Sciences Senior Agent Shauna Henley and Family & Consumer Sciences Financial Wellness Agent Associate Deon Littles joined the group for a workshop. Henley showcased food safety practices and a quick pickled mustard greens recipe and Littles highlighted the financial advantages of home cooking versus dining out.
Guest speakers Amanda Pitcher of Red Dog Farm and Debbie Jones of Windy Willow Farm shared insights into organic vegetable production and quality meat farming, respectively. Pastry Chef Megan Dilorio discussed chocolate tempering techniques and bonbon creation, and Megan Vaughan of Vaughan Cheese led a session on how to make mozzarella.
The group also took field trips to EZ Thai and Heritage 485 to gain firsthand insights into restaurant operations, cooking with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and careers within the culinary industry. The week concluded with an open house where the students displayed their culinary creations.
For more information about the UME Calvert 4-H programs, contact Kirsten Cowan at 410-535-3662 or kcowan@umd.edu or go to https://bit.ly/Calvert4H.
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