This Website is designed to provide some basic tools for teachers (and parents) to guide children as they learn about food and cooking. The recipes are simple enough for school-age children, and many dishes can be prepared with only minimal adult supervision. The information on nutrition will help children understand what constitutes a healthy diet, and decide what a balanced meal should include.

While Culinary Arts is usually considered an outgrowth of Home Economics, it has evolved into a legitimate field of study in its own right. In today's society, culinary professionals are respected—even revered. In addition to cooking and baking, the career opportunities for trained culinarians include teaching, marketing, entrepreneurship, journalism, research and development, and more. A child who develops an interest in food at an early age may be destined for an exciting hobby or a creative, fulfilling vocation. Wherever his interests may lead, the child who learns about food and its preparation gains a healthful advantage for life.

You are welcome to explore the pages of this site and make use of the materials in your own curriculum. In addition, chef-instructors at The Culinary Institute of America are available to help you with questions that you might have. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for how to expand this resource to better assist you in introducing your students to the Culinary Arts.

Be sure to visit these areas:

Games and Puzzles
What's in the CIA Kitchen
Fun Food Projects
Recipes for Beginner Jr. Chefs
Recipes for Intermediate Jr. Chefs
Recipes for Advanced Jr. Chefs
Handouts
Lesson Plans