Culinary Explorers (PreK) — Little chefs, big flavors! In this hands-on cooking adventure, our youngest chefs (ages 3-5) explore food through touch, taste, and play. Each week kids build colorful, no-bake creations — from yogurt parfait masterpieces to rainbow veggie cups — while learning about food groups, measuring, and kitchen safety. Every chef gets their own hat and apron to wear in class. All recipes are completely nut-free and kid-safe, with dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives available. The program ends with a Family Recipe Fair where little chefs show off their skills!
ALLERGY & SAFETY NOTES
- NUT-FREE: All recipes are completely nut-free. Double-check granola/cereal labels if ever substituting. Fritos are nut-free. All listed brands are nut-free at time of writing.
- DAIRY-FREE ALTERNATIVES: Swap dairy cheese for Daiya shreds, use coconut yogurt, and dairy-free cream cheese (available at Walmart).
- GLUTEN-FREE ALTERNATIVES: Use corn tortillas (Day 1), GF bread (Day 4), Fritos are already GF (Day 3).
- VEGETARIAN: Skip pepperoni/deli meat or sub with extra veggies. Days 2, 5 are already vegetarian.
- Always ask parents about allergies on Day 1 and keep a posted allergy list in the kitchen area.