A Gastronomic Journey to Southern Italy: Week Five at Create-a-Cook's Summer Cooking!

Welcome back to the fifth week of Create-a-Cook's Summer Cooking at Souderton High School! This week, our junior chefs embarked on an exciting gastronomic adventure to Southern Italy, where they explored the rich and diverse flavors of the region. From classic pasta dishes to delectable desserts, the kitchen buzzed with the aromas of traditional Italian ingredients. Let's dive into the mouthwatering dishes our young cooks created during this week's exploration of Southern Italy.

The week commenced with Pasta Alla Norma, a delightful Sicilian dish that captured the essence of Southern Italy. Our junior chefs skillfully cooked the pasta until al dente, then topped it with a luscious tomato sauce, fried eggplant, and a generous sprinkle of ricotta salata, creating a symphony of flavors that transported everyone's taste buds to Italy.

On Tuesday, the young chefs embraced the sweet side of Southern Italy with Brutti Ma Buoni, which translates to "Ugly but Good" in Italian. These delectable cookies, made with meringue and hazelnuts, offered a delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, proving that sometimes the most delicious treats come in unexpected forms.

Wednesday was all about mastering the art of Arancini, the iconic Sicilian rice balls. Our junior chefs expertly shaped and filled the risotto with gooey mozzarella and a savory sauce. These delectable Arancini were then fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy marinara sauce, creating a flavorful and irresistible treat.

The week continued with a delightful dessert - Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake. Our junior chefs combined the fresh citrusy zing of oranges with the richness of olive oil, creating a moist and aromatic cake that perfectly captured the essence of Southern Italy's sweet delights.

As the week drew to a close, the kitchen transformed into a pizzeria with the junior chefs crafting the classic Pizza Margherita. They rolled out the pizza dough and topped it with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, capturing the essence of Italy in every slice.

Week Five at Create-a-Cook's Summer Cooking Camp at Souderton High School was a memorable exploration of the flavors and culinary delights of Southern Italy. From the savory delights of Pasta Alla Norma and Arancini to the sweet indulgence of Brutti Ma Buoni and Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake, our junior chefs showcased their passion and skill in the kitchen. Join us next week as we embark on another thrilling culinary journey to a new destination!