Each Monday, Quinnipiac University medical students visit SMPA with fresh ingredients to work with SMPA’s students to create delicious meals.
Instructors, Ms. Devin, Ms. Ashley, and Ms. Gabbi lead the class through lesson plans that allow students to document their nutritional goals and learn about the food groups all while giving them hands on cooking experience. So far students have made tacos, pasta primavera, apple crisp, and lasagna all from scratch! At the end of each class a student who exhibited helpfulness, cleanliness and teamwork skills is chosen to receive a special reward.
Once the meal is prepared, students and instructors sit down together and eat as a family, going around the table to share what they like about the meal or what they think it could use more of.
“I love cooking and getting to eat the food at the end of class. My favorite has been the lasagna we made. I gave it a 9.5 out of 10!” said Denim, class of 2031.
“It’s really fun every Monday to know we’re going to cook something new and set a new goal every week. Most of us try to accomplish that goal and it’s encouraging to see if my classmates and I reach that goal by the next week,” said Allison, Class of 2031. “I’ve also learned how to read the serving sizes on a bag correctly. This helps me to better understand how many calories or how much protein something has and to portion food right. “
When asked what she is hoping to cook in the upcoming weeks, Allison said ,”I would love to make my own pizza with different toppings. And for dessert, I would love make brownies with oreos!”
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