Winter Break Camp: Cozy Cooking Adventures!
When the weather outside is chilly, there’s no better place for your little chef to be than in the kitchen, creating heartwarming dishes! While the snow falls, our Winter Break Camp will keep junior chefs (ages 5-14) busy and cozy, learning to cook and bake in a fun and supportive environment.
What’s Cooking?
- Holiday Treats: Sweet-smelling delights like cookies and festive desserts.
- Comfort Foods: Hearty soups, stews, and warm bakes to enjoy on cold days.
- Creative Projects: Fun baking and decorating activities to spread holiday cheer.
From Scratch to Lunch
Each morning, campers will prepare their own lunches, learning how to create delicious, wholesome meals. From savory dishes to cozy bakes, they’ll gain confidence in the kitchen while enjoying their creations.
Hands-On Learning
With guidance from professional chefs and experienced staff, campers will work on recipes individually and in small groups. This approach ensures they master essential cooking skills while fostering teamwork and creativity.
A Winter to Remember
As the snow falls outside, we’ll be making memories, trying new recipes, and stirring up plenty of fun. Your little chef will leave with new skills, tasty treats, and the joy of culinary exploration!
Join us this holiday season for a warm, delicious winter break adventure!
Chicken Fajita Recipe
This flavourful fajita is a zesty marinade. The creamy avocados finishes this meal beautifully. So goooood!
View Recipex
Recipe:
- 1 Tbsp. minced lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 3 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro
- 2 Tbsp. adobo sauce
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
- 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp each of ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, and kosher salt
- Add extra seasoning as preferred.
Heat:
- 1 each small red and yellow bell peppers, cut into strips (3 cups)
- 1 small red onion, sliced (1 ½ cups)
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch), warmed
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija
Preparation:
- Combine zest, lime juice, 2 Tbsp. oil, cilantro, adobo sauce, garlic, chipotle, cumin, coriander, oregano, and salt in a shallow bowl and set aside for the marinade. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate, tossing occasionally, 30 minutes.
- Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4–5 minutes; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add chicken and marinade in same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through and marinade is reduced, 5–6 minutes.
- Divide chicken among tortillas and top with bell peppers, onion, avocado, and Cotija.
- This should make about 8 tacos and will take approximately 15 mins to prepare. Enjoy!!!
Baking the Perfect Path to Success
Our Curriculum
At Nini’s Cooking Academy, we pride ourselves on creating a fun and educational environment where young chefs can thrive. Our carefully crafted curriculum is designed to introduce kids to the joy of cooking while teaching valuable skills they can use in and out of the kitchen. Each lesson is designed to be hands-on and interactive, covering a variety of techniques, from knife skills to baking and everything in between. Our classes focus on building confidence, creativity, and a love for food.
Our curriculum, developed by certified teachers and professional chefs, blends fun, education, and inspiration seamlessly. We emphasize creativity in our recipe choices, selecting dishes that spark curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration.
Designed to teach essential cooking techniques and promote nutritional awareness, our menus ensure an engaging and dynamic learning experience. Each recipe is carefully chosen to capture students’ interest, making the culinary journey both enjoyable and rewarding while fostering growth and skill development.
Our Staff
Our dedicated team of chefs and instructors are passionate about cooking and working with children. They bring years of experience to the table, ensuring each class is not only educational but also enjoyable and engaging.
Our highly qualified team is composed of seasoned chefs and experienced youth workers who work together to create a supportive, inspiring, and educational environment. Their dedication empowers campers to reach their full potential both inside and outside the kitchen.
To ensure a safe and enriching experience, all team members are trained in First Aid and CPR, hold food handler certifications, and have completed police background checks.
Our Class Structure
We structure our sessions to engage, challenge, and inspire students while nurturing both their kitchen skills and personal growth. Our class structure mirrors that of a professional culinary school, incorporating a blend of chef-led demonstrations, recipe reviews, and hands-on practice. This approach caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring every child can thrive.
Each session combines lessons with practical, real-world application, allowing students to work independently while still receiving the guidance they need. Most classes feature a mix of group and individual work, emphasizing the value of teamwork while ensuring every student gains practical experience with all aspects of each recipe. With our small class sizes, we provide personalized attention in a supportive and positive learning environment.
Whether it’s a week-long camp or an after-school program, Nini’s Cooking Academy offers an unforgettable experience designed to empower kids, foster creativity, and instill a lifelong love for cooking.
Our Program
We combine the excitement of a professional culinary school with the fun and energy of summer camp! Here’s what sets our program apart:
- ✅ Chef-Led Demonstrations: Every recipe begins with a guided demonstration from our chefs, ensuring campers of all learning styles are equipped to succeed.
- ✅ Interactive Learning: Campers work in groups of four, giving each participant plenty of opportunities to get hands-on and build their culinary skills.
- ✅ Culinary Creations Every Day: Campers prepare 3–5 recipes from scratch daily! Morning creations become satisfying lunches, while afternoon dishes are packaged to take home and share with loved ones.
- ✅ A Balanced Experience: We mix cooking with outdoor activities, camp-style games, and crafts, making sure campers enjoy a blend of learning and fun throughout the day.
- ✅ Exciting Weekly Finale: The week wraps up with a cooking competition, where campers work as a team to cook and serve their creations to judges, giving them a taste of what it’s like to thrive in a professional kitchen.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where campers build confidence, skills, and friendships while discovering the joy of cooking!
Polar Bear Cupcakes
Delight in the charm of Polar Bear Cupcakes, an adorable winter-inspired treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These cupcakes feature a fluffy vanilla base topped with creamy white frosting and decorated to resemble cute polar bear faces using marshmallows and candy accents. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snow days, these sweet creations are a whimsical blend of flavor and fun. Irresistibly cute and delicious, they’re sure to warm hearts even on the coldest days!
