A Sweet Holiday Morning at Simsbury High School

Submitted release 

The holidays would not be complete without Grandma's delicious cookies. But while grandmothers of yesteryear were seemingly born knowing how to bake, today's busy folks might need a helping hand to hone their skills; fortunately, culinary arts students at Simsbury High School have the skills, and they know how to teach them, too.

On Saturday, December 7th, from 9am until noon, a baker's dozen worth of eager participants from the community gathered in the kitchens at Simsbury High School to learn how to make holiday treats. Sponsored by the Simsbury Public Library, the event, called "Sweet Holiday Morning," offered adults ages 21 and up the chance to learn baking techniques from the professionals—students in the Teen Chef USA Club. The event was organized by Library Director Lisa Karim in memory of her friend Marie Coyne, who died of cancer last year.

Culinary arts teacher Thomas Sentino explained how this cookie-baking event fit with his culinary arts curriculum. One Saturday a month, the students engage in cooking events like these. Said Sentino, "On Monday, we teach the lesson to the students, and on Saturday, the students teach what they have learned."

The students manned their stations throughout the bustling kitchen, helping participants measure their flour out, add their wet ingredients, and mix the dough in the heavy-duty mixers. Sentino supervised the busy kitchen, occasionally adding instructions such as "Do not over fluff that dough!" and helpful advice like "A clean counter is a happy counter!"

Participants each brought a container to bring home two dozen cookies. Not only were they bringing home sweet treats, but more importantly, newly acquired culinary skills to share with their families.