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Teens develop a taste for the sweet rewards of cooking

They sample fondue treats at the Clearwater Main Library while learning to fearlessly conquer the kitchen.

By JILL ANN PERRINO
Published July 2, 2005

CLEARWATER - What does biscotti mean? What is mascarpone? What happens if you accidentally get water in melting chocolate?

Two dozen teens who attended Thursday's "Fondue for Teens" cooking program at the Clearwater Main Library learned the answer to these questions and more. They also received helpful cooking tips and encouragement to try more home cooking.

"Each oven is different," said guest speaker and Chef Bil Mitchell from Publix Apron's Cooking School, while discussing the Almond Biscotti that was served with the fondue. "Use your eyes and nose to avoid burning."

While the library had to close at 1 p.m. Thursday because of air conditioning problems, the teenagers still had time to savor the sugar-heavy menu of Classic Chocolate Fondue, White Chocolate and Raspberry Swirl Fondue, Yogurt and Mascarpone Fondue and Almond Biscotti.

John Dougharty, 14, of Largo was surprised to find the yogurt and mascarpone fondue tasty, even though he doesn't like yogurt.

Erica Flores, 12, of Clearwater thought her samplings were great, especially the strawberries dipped in chocolate, and plans to try making fondue at home.

That was exactly the reaction Mitchell was looking for. His goal is to teach kids that cooking is easy and fun. He encourages people to be unafraid of cooking at home and to eat more home-cooked meals because they tend to be healthier.

Even chocolate fondue, which Mitchell advocates "in moderation." He said fondue was a good choice for home cooking because it is easy to make and an uncommon recipe. "And chocolate is actually good for you," he added.

Strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, melon, apples, mango and papaya provide a variety of choices.

Maria Plunkett, 14, of Largo said she cooks a little at home but will be taking home economics next year and is looking forward to learning more. Her favorite recipe of the day was melon with yogurt fondue.

Meredith Jackson, 16, of Safety Harbor said she looked forward to the class but had a hard time articulating exactly why until classmates teased her that cooking was a good way to attract boys.

Whatever their motivation, the audience members were attentive and able to answer questions about what they learned.

"Thank you for listening," said Mitchell when the group was able to explain how chocolate "seizes up" if water accidentally gets in it. To further prove his point, Mitchell added a few drops of water in a small sample, altering the smooth consistency needed for dipping into a sticky mess.

Manog Kannusamy, 16, and his brother Sankar, 13, of Oldsmar said they had never had fondue before but found it delicious, adding that they wished there were more such cooking classes.

Their mother, Uma Kannusamy, said she has enrolled them in the "Teens at the Grill" class. She said both boys cook a variety of foods at home, including traditional Indian foods.

"It's very important for their future that they learn to cook," she said. "Home cooking is much healthier."

A show of hands proved that most of the teens in the class have done at least some cooking at home. Mitchell encouraged their efforts and willingness to learn more.

Other cooking programs at the library include "Magical Foods" on July 14 at noon. In honor of the newest Harry Potter release, the program will feature "wizard potions" good enough to eat.

[Last modified July 2, 2005, 01:21:22]