Learn to cook with us!

“We bring people together over shared meals by teaching children, teens and adults how to prepare delicious, nutritious, affordable meals made from seasonal and local ingredients.”

— Apples to Zucchini Cooking School Mission Statement

What We Teach, How We Teach

Whether we are teaching at an after-school program, a treatment home for youth-in-transition, or a backyard birthday party, our philosophy is the same: We cook together (real cooking, with real stoves!), we eat together (with our napkins on our laps), and we clean up together (not just the plate you ate on, but aaaalllll of the dishes!)

Cook Together

Get the kids into the kitchen! Get them excited by letting them choose the menu. Take them to farmer’s market to pick their favorite veggies. Start with simple tasks, like washing the lettuce and peeling the carrots. Show them how to safely use the stove and oven. Teach them how to use a knife — make a “claw” with the hand that’s holding the veggie, making sure to tuck in the thumb and pinky! Start with easy-to-cut foods like strawberries and cucumbers.

Eat Together

Take the time to enjoy your meal - and each other. Set the table. Put away devices. Turn off the TV.

Try our “1-2-3” practice to set the tone:

  1. Napkins on laps

  2. Make sure everyone has been served

  3. Thank the chef(s)

Enjoy your meal!

Clean Up Together

Kids love to be like grown-ups and show that they can take on responsibilities. Teach them how to clean up after themselves. Clear the dishes. Wipe the countertops. Sweep the floor. Just like with cooking, start small, and be very specific in what they need to do. Then gradually add more responsibilities.

Their future roommates, spouses and employers will thank you!

New — Teen Culinary Internships

Our new Teen Culinary Internship is an exciting opportunity for high school students to earn their required volunteer hours while learning the ins and outs of the Culinary world and educational applications in our A to Z Cooking Classes. Interns can choose to further their volunteer hours toward the CA Community Service Excellence Award and have the opportunity to transition into a paid internship.

What people are saying about Apples to Zucchini Cooking School…

  • Board of Directors

    Dianne Duva, President

    Sandy Elliot, Treasurer

    Deb Bettencourt

    Darren Doi

    Ann Fristoe

    Bryan Kerner

    Heather Shaffer

  • Advisory Committee

    Dr. Kristin Castorino

    Sam Edelman

    Lindsay Johnson

    Nancy Weiss