If you can’t stand the heat this summer, then get out of the kitchen and let your child take over as head chef.  You’ll be able to kick back and relax while your little foodie whips up a gourmet meal after attending a few local cooking camps and classes.   For your dining pleasure, peruse the delectable culinary choices below, designed by your local cooking class providers and prepared by your own live-in chef.

Appetizers

How about a starter that highlights locally grown fresh vegetables?  Your chef in training will prepare perfectly ripened produce for your gastronomical delight after attending the California Dreaming Camp during Week 10 of the Chefs, Inc Kids’ Camp, for ages 8 and up.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a mouth watering Tomato-Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette?  Send your child to Week One of Gelson’s Culinary Camp, for kids ages 10+.  Can’t you just taste it already?

Entrees

May we suggest a savory cup of Chickpea Soup with Olives and
Anise? Just one of the delectable items on the menu at the Children’s Culinary Academy III, hosted by Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom, for kids ages 13-15.

For something a bit more exotic, how about heading South of the Border for some Crab and Shrimp Tostadas or zipping over to the Far East for some Vegetable Tempura? Both of these entrees will be in your budding chef’s repertoire after Gelson’s Culinary Camp Week Four, for kids 10 and up.

For a casual afternoon meal, consider a few of the palette pleasing choices from the Fantastic Finger Foods class at Summer Art Academy’s Cooking Camp for ages 7-11, like Parmesan Crisps, Curried Chicken Canapés, and Crab & Gruyere Cheese Nachos.

Or you can leave it up to your child’s imagination! In the Foods of Italy Camp (Week 7 of Chefs, Inc Kids’ Camp for ages 8+), kids whip up their own Italian Surprise mystery dish after learning about different ingredients from each region of the country.

And for Dessert

Who can go wrong with chocolate?  While marveling at your table’s centerpiece, a chocolate sculpture designed by your budding chocolatier, tempt your taste buds with Chocolate Soufflé, Chocolate Decadence Cake or perhaps Chocolate Ganache.  All are on the menu for the Chocolate Extravaganza Class at Summer Art Academy’s Cooking Camp for ages 12-16.

Now in walks an adorable apron-wearing kid.  “Hello, Mom and Dad!  May I please take your order?” 

Think ahead when booking summer activities for your kids.  Why, with camps like these, you could shirk your dinner-preparing duties until their high school graduation!

Images courtesy of Chefs, Inc., Chef Eric and the Summer Art Academy. 

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