You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!

This was quite a fun-filled week. All of the seventh grade students made Oreo Cookie Ice Cream in our Consumer Education Lab. Most of the lab groups have gotten to eat their ice cream already.

The students couldn't believe how easy it was to make the recipe. They were very proud of themselves. I must admit it did taste yummy. Several teachers were able to be taste testers along with me.

The seventh graders will be bringing their recipe packets home this week. I hope they continue to cook at home during the summer.

Enjoy your weekend.

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl

The Seventh Grade Students Loved This Lab!

It was easy to tell that the lab this week was a huge success. The students completed their two-day lab by making Tater Tot Casserole and Strawberry Fruit Delight Jello Rings. Each lab group made one of the recipes and the food was served buffet style. There were no leftovers! I hope the students get a chance to make these at home sometime. The lab results were spectacular!

The students also spent time this week learning how salads fit into a healthy eating plan. They discovered various ways to put salads together; mixed or tossed, arranged in an attractive pattern, or molded in a decorative container. Each student designed a salad creation using one of the styles they learned about this week. I was pleased to see the students use a variety of fruits and vegetables in their salad creations.

Have an enjoyable weekend.

Mrs. J. Bretl

Eat your veggies!

We continued our discussion on nutrition and the benefits of eating ample fruits and vegetables each day. The students investigated the various nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. They were able to make connections with the roles these nutrients play in keeping our bodies healthy. Students used magazines and cookbooks to find recipes with many healthy fruits and vegetables.
Our lab this week followed suit; we made fresh fruit kabobs with yogurt dip and taco salad wraps. Each kitchen lab made one of the recipes and shared the food with another kitchen so the students were able to taste both recipes. The results were quite successful. The students worked extremely well this week and were able to complete many tasks in a short amount of time. Nice job!

Enjoy your weekend.

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl

Breakfast... a great beginning!

We started our Nutrition Unit this week by discussing daily food choices and the importance of eating breakfast every morning. Students worked with a partner to plan a healthy breakfast menu that included food choices from at least three of the food groups. I was pleased to see how many students eat breakfast every day. Studies have shown that "students that eat breakfast do much better in school than the breakfast-skippers". I still need to encourage a few nonbelievers.
Our cooking lab this week was a great example of how easy it is to make and eat a healthy breakfast. The students were able to prepare, bake and eat "Fast and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes" in one class period. Students measured accurately and worked together efficiently; the result was a very successful lab.
Several students took the recipe home for the weekend in hopes of making a "great beginning" for Mom on Mother's Day.
Enjoy the weekend.

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl

Let Them Eat Cake!

Our lab for the week was Wacky Chocolate Cake. The students made the cake and baked it on the first day of the lab. They discovered that the recipe involved a chemical reaction with vinegar and baking soda. On the second day of the lab the students made their own Butter Icing and devoured the cake.

A few students shared some of the cake with their teachers. It was a big hit! The band students were able to have their cake and eat it too!

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Mrs. J. Bretl