As part of the DELICIOUS Project, which promotes good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents, the Fratelli Maristi Institute in Giugliano welcomed researchers from the Basque Culinary Centre (BCC) for cooking workshops on October 26, 2023.
Engaging Students in Healthy Cooking
The activity involved 21 first-year students from the International Middle School. They participated in the project in the Institute’s kitchen and canteen. Some students had previously engaged in the DELICIOUS sports activities and appreciated continuing their work, reflecting on the Mediterranean lifestyle from various perspectives.
Hands-On Learning with Expert Guidance
BCC researchers provided students with aprons for the cooking session. Divided into small groups, the students prepared six different desserts: cereal bars with honey, cashew nut and chocolate muffins, Lebanese tajiri dessert with sesame, seed crackers, and carrot and coconut balls.
Emphasizing Healthy Ingredients
Throughout the preparations, students followed expert recommendations to make the desserts both tasty and healthy. They discussed ingredient choices, caloric content, and combinations. Adding ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg can enhance flavor while reducing sugar. Wholemeal oatmeal can replace refined flours for a nutrient-rich diet. Carrots add vitamins, minerals, and help increase satiety, reducing the need for added sugars.
Tasting and Evaluating Desserts
The activity continued with BCC researchers and chefs curious about students’ opinions on the desserts. Students tasted small portions of each dessert, using emoji cards to evaluate and communicate their preferences. This feedback helped understand what drives young people’s food choices.
Enhancing Language and Cultural Skills
Students enjoyed the active participation and the opportunity to test their language skills. They communicated with the Spanish experts using both Spanish and English, embodying the international spirit of their school.
By participating in these workshops, students learned the importance of healthy eating while enjoying hands-on culinary experiences and cultural exchanges.
The DELICIOUS project is formed by a multicultural and multidisciplinary consortium with 10 partners from 5 Mediterranean countries. The objective is to promote the Mediterranean diet across Med countries, and this wouldn’t be possible without the support and funding of the PRIMA programme and the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission.
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