easy
3 days, 3-4 hours per day
No special physical fitness required; basic hand-eye coordination and concentration helpful
Give your teen the gift of confidence and culinary skill with this 3-day cooking camp in Berkeley. From French to Mexican and Greek dishes, they’ll learn hands-on recipes in a fun, supportive environment this winter recess.
Berkeley • Dec 29, 30, 31
Join our engaging Teen Cooking Camp in Berkeley, where budding chefs (ages 12-17) will learn essential culinary skills from passionate instructors. Over three days, participants will create delicious dishes from French, Mexican, and Greek cuisines, gaining hands-on experience in a fun, supportive environment. They'll leave with impressive recipes and newfound confidence in the kitchen!
4 hours
Berkeley Kitchen - 1509 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94709.
Give your teens (ages 12-17) a valuable and meaningful experience that will teach them skills they can build on as college students and adults. Our instructors are not only talented chefs but mentors and parents who love to share their passion for food!
During the class, you will cook along with the chef, who will demonstrate and support you step by step on creating the menu. The lesson will cover knife skills, cooking techniques, plating, the importance of safety and organization in the kitchen and much more! Your kids will have fun, learn, and bring home great recipes that will impress family and friends. Each day will be full of delicious food and hands-on cooking.
France Gougeres Radicchio Orange Pecan Salad Roasted Chicken with Winter Root Vegetables Stollen Roasted Hazelnut Financiers
Mexico Bean and Cheese Tamales Salsa Verde Chicken Tamales Aguachile Ensalada de Noche Buena Buñuelos
Greece Greek Lentil Salad Leek and Cheese Tart Moussaka Vasilopita Pasteli
Students will learn important cooking techniques and hopefully get the "bug" for cooking like we do here at Kitchen on Fire. In the end, it is all about having fun in the kitchen!
Once you enroll your teen, you will receive a link in your confirmation email which will direct you to our "Minor Waiver & Consent Form". Please complete and submit this waiver prior to the first class. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@kitchenonfire.com.
Class Format: Each class will begin with a lecture from the chef about the day’s theme and recipes. After this introduction, the group will break up into smaller teams, and start working on the recipes in the class menu. A snack will be served at the beginning of class, and you will be eating the dishes you make at the end of class. You are welcome to eat as much as you’d like in class, though unfortunately, our zoning permit does not allow us to have students take food home.
Health and Safety: • Masks are optional • COVID protocols are subject to change to reflect local and state mandates.
What to wear/bring to class: • Close toed shoes are mandatory. High heels, open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops are NOT allowed in the kitchen. • Shoulder-length hair or longer needs to be worn back and away from your face; we have plenty of hair ties in the kitchen for you to use and keep. • Feel free to bring a favorite apron or a knife you want to practice with but know that we will supply aprons and all the tools you need for use during class.
Allergies: Please take a look at the class menu. If you think you might be allergic to anything on the menu, please indicate it on your class registration and if you have a concern, get in touch and we can double check the ingredient list classes@kitchenonfire.com.
Happy Cooking!
Encourage teens to wear comfortable clothes they don’t mind getting messy and closed-toe shoes for safety in the kitchen.
Notify instructors ahead of time about any food allergies or dietary restrictions to ensure a safe cooking experience.
Keep water bottles handy; cooking can be dehydrating especially under warm kitchen lights.
Encourage teens to ask questions and participate actively to get the most out of the learning process.
Berkeley has long been a hub for sustainable food and culinary innovation, linked to UC Berkeley’s pioneering research.
The camp emphasizes sustainable cooking, encouraging the use of local, seasonal ingredients and mindful waste reduction.
Protect clothing and learn professional kitchen habits.
winter specific
A personal knife can improve cutting skills, but shared tools are provided.
Take notes on recipes and cooking tips to practice later.
Stay hydrated throughout the camp sessions.