7 internationally acclaimed chefs will lead a packed agenda of activities at the Cookery Corner
This May, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024) is cooking something special for its young visitors. At the Cookery Corner, a bustling hub of culinary activity, visitors will have a unique opportunity to don chef hats and aprons. From May 1 -12 at Expo Centre Sharjah, they’ll venture on a flavorful journey through interactive workshops and live cooking sessions led by 7 internationally acclaimed chefs. As they chop, stir, and season, the budding chefs will explore an array of global cuisines, from the intricate art of Japanese sushi to the rich flavours of Italy and beyond.
The stellar lineup of renowned chefs taking part in SCRF 2024 includes Imad Al Arnab, Nandita Lyer, Natalia Samoilova, Omari McQueen, Ren Behan, Saba Alemayoh, and Zaynah Din, to name a few.
One of the highlights this year is the “Divine Sushi Sandwich” workshop, where children can delve into the world of Japanese cuisine with a unique twist. Here, young chefs will learn to make sushi-inspired sandwich rolls using bread instead of traditional sushi rice. These rolls will be filled with a variety of wholesome ingredients, such as cream cheese and thyme.
Another exciting offering is the “Parfait Blast” workshop, a no-bake delight perfect for kids. Participants will layer luscious parfaits with the fun crunch of Oreos, creating a delicious adventure that promises a burst of flavour.
Similarly, the “Pizza Muffins” workshop will take children on a doughy journey, transforming simple ingredients into mini pizza muffins overflowing with flavour in a hands-on, cheesy adventure that encourages culinary creativity.
For those interested in a more decorative approach to cooking, the “Mini Sushi Cake” and “Twist & Taste Pretzels” workshops provide a platform for artistic expression. In one, kids will learn to roll and layer colourful ingredients to create sushi cake masterpieces. On the other, they will knead, boil, and bake their way to delicious pretzels, customisable with various toppings like sea salt or cinnamon sugar.
The workshops also include “Rainbow Kabobs,” where the importance of fruits and vegetables is taught through the creation of colourful veggie kabobs. The “Chocolate Yogurt Clusters” workshop will treat participants to making a delectable blend of strawberries, chocolate, and creamy yoghurt clusters. Meanwhile, the “Super Smoothies” workshop allows kids to mix nutritious and flavorful smoothies.
Rounding out the offerings are the “Garden-to-Table Salads” and “Burger Gourmet” workshops. In the former, young chefs will create colourful, fresh, and layered salads, while in the latter, they will learn how to craft gourmet burgers from scratch, choosing from various fresh ingredients to customise their creations to their liking. Each workshop is designed not only to teach practical cooking skills but also to inspire a lifelong passion for culinary arts among its young participants.