Le Petite’s Kids ‘N The Kitchen Classes Return

Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe’s cooking classes, Kids ‘N The Kitchen, have kicked off for the summer. Instructor Coy Heinrich teaches the classes for children ages five to twelve.

In each class, Heinrich leads kids through the process of preparing several foods that fit the theme for the day, some of which include “Breakfast Anytime,” “Back Porch Cookout,” and “Summer Fiesta.”

For “Stick Food” day, the class prepared chicken sticks, cinnamon twists, pizza twists, and lemonade. The kids were able to enjoy the food that they created and were sent home with recipes and a special gift for future adventures in the kitchen.

Heinrich is no stranger to Kids ‘N The Kitchen classes. As he begins his fourth year of leading the program, he looks back to where his love for cooking began.

“My first Kids ‘N the Kitchen class that I ever took was at Le Petite back at its original location,” said Heinrich. “I still remember what we did in that class and I absolutely loved it. I was kind of into cooking when I was younger, but after that it really stuck with me.”

Heinrich designed his cooking classes to teach children not only how to cook different foods, but also the science and safety behind food preparation. He said the classes teach children discipline when cooking – something he remembers learning during his time taking the classes.

“They get as hands on as I can let them,” said Heinrich. “It teaches a lot of patience, a lot of learning to go through the steps and trying not to skip a step.”

Besides teaching children valuable cooking skills, the classes are designed to be a fun summer activity. During each class the room is a flurry of activity. Children attentively follow Heinrich as he leads them through each recipe.

“I really enjoy seeing their excitement for something as simple as the blender going off and seeing what they actually created,” said Heinrich.

To sign up for classes, contact Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe at (979) 968-4000 or visit their website, lepetitegourmetshoppe. com.

A list of future dates and classes are available online and in-store. Classes are $25 each, ages 5-8 from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and ages 9-12 from 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Heinrich will also hold adult cookie and cake decorating classes during the summer at Le Petite Gourmet Shoppe.