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Mystery Solved at Library

Debra Oldenburg
Preschool Outreach Coordinator

The mystery of cooking was investigated at the Hickory Public Library recently by 15 young culinary sleuths. Helping the young sleuths decipher the secret cooking code was library investigator Debra Oldenburg. The cost of the investigation was handled by the Hickory Public Library and their ever faithful support group, “Friends of Hickory Public Library.”

“Get a Clue About Cooking” is one of the many special programs being presented at the library this summer. The cooking class, offered to children in 2 nd grade and up, was just recently completed and will be repeated in July. The children who participated were excited to learn about cooking and proud of their achievements. Participants learned firsthand how important reading is in the kitchen. Instructed to always read the recipe all the way through before starting to cook, they found out what happens when you do not. When recipes were not read carefully or completely we had some reddish deviled eggs. Amounts of paprika were assumed and mixed in the yolk mixture instead of being sprinkled on top. Children reported back that the eggs were a little spicy, and I do believe many dads were forced to eat them!

We begin the class by watching a video of the book Cook-A-Doodle Doo!, by Janet Stevens. In the book, Big Brown Rooster, a descendant of the Little Red Hen, is tired of eating chicken feed. He finds great-granny’s old cookbook and decides to make some strawberry shortcake. Helping him are Turtle, Iguana and Potbellied Pig. The book teaches about ingredients, measurements, instructions, equipment, cooking terms and kitchen accidents. The book is a delight.

Our young cooks learned that the kitchen has as many gadgets as the secret agent “007.” They worked with the basics: a mixing bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, rubber scrapper and wooden spoon. We talked about kitchen safety, food handling, recipe reading, measuring, cooking procedures and cleaning up afterwards. It was pointed out to them that the library has a lot of cookbooks in the children’s department to help them learn more.

For all you parents out there, children are eager to learn kitchen skills. Take this opportunity to help them learn about food preparation and helping with the family meal in a fun way. Remember, when letting the children help be sure you have extra time and expect a little mess. Cooking will provide your family with a fun activity to do together with the added benefit of learning a life skill. Learning to prepare food can help lead your child on the road of healthy eating for life.

P.S. If you don’t know how to cook, the library has cookbooks for adults also!