Twenty-two children ranging from ages 5-11, along with 10-12 volunteers, weekly come into the kitchen of Ivy Tech's De La Garza campus to learn how to prepare tasty meals. The five-week program features such meals as:

back row: Eryika Wesley, Jasnique Johnson, Isaiah Garcia, Miguel Contreras, Andrew Vera -- middle row: Danei Wesley, Diego Sanchez, David Montalvo Jr., Marissa Montalvo, Richard Mason, Melanie Vera -- front row: Sareenah Mason, Sophia Abeyta

• Breakfast- muffins, burritos, sandwiches, smoothies and casseroles.
• Sandwiches- Monte Crisco's, Reuben's and homemade hamburgers

When asked what prompted the idea to bring children into the kitchen, East Chicago culinary department head, Chef Elida Abeyta says,"I try to cook with my granddaughter all the time, especially on holidays, and it creates such a bonding experience between us that I wanted to share that experience with the public. Cooking with children is amazing."

Instruction on future meals will include:

• Bread Dough's
• Ethnic Foods
• Party Favorites
• And Desserts